Excess inventory can impact cash flow, reduce margins, and create operational strain for fashion brands. But with the right approach and the right tools, you can turn surplus stock into an opportunity to improve sales, strengthen buyer relationships, and enhance future planning.
This guide outlines best practices that brands can apply to better manage excess inventory using JOOR’s digital tools, data insights, and inventory workflows.
Why Excess Inventory Happens?
Overstock issues in wholesale often stem from:
- Inaccurate demand forecasting
- MOQs(minimum order quantities) that exceed expected sell-through
- Previous stockouts leading to over-ordering
- Rapid consumer shifts and economic disruptions
- Market uncertainty (e.g., tariffs or cost changes)
Understanding why it happens gives brands a clearer starting point for developing a smarter, more sustainable inventory plan.
1. Improve Forecasting With Real-Time Inventory Data
Many excess inventory problems begin with poor forecasting. JOOR integrations can help brands sync product, inventory, and order data in real time to improve forecasting accuracy.
With JOOR, you can:
- Sync inventory directly from your ERP or Shopify
- Review order performance through JOOR’s analytics tools
- Monitor bestseller performance to adjust replenishment
- Use digital showrooms to gauge buyer interest during previews
Result: Better alignment between production and real demand, reducing overstock risks.
Related Resource: Understanding Inventory Sync on JOOR
2. Use Smart, High-Intent Discounting Strategies
Discounting doesn’t have to erode brand value. Strategic pricing helps you move stock without undermining your positioning.
Consider:
- Gradual markdowns (10% → 20% → 30%)
- Volume-based incentives
- Region-specific pricing strategies
- Style-specific price adjustments based on margin
JOOR supports flexible pricing options, including:
- Multiple price lists
- Custom retailer-specific pricing
- Temporary promotional pricing
Result: Increased sell-through without compromising long-term brand perception.
Related Resource: How to Manage Pricing and Discounts on JOOR
3. Bundle, Package, or Pair Inventory for Higher Value
Pair slow moving items with proven sellers to create compelling bundles or multi-buy offers. These options help:
- Increase perceived value
- Clear stock more quickly
- Add newness to retailer assortments
Bundles can be easily showcased in custom JOOR linesheets or featured in a dedicated ATS assortment.
Result: Faster movement of slow-selling inventory and improved order size.
4. Strengthen Supplier & Production Planning
Preventing future excess starts long before inventory arrives.
Steps to take:
- Share performance data with suppliers
- Negotiate smaller MOQs(minimum order quantities) using historical JOOR order data
- Produce more frequently in smaller increments
- Separate planning for core vs. trend-led products
Result: More agile production cycles and lower risk of leftover stock.
5. Use JOOR’s Virtual Showrooms and Digital Linesheets
Digital tools limit reliance on physical samples, reduce waste, and make it easier to share product globally.
Virtual Showrooms Help You:
- Showcase collections to buyers without producing full sample sets
- Highlight ATS (Available-to-Sell) styles quickly
- Track buyer engagement to understand interest
- Present bundles or promotional assortments
By capturing what buyers view, click, and shortlist, brands gain insights that can inform decisions about future production and replenishment.
Result: Reduced cost, less sample waste, and better sell-through insights.
Related Resource: Setting Up a Digital Linesheets
6. Share Complete Product Details to Support Buyer Decisions
Clear product information helps retailers shop smarter and reduces returns.
Make sure your JOOR product records include:
- Accurate country of origin
- Up-to-date materials and pricing
- Precise colors, sizes, and fit notes
- Style Tags and Style Badges
For excess inventory, tags such as “ATS,” region-specific warehouse tags, or “Ready to Ship” help buyers filter quickly.
Result: Faster ordering decisions and more accurate buyer expectations.
Related Resource: How to Use Style Tags and Badges
Additional Steps to Move Excess Inventory Faster
Use Personalized Linesheets
Create retailer-specific assortments featuring:
- Bestsellers
- Complementary products
- Promotional bundles
- Tariff-free or lower-cost items
Reach New Regions With JOOR Discover
If demand slows in one region, discover new retailers in alternative markets.
Communicate Clearly and Proactively
Use JOOR Messaging to:
- Notify buyers of ATS restocks
- Share must-move inventory
- Announce promotions or pricing changes
Result: Retailers can respond quickly when stock becomes available or prices shift.
Key Takeaway
Excess inventory is a challenge every fashion brand faces, but with data-backed planning, smarter production strategies, and JOOR’s digital tools, you can:
- Reduce future overstock
- Move current surplus more efficiently
- Strengthen retailer relationships
- Improve overall inventory sustainability
Managing excess inventory becomes easier when you have visibility, communication, and flexible wholesale tools all in one place.