As demand shifts, some businesses are weighed down with too much inventory

Feb 8, 2023
Especially those closely tied to the housing market.
Slowing home purchases have left some businesses tied to the housing market — like appliance wholesalers — with a glut of product.
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Are the latest GDP numbers good news? It depends on how you look at them.

Jan 26, 2023
The economy grew, but not as much as expected. Some parts of the economy are slowing, but not as much as expected.
An increase in business inventories helped boost economic activity last quarter. But whether that's positive or negative depends on whom you ask.
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With retail inventories up 17% since last year, expect sales

Dec 19, 2022
Retailers' inventories in October were nearly 17% higher than a year before.
Inventory levels are 17% higher in October than a year earlier, according to the Commerce Department. That means retailers will likely discount goods to move merchandise.
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For hiking outfitter, this holiday season feels like a path untrodden

Dec 7, 2022
From dealing with surplus inventory to accommodating changing consumer habits, this Georgia retailer is trying to suss out the future.
Eric Champlin (left) and husband Rob Sollie at their shop in Hiawassee, Georgia. "Consumer buying patterns are definitely shifting," Champlin says.
Courtesy Champlin

Deep discounts may move inventory, but at what cost?

Nov 24, 2022
Customers love sale prices — but they can pose real risks for retailers and manufacturers.
Markdowns often hurt the profit margins of retailers. Meanwhile, stores are facing higher costs.
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Outlook cools for global shipping demand

Nov 2, 2022
Softening demand and high inventories are to blame.
Shipping company Maersk expects demand for shipping containers to dip between 2% and 4% this year.
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Computer prices are down, along with demand, data shows

Oct 11, 2022
Shipments of PCs are down nearly 20%, as businesses try to clear existing inventory.
Earlier in the pandemic, there was a spike in demand for PCs.
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For public good, not for profit.

Retailers vexed by rising "shrink"

Sep 19, 2022
The National Retail Federation says theft, fraud and poor inventory management led to $95 billion in losses last year.
Cabinets built to shield against theft in a Walgreens store. Several large retailers have closed outlets or reduced hours to combat the problem.
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Retailers struggle under load of unsold inventory

Sep 7, 2022
Earlier in the pandemic, stores grappled with shortages. But as supply chains bulked up, they now have the opposite problem. And consumers' frequently shifting demands aren't helping.
The supply chain built up momentum during the pandemic, which has led to an inventory surplus.
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With more products on sale, consumers are ready to buy

Aug 25, 2022
Retailers are trying to get rid of excess inventory by marking down certain products. That's likely to lure shoppers.
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