09.23.11
Analysts are already warning that Holiday 2011 is going to be rough one. Retailers are trying to find the inventory sweet spot somewhere between running short and and getting stuck with excess inventory. That's why mass marketers are turning to Almar Sales, a 45 year-old company that can provide a fashion-forward look without long lead times and bloated inventories.
“We’ve always specialized in providing retailers with closer-to-need merchandise, but we’re seeing an even bigger need now,” said Allen Ash, vice president of sales told Women's Wear Daily. “Nail polish has been on a constant uptrend for the last 18 months.”
Ash sees nail polish as the new must-have accessory, supplanting jewelry. “We used to find that in a down economy, women updated looks with jewelry. Now it is nail,” he said, adding that his firm is able to provide retailers with the “crackly” look popular now. “Now, nail polish is the feel-good purchase and the right nail colors complete an outfit.”
Ash says that everything in cosmetics right now is based on newness and buzz. And with retailers eager to keep inventories low, Almar execs say that they can provide just the right combination of on-trend and no overstock.
“We’ve always specialized in providing retailers with closer-to-need merchandise, but we’re seeing an even bigger need now,” said Allen Ash, vice president of sales told Women's Wear Daily. “Nail polish has been on a constant uptrend for the last 18 months.”
Ash sees nail polish as the new must-have accessory, supplanting jewelry. “We used to find that in a down economy, women updated looks with jewelry. Now it is nail,” he said, adding that his firm is able to provide retailers with the “crackly” look popular now. “Now, nail polish is the feel-good purchase and the right nail colors complete an outfit.”
Ash says that everything in cosmetics right now is based on newness and buzz. And with retailers eager to keep inventories low, Almar execs say that they can provide just the right combination of on-trend and no overstock.