The Inventory Tips Every Indie Retailer Needs with Carrie Watson

Rooted in Retail

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When inventory becomes overwhelming, it’s time to get creative. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Carrie Watson, founder of Outside Looks Retail Consultancy. We’re diving into all things inventory—how long to keep it, how to turn it, and ways to move it out.
Carrie’s journey is inspiring—she went from being a corporate inventory planner at Fossil to lead buyer for a 10-door indie retailer, learning firsthand how challenging inventory management can be for small businesses. Now, as the founder of Outside Looks, her mission is to help indie retailers modernize and increase profitability.
In today’s conversation, we’ll cover Carrie’s top inventory strategies, tips for managing aging stock, and how to leverage brand relationships to boost your bottom line.
We’ll also touch on financial practices and creative strategies to keep your business thriving. This episode is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss, so let’s dive in!

[05:11] The low-hanging fruit retailers can target with inventory

[07:18] How fast retailers should be able to pay off their inventory

[08:15] Best practices for a healthy inventory and profit growth

[10:30] Carrie’s favorite way for retailers to move inventory that’s not selling

[14:23] The coolest move Carrie’s spotted a retailer make lately that paid off

[18:52] Practical advice for indie shop owners to navigate their financials with ease

[21:56] The best tool for retailers to manage their finances

[24:42] Carrie's resilience round

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Capitole

1. The Inventory Tips Every Indie Retailer Needs with Carrie Watson (00:00:00)

2. The low hanging fruit retailers can target with inventory (00:05:11)

3. How fast retailers should be able to pay off their inventory (00:07:18)

4. Best practices for a healthy inventory and profit growth (00:08:15)

5. Carrie’s favorite way for retailers to move inventory that’s not selling (00:10:30)

6. The coolest move Carrie’s spotted a retailer make lately that paid off (00:14:23)

7. Practical advice for indie shop owners to navigate their financials with ease (00:18:52)

8. The best tool for retailers to manage their finances (00:21:56)

9. Carrie's resilience round (00:24:42)

10. Best business book (00:24:47)

11. Best retail technology (00:25:25)

12. How do you keep up with the ever changing retail landscape? (00:26:15)

13. What's an inventory management foundational best practice? (00:27:08)

14. If you had to start your business all over again, what's one thing you would do differently? (00:27:56)

15. What do you think the future of independent retail looks like? (00:29:08)