Proven Strategies to Quickly Clear Out Old Inventory

How to Get Rid of Old Inventory in Your Gym Apparel

What do you do with the apparel items that “just won’t sell”? No matter what you do and no matter how much you discount it, it will not sell.

Maybe you ordered too much inventory through the local vendor.
Maybe you used an obscure or “trendy” tank style.

Step 1: Remove the Unsellable Items

Whatever the issue is, a very easy trick to try to get rid of old inventory is to simply remove it from your shelves. That’s it. Move it to a back office, your garage, or somewhere out of sight.

Your members are used to seeing it, and the truth is, they want it — but there is just nothing there to spur action. So remove it from the shelves.

Step 2: Create Urgency

Once removed, your members will likely notice the absence and say, “HEY! WHERE DID THOSE SHIRTS GO? I WANTED ONE!” This creates urgency, making it easier to move the remaining items when reintroduced or offered in limited quantity.

Step 3: Boost Sales and Free Space

By removing unsold apparel and implementing strategic scarcity, you not only get rid of old inventory but also free up space for new, higher-demand items. This simple adjustment can increase sales without costly promotions.

Internal Link Suggestion: For more ways to maximize apparel sales, check out our blog on Apparel Pricing Strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why should I remove unsellable apparel from shelves?
Removing items creates urgency and curiosity among your members, prompting faster sales when items return or are offered in limited runs.

Q2: Can I still discount unsold inventory?
Yes, but combining removal with scarcity often works better than simply discounting, which can reduce perceived value.

Q3: How can I prevent overstocking in the future?
Track sales trends, order smaller quantities of trendy items, and test new styles with limited runs to reduce leftover inventory.