opinion

Strategic Retail Merchandising Tips for Navigating Today's Supply Chain Issues

Strategic Retail Merchandising Tips for Navigating Today's Supply Chain Issues

At this point, I think it’s safe to say that everyone has experienced some form of delayed shipment since the pandemic began. Vendors are struggling with overseas logistics, ports are backed up with whatever shipments have successfully made it off the boat, and products are taking much longer to transport to the final destination. As an owner of both a wholesale company and a retail chain, no one understands the frustration better than I do. However, there comes a time when we must accept that there are factors beyond our control, and take action to succeed with what we have. So, what is the solution here? In my opinion, the key to success in these times, whether you are an online retailer or a brick-and-mortar store, is creative merchandising.

The first thing you want to do is make sure you always order your bestsellers in bulk. With lingerie, there are some pieces that we just know will sell all year long. You know what I’m talking about: black lace or sheer fabric, crotchless styles, skimpy panties and hosiery basics. We could probably flatten a cardboard box and write “For Sale” on it with a permanent marker and these items are still going to sell out. These are the items you want to place bulk orders for. Gone are the days when you could replenish orders when you’re running low on a hot item and expect your delivery to arrive shortly after. The thing is, now you just can’t be sure that your wholesaler won’t sell out of that item as soon as it hits the warehouse floor. It’s important to understand that if it is selling well for you, it is probably selling well for other retailers too. Run your numbers or survey your staff to figure out what your store’s hottest sellers are and allot a significant amount of your budget to place a large order for those items.

The key to success in these times, whether you are an online retailer or a brick-and-mortar store, is creative merchandising.

Of course, the real challenge lies in the dreaded seasonal items. Seasonal items are obviously important to carry, as we rely on them to keep retail spaces looking fresh, but when they come in late, it can be tough selling them because they look out of place in the store. We are feeling this now with the aftermath of Christmas. But here is the good news: many of those holiday items can be re-merchandised to work for Valentine’s Day or could even convert into one of those year-round bestsellers discussed above. On our wholesale side, I can’t even count how many times we have moved styles, sometimes even whole collections, from our holiday line to our main line. We even rephotographed some of the styles this past couple of weeks so that they would have a Valentine’s feel to them. For this strategy to succeed, from a wholesale perspective, we need to re-market these pieces with fresh images for our retailers, portraying a more versatile theme. For example, if a red lace bra set is shot on a model wearing a Santa hat, our retailers see it as a Christmas item. They merchandise it for the holiday season and the end customer can’t visualize it any other way. When the season is over, if the retailer has no updated image to accompany the item, it gets tossed in a box in the back room for the next eight months. But it’s a red bra set. It should be a best-selling staple! For this reason, we like to provide our retailers with a variety of images, some holiday-specific and some not.

Unfortunately, not every wholesaler has the means to provide multiple images and not every retailer is able to organize a costly, time-consuming photoshoot. Luckily, there are still other ways to re-merchandize. For online retailers, you obviously do need an image so do your best to neutralize the one you have. If you have a graphic designer on staff, have them remove the festive background. For those who don’t have a graphic designer, there are apps out there now that do a pretty decent job at background blurring or removal. If the model is wearing a Santa hat, crop it out. Next, you want to organize your items in a way that creates a story. Consider capsule trends to do this and add new themed graphics on the page.

For brick-and-mortar retailers, we suggest removing the images altogether and let the products sell themselves. You can create not just a story, but a full experience. Window displays are the obvious place to start. If you are transforming that red lace bra set from Christmas to Valentine’s Day, drape sexy sheer fabric around your windows and add gimmicks such as battery-powered candles and faux flowers to create a mood. Then take it a step further in your own way. If you are re-merchandising sparkly black or silver styles that you ordered for New Year’s Eve into Valentine’s Day pieces, black and silver heart-shaped helium balloons tied to the center of a display are a cost-effective way to set a scene. Also keep in mind that scents and music play a part in overall customer experience. Moving a winter piece into summer? Try a tropical scent and reggaetón music in your store. It might seem silly, but it works.

Of course, there will be the odd piece that gets left behind in all this. Sure, the red velvet with the white marabou will just have to wait until next year, but you will be surprised at the versatility of your existing stock once you start analyzing it. Most importantly, try to remember that even the Amazons and Walmarts of the world are dealing with supply chain issues, so your customer is looking to you to get creative for them.

Marcus Horea is the president of Coquette.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Why Inclusivity in the Pleasure Industry Is More Important Than Ever

2025 has kicked off with a series of unsettling events. Tension and anxiety are high across North America as the unknown impact of tariffs, climate change and attacks on human rights loom ominously. In times of unrest, seeking pleasure is not frivolity but necessity.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

Tips for Keeping the Adult Retail Trade Show Momentum Going

Trade shows are a whirlwind of energy, excitement and opportunities. You spend days on a vibrant, buzzing show floor, making valuable connections and discovering innovative and exciting new products. You spend time, energy and money to be a part of this fabulous circus.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

2025's Top Tech Trends That Adult Retailers Should Know About

I just got back from the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo, also known as “Retail’s Big Show,” where I walked the floor, sat in on key panels, talked with industry experts and influencers, and did my best to sift through the b.s. so I could report back to you all on the things you need to care about.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Understanding the Importance of Graphic Design in Sexual Wellness Social Media Marketing

In the world of social media, graphic design is more than just making things look visually appealing — it’s a vital tool in shaping and maintaining a brand’s identity. Your social media is your storefront, so aesthetics mean everything.

Hannah McManus ·
opinion

How Adult Retail Is Shaping Sexual Health One Customer at a Time

Remember back in health class, when they taught us about boundaries, consent and how many nerve endings are in the clitoris? Of course you don’t, because it didn’t happen. In fact, sex education is still severely lacking in much of the U.S.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
trends

Meet the Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands of 2025

Over the past year, the pleasure industry has witnessed the emergence of new brands across various adult retail categories — brands that are now entering 2025 with ambitious goals for success and growth in their sophomore year.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Nefertiti Mitchell

Local retailers are the backbone of the pleasure industry. Driven by passionate business owners who are deeply dedicated to sexual wellness, brick-and-mortar stores serve as safe spaces that uplift and delight customers — while greasing the wheels of commerce for manufacturers and distributors.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Industry Vet Mike Savage Discusses Comeback, Goals With Full Circle Distribution

"We never know where life’s going to take us,” says Mike Savage. He should know. The pleasure biz veteran, who describes himself as “a poor Irish kid from Philly,” first made his name in the adult retail biz over the course of a nearly 40-year career.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Sensually Yours Founder Shellee Rose on Boosting Sex Positivity in Hawaii

Honolulu pleasure store Sensually Yours has served Hawaii for 40 years, establishing itself as a top destination for adult products. Founder and President Shellee Rose says her most important strategy for achieving four decades of success has been prioritizing customers.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
Show More