[nolan50410]

I went into James Davis in Memphis on Friday afternoon. They had beautiful pieces everywhere, as usual. I did notice that the back room that normally houses all of the modern sportswear was virtually empy. They had just a few racks of Lacoste and Hugo Boss sport shirts and a couple tables of Hiltl khakis and cords. I was told they are trying to cut back on more modern (translation = risky for conservative Memphis folks) apparel for the fall season. They appear to be concentrating on a lot of the mid-range traditional brands like Peter Millar, Bills Khakis, Tommy Bahama and Robert Talbott.

Are yall's local stores experiencing similar inventory changes to accomodate for the poor economy. I realize that stores in more cosmopolitan places may being doing the opposite by buying more modern and less traditional.

 

[DocD]

My local men's shop has cut back tremendously and has actually downsized it's actual physical size. Additionally, they carry very few suits in inventory, but carry a few designs of each brand in different sizes. If you see a fabric/design/manufacturer you like, you can pick it or pick from a book of fabrics and brands that he carries. He has some nice inventory, and if he orders a product and you are not happy, he will send it back. He does carry some brands that are MTM and I'm sure those don't go back once you pick the fabric and are measured.

He also no longer carries a full inventory of AE shoes, but will get any shoe within a few days. He does carry a decent inventory of casual clothes.

He told me he simply can not afford to keep a lot of inventory anymore, and his clients/customers don't seem to mind waiting a week or so for "their" suit to arrive. This allows him to be less stressed out, not have old inventory and keep his prices reasonable.

 

[eagle2250]

I have noticed on the last few safari's to the local outlet malls, even the outlet stores seem to be cutting back noticeably on stock levels. Ironically, I find myself spending less (on bargains that just are not there!) and saving a bit more!

 

[StevenRocks]

All the stores I go to seem less full of merchandise lately. I think it's a question of economics. Why buy a whole lot of merchandise you'll have to severely mark down to sell?

 

[Miket61]

Are yall's local stores experiencing similar inventory changes to accomodate for the poor economy. I realize that stores in more cosmopolitan places may being doing the opposite by buying more modern and less traditional.

H. Stockton in Atlanta still seems well-stocked. I think the trend would probably be toward more conservative clothing, the price of which is offset by a long and useful life.

 

[Pangster00]

Could be in part due to not economics in general, but the economy. I think people are worried more than ever and less willing to spend money on expensive clothes.

 

[Cary Grant]

Heimie's in St. Paul is packed with merchandise and they say they've never been doing better.