Traditional luxury retailers and online giants are boutique owners’ worst enemies. They stand out a lot and offer more options in usually less time.
Does this mean that boutiques are dead? Not quite.
You can remain competitive and work in the industry by sourcing luxury surplus inventory for boutiques.
The idea is to offer customers exclusive access to designer pieces. All at attractive prices thanks to the source of the goods.
But how does this boost your store’s margins?
You easily get quality items at a fraction of their retail prices. Then, take the time to clean and prep them to make sure they are in their best condition. They can be sold at amazing prices and still bring a lot of profit.
The usual margin lies around 50 to 45% less of the usual retail price. But you usually get these items for much less.
Our role here is offering insight into the luxury surplus inventory you can obtain. We want to give you a guide that covers top options and suppliers, and work on your strategies to maximize profits.
Supplier #1: Luxury Lane – Designer Apparel Returns
A great place to source for designer overstock suppliers is Luxury Lane.
This option offers amazing high-end apparel returns, bringing the opportunity for more profits.
The platform specializes in authentic, gently used, and returned luxury clothing from top brands. This is mostly from people who have worked in the industry and obtained lots of pieces. Maybe top brands trying to liquidate.
Boutique owners can buy designer returns wholesale and access inventory. A lot of this can be done in bulk and bring even more discounts your way.
The items you can access range from:
- Recent season apparel and accessories. All of them from luxury labels.
- Items with original tags. Many of them with minimal signs of handling as well.
- Curated lots ideal for boutiques seeking unique merchandise. The type depends a lot on the whole design and the specific brand you get.
The reason this platform is so viable is that of its authentic and conditions. They ensure you receive inventory and that they fulfill all the standards and qualifications.
Manifests are always provided and offer great options around product condition.
Supplier 2: Cettire – Overstock Luxury Accessories
For boutiques looking for accessories more than clothing, Cettire is a global retailer and B2B supplier.
It offers a vast selection of overstock luxury accessories and brings opportunities to stock your business.
Anything from handbags to shows and jewelry. Eyewear is also included and can be found at excellent prices.
Cettire also has a surplus program that enables boutique owners to source high-end pallets. You can find both individual items or specific lots at a fraction of retail prices as a whole.
The best part about relying on Cettire is the variety in brands.
- Gucci.
- Prada.
- Saint Laurent.
- Dolce & Gabbana.
- And much more.
Through every end-of-season, you can also expect new pallets and pieces, bringing value in no time.
How to Position as “Gently Used” for Higher Margins
After you have got your items, you need to know how to sell them.
One of the best ways you can choose to maximize profits is to position items with specific tags.
Make sure you market them as “gently used” or “pre-loved.” This opens people’s interest without having to confront the idea of getting simply “used” items from your store.
The benefit is that today’s shopper value sustainable and circular fashion, especially when it comes to designer goods.
However, this does not mean you shouldn’t consider the specific way to handle them.
Always work on luxury consignment surplus and market your products as authenticated and gently worn. You want to highlight what makes them valuable:
- Original tags.
- Little or no wear at all.
- The story behind each piece.
But what about pricing?
Most luxury goods can be offered at 40 to 70% less than their retail price. However, it depends on the item and its specific condition.
Finally, always make sure to create sections and split options properly.
You can curate selections, offer “treasure hunt” items, and much more. Be creative and be fun in it.
How Coastal Surplus Solutions Helps You
We can connect you to these luxury surplus goods. Provide support in streamlining logistics and ensure you receive them at your door.
We specialize in sourcing for individuals and businesses equally.
Being smart around sourcing and knowing how to approach bulk purchasing for any category are game-changers.
As stated by the Small Business Bureau, having a clear strategy and proper sourcing system already reduces about 25% of your expenses.
If we add this to how much you are saving in surplus pieces, margins will skyrocket.
Contact us today and access all our support.
