How to Curate a Store Collection That Maximizes Sales and Minimises Inventory In today's retail landscape, the art of curation has become essential to boutique success. With the right approach, you can create a store collection that generates maximum sales while maintaining lean, efficient inventory levels. Here's how to achieve this balance using Tempest Designs' versatile collections as your foundation. The 70-20-10 Framework Successful retailers typically structure their inventory using this proven ratio: 70% Core essentials – reliable sellers with consistent performance 20% Seasonal refreshers – on-trend pieces that update the collection 10% Conversation starters – bold pieces that generate interest and foot traffic Action step: Audit your current inventory against this framework and adjust your next order accordingly. Colour Cohesion Strategy A cohesive colour story allows fewer pieces to create more outfit combinations: Select a focused seasonal palette of 3–5 core colours Ensure all pieces work with at least two other items Use accessories to introduce accent colours without inventory bulk Plan for colour evolution rather than complete changes between deliveries Quick win: Leverage coordinated colour stories to create a naturally cohesive collection. The Power of Versatile Heroes Certain pieces work harder in your inventory: Reversible items that offer two looks in one Day-to-night designs that transition across occasions Layering pieces that extend the life of existing inventory All-season items that transcend weather limitations Inventory focus: Identify and invest in the most versatile pieces – they'll deliver the highest sales-per-SKU in your store. The One-Touch Display Test Every display should clearly communicate its purpose: Can customers understand the styling concept immediately? Are the key pieces visible at first glance? Does the grouping tell a clear story? Can customers envision how to wear the pieces? Visual technique: Create complete looks with 3–5 Tempest Designs pieces that work together perfectly rather than displaying numerous options. Data-Driven Curation Use your sales data to inform curation decisions: Track sell-through rates by category Identify top performers and their common attributes Monitor units-per-transaction by display area Calculate profit-per-square-foot by product type Implementation step: Allocate prime floor space based on profit-per-square-foot, not just total sales volume. The Art of Planned Scarcity Strategic limitations can drive purchasing behaviour: Stock limited quantities of each style Communicate ‘limited availability’ where appropriate Create natural urgency without false scarcity Use exclusivity as a selling point Buying strategy: Order deeper in core essentials and more selectively in trend pieces. Balanced Category Management A well-rounded but focused assortment typically includes: Foundation pieces – versatile items that work across outfits Statement pieces – attention-grabbing designs that drive foot traffic Completer pieces – items that pull looks together Refresh pieces – small updates that revitalize existing inventory Merchandising approach: Ensure your Tempest Designs order includes pieces from each category for a balanced, efficient inventory. The Tempest Designs Advantage Our collections are specifically designed to support efficient inventory management: Flexible sizing reduces SKU requirements Coordinated colours work across categories and seasons Versatile pieces perform multiple functions Timeless designs extend selling windows Complete looks available from a single supplier Implementation Roadmap Take these steps to optimise your curation strategy: Conduct an inventory audit using the 70-20-10 Framework Identify your top 5 performing Tempest Designs pieces by profit margin Create a focused colour strategy for your next 60 days Develop a visual merchandising plan that tells a cohesive story Schedule regular performance reviews to refine your curation With thoughtful curation, you can create a store that feels abundantly stocked while maintaining lean, efficient inventory levels - delighting your customers while protecting your bottom line.
