Markdown vs. Promotions: when to use each in retail

Retailers face the ongoing challenge of moving products while maintaining profitability. Two common strategies for driving sales are markdowns and promotions, but knowing when to use each can make or break a promotional campaign. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Markdowns: Clearing the path for new inventory

Markdowns involve permanently reducing the price of an item. This strategy is most effective in:

  • End-of-season clearance: clearing out seasonal items to make way for new collections.
  • Slow-moving stock: addressing products that aren’t selling as expected.
  • Inventory overstock: freeing up space in your warehouse or store shelves.

Markdowns are ideal for reducing losses on items with dwindling demand. However, they don’t create the same buzz as promotions and can potentially erode perceived value if overused.

Promotions: Driving excitement and short-term sales

Promotions, on the other hand, are temporary offers designed to boost sales within a set timeframe. Examples include discounts, buy-one-get-one deals, or loyalty rewards. Promotions work best for:

  • Encouraging trial of new products: attracting customers to try something new.
  • Seasonal events and holidays: capturing shoppers’ attention during peak periods.
  • Creating urgency: limited-time deals that tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO).

Promotions are excellent for generating traffic and engagement, but they must be carefully planned to avoid training customers to wait for deals.

The bottom line

  • Use markdowns to manage inventory and reduce losses.
  • Opt for promotions to energize sales and build customer excitement.

Striking the right balance ensures you meet sales goals while keeping customers satisfied and engaged.

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