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

[somewherewest]

...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

[noisytoys]

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

[bootsycollins]

Birmingham?

[GadaboutTheGreat]

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

[BrianButterfield]

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]

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

[GozerTheGozerian]

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]

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

[somewherewest]

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.

[ApocalypseCheeseToastie]

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]

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

[gallicgirl]

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

[Longfufu]

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]

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

[Khaleese]

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

[mrsmindcontrol]

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

[Khaleese]

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]

There really needs to be a back up plan Khaleese.

[marjproops]

poundland still have scarves/hats/gloves.

had to buy some lst week.

[marjproops]

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

[pigletmania]

I would look on e bay for mittens and hats

[Khaleese]

:-) 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]

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]

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]

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] )