How It Works
At Scout & Molly’s, we have a well-established process for curating a stunning collection of contemporary women’s fashion. Our buying process starts with the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry—our dedicated buying team.
Fashion designers collaborate with sales representatives who showcase their collections at apparel shows. These sales reps travel to various cities, often working with multiple designers, to present the latest collections to potential buyers. Some even operate their own permanent showrooms where boutique owners and retailers can view the collections up close.
The Scout & Molly’s corporate buying team attends multiple regional apparel markets each year. These markets are held in key fashion cities such as Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas. The team carefully selects the best designs from the top names in the industry, curating a collection that reflects both current trends and timeless style. With years of experience in fashion buying and established relationships with designers and reps nationwide, our team works tirelessly to bring you the hottest, most marketable styles available.
When does inventory arrive?
Our buying process follows a forward-thinking, strategic approach to keep your boutique stocked with fresh merchandise in sync with the upcoming seasons.
Planning Ahead: Typically, we place orders two seasons ahead. For instance, in April, you’ll be ordering your fall merchandise, which will arrive at your boutique by August.- Purchase Order Deadlines: Each order has specific deadlines that guide you to place orders in time for timely arrivals. You’ll have a set timeline for submitting your Purchase Orders (POs), ensuring your boutique gets the right inventory when you need it.
- Delivery and Cancellation Dates: Every PO comes with a start ship date and a cancel date. For example, a PO might have a start date of June 1 and a cancel date of June 30, which means shipments can start on June 1, but if they aren’t shipped by June 30, you can cancel the order. If needed, you can also request an extension for the shipment if you’re satisfied with the order’s progress.
- Frequent Deliveries: Inventory arrives on a rolling basis throughout the week, so it’s important to keep track of incoming stock and plan your store layout accordingly.
Staying Organized
At Scout & Molly’s, we prioritize speed and efficiency in product turnover. This means you’ll need to stay organized to manage the rapid pace at which your inventory will turn. We provide you with a system that helps you track your orders effectively. You’ll receive in-depth training on how to manage your inventory, monitor stock levels, and analyze how well items are performing in-store.
Our reporting tools will allow you to track sales data in real time, making it easier to adjust your purchasing strategy for future seasons. By understanding which products are in high demand, you’ll be able to make smarter purchasing decisions and ensure your boutique is always stocked with the most sought-after styles.
This system gives you the tools to stay ahead of trends, manage inventory with precision, and maintain an exciting selection of merchandise for your customers year-round. With support from our experienced buying team and our easy-to-use tools, you’ll be set up for success as you grow your business.
