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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to wish retailers would just look out the fecking window?

192 replies

somewherewest · 30/03/2013 19:18

...inspired by our local branch of Jojo Maman Tres Expensif*, which is chocca with sunhats and swimwear despite the fact its fecking -5 outside. Seriously? There were icicles overhanging their beachwear window display last week.

*I realise this immediately discloses the fact that we're not in Toxteth or Brixton

OP posts:
noisytoys · 30/03/2013 19:19

YANBU. Baby DD has lost all her mittens and I can't find some more anywhere!!

LindyHemming · 30/03/2013 19:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bootsycollins · 30/03/2013 19:20

Birmingham?

GadaboutTheGreat · 30/03/2013 19:21

I went in 5 shops t'other day looking for gloves for toddler DD. Nowhere to be found Confused

BrianButterfield · 30/03/2013 19:22

We went away this week and forgot DS's hat - well in a freezing gale he needed one so we went to a huuuuge Tesco Extra where they had ONE hat in his size. Luckily it was reduced to £1, but still. Racks of bikinis, sun hats, flip flops etc though.

Floristneedsaname · 30/03/2013 19:22

It's what they're stocked with by Head Office. Individual stores don't chose what to stock.

GozerTheGozerian · 30/03/2013 19:23

They'll have planned their marketing, sales & supply MONTHS in advance. It's a nightmare for them too as they don't want to lose sales or have too much stock but it's practically impossible - in a big chain anyway - to turn it round.

Sparklingbrook · 30/03/2013 19:24

Went to Matalan in the week. It was snowing outside and there were racks of maxi dresses and flip flops. Angry

Original poster
somewherewest · 30/03/2013 19:25

Floristneedsaname I was guessing it wasn't individual stores. I've also been trying to source new gloves for 1yo DS. No joy. Its particularly frustrating with things for small children because they are forever outgrowing/trashing/losing things.

OP posts:
ApocalypseCheeseToastie · 30/03/2013 19:26

There was so much unsold summer stock at our Asda last year after filling the entire foyer with the reduced stuff they had it in massive gazebos AND a covered trolley area outside. Quite sad in a way.

OHforDUCKScake · 30/03/2013 19:27

My toddler lost his mitten too. So he wears one puppy mitten and one of my huge gloves. Confused

gallicgirl · 30/03/2013 19:27

I have some mittens. PM me your address and I'll post next week.

Longfufu · 30/03/2013 19:30

Unfortunately buyers have to buy clothes from suppliers often months in advance, so they have to plan to launch spring summer ranges inline with typical weather patterns. Last year it was around 15 degrees, march is the usual time to launch spring summer ranges. As much as your frustrated...buyers and merchandisers will be shitting themselves right now as stock will not be selling.

Yes I'm one of those Head office merchandisers [bugrin]

Sparklingbrook · 30/03/2013 19:32

Do buyers and suppliers not have the power to switch back to the winter stuff that will actually sell for a bit? Confused

Khaleese · 30/03/2013 19:33

Not only that longfufu but your up against last years bumper sales :-)

mrsmindcontrol · 30/03/2013 19:34

Apocalypse, are you near me (south coast) or did every Asda flog off their summer tat in the car park last year?

Khaleese · 30/03/2013 19:35

No sparkling it's coming, youve ordered it 12 weeks ahead ( far east) it's on the water. You can't leave it at port ( huge costs) the wArehouse needs to process it and get it out. You started discounting weeks ago so your shelves are bare.

All a stressy nightmare.

Sparklingbrook · 30/03/2013 19:36

Shock There really needs to be a back up plan Khaleese.

marjproops · 30/03/2013 19:37

poundland still have scarves/hats/gloves.

had to buy some lst week.

marjproops · 30/03/2013 19:38

btw all those you mentioned are the shops that start displaying christmas decorations 1st week of July Grin

pigletmania · 30/03/2013 19:39

I would look on e bay for mittens and hats

Khaleese · 30/03/2013 19:39

:-) it's not that simple you buy your ranges nine months ahead usually.

Your buying christmas at easter etc...( and your sick of christmas by the time it arrives)

What if you order more gloves now and next week there is a heat wave?? Lead times are long..

Longfufu · 30/03/2013 19:41

The lead times vary but generally most high street stores buy from the far east/India etc. It takes 4-5 weeks to ship goods by sea, but a hell of a lot of work goes into designing the product, approving colour swatches, safety checks etc etc...so as you can imagine most of the stock could have been booked months ago.

TheDoctrineOfSnatch · 30/03/2013 19:41

Sparkling, what kind of back up plan? Thousands of factories in South East Asia making clothes and accessories for hundreds of retailers and brands across the world. It can't be done.

EBay is my back up plan!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/03/2013 19:42

Sometimes though it's good- loads of reduced stuff (jumpers, tights, quilted jackets) that are wearable now.

What really narks me is school uniform in July (before DC leave school. Then nothing the size that you want in August) . They grow like weeds in the 6 weeks. And WRT online. I had nightmares with DS blazer ordered online last year [buangry] )