Today's guest post is from Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting 

With the summer show season quickly approaching, it's a good opportunity think about your buying strategy now. Here are five ideas for better buying this summer:

1) Stock products that have visual impact or will make a creative display. Your shoppers are time crunched and cash strapped. Hence, it is more important than ever that your visual displays and products attract customers so you'll sell more inventory. As you're shopping the markets this summer, think about how you'll display the various items you're considering purchasing. Especially, if you're on a smaller budget than last year, make every penny count by investing in inventory that will sell itself through great packaging, interesting designs, and products that will lend themselves to unique and creative display options.

2) One is the loneliest number. An amazing number of specialty stores order only one unit of a particular item. The downside of this buying strategy is that it doesn't tell a story about the products, the display will lack visual interest (displaying one unit is always harder than a group of similar items), and it does not give you valuable information such as the rate of sale between sell dates.

3) Distinguish yourself from the competition. Chain stores have a need for a certain standardization of products and processes so merchandise can pass through their systems as optimally as possible. They are also limited to certain price ranges, packaging types and customization. Herein lies your opportunity: sell what the mass merchants can't sell. For example, custom gift baskets, products that can be personalized, handcrafted products, or unique products not found in chain stores are great ways that independent stores can differentiate themselves. A knowledgeable staff is another chain challenge and a benefit to you.   

4) Plan to succeed. Every store should have a merchandise assortment plan. Compare items, classes and suppliers sales results to the same season the prior year. By creating a detailed plan for each season you will know exactly which suppliers and classifications are up or down to the prior year. This will help you develop a plan to drive your business forward. If you see business softening, shift some dollars to areas of potential growth. Follow your plan closely when buying so you can proactively advance your sales. 

5) "Be open" for business. You probably have a pretty firm idea of which products work best for your store and which ones won't. This is a big plus and a time saver but it can also have a dark side. To keep a fresh perspective, it's good to occasionally challenge yourself on your openness to new products.  Trade shows are a great place to open your mind. Ask each of your reps about any top lines they carry that you don't currently sell. At the very least, by the end of the show you will be up on all the hot sellers and that information may help you "be open" to trying one.