Some Not-So-Obvious Ways to Get Through the Tough Holiday Season Ahead

6. Buy paper up front if you can afford the cash outlay.

Merchandising, Sourcing & Pricing

1. Begin to anticipate 25 percent to 40 percent price advances from China within 12 to 18 months, and delist products as required.

2. Are you a low-price leader? If so, a downturn in the economy may actually be good for you. Many buyers — especially for holiday giving — don’t stop buying. They just chop how much they’re willing to spend. Look for opportunities to trumpet your value as buyers trade down to your catalog.