Why is BB's website out of stock of many suit sizes?

[soupcxan]

I'm looking at suits on brooksbrothers.com, specifically the Fitzgerald cut, and a lot of the fabric choices have been out of stock of most common sizes for a while. Is there some reason that they only replenish their stock every 6 months? It seems like, in this economy, if someone is willing to buy a suit, you ought to at least have a couple on hand in every size. Or at least offer the option to get it backordered - but they don't. The retail stores near me aren't any better - none of them even have a single fitzgerald in a 38R. I don't really know how the fashion industry works...do they just make a bunch of suits at the start of the season and then throw the patterns away? Is there some reason they can't make more every month or two?

 

[Timeless Fashion]

A lot of stores are trying to cut inventory as sales are slow and it does them no good to keep suits around that don't sell. Since 38R is not a popular size, most stores will not have them. However I am surprised their online store has limited inventory as well. Perhaps they are cutting production to get in line with decreased sales.

 

[JayJay]

I've noticed the lack of inventory for lots of items on the web site. I've also seen this in stores. Lately, nearly everything I want from BB when I visit the stores has to be gotten from other stores. Recently, in both Chicago and DC, the amount of inventory was noticeably down and nothing seemed to be in my size.

 

[Orgetorix]

The website and catalog operate out of the same stock warehouse. They have a limited amount of merchandise available, just like all the stores, and--especially with seasonal items--once it's gone, they tend not to restock.

You're usually better off shopping at a store or calling a store if there's something you want and the website doesn't have your size. BB associates have the ability to search other stores' inventory, find your item, and have it shipped to you, which is something the direct-marketing side of the business won't do. The bottom line is that while any individual store has less stock than the website/catalog does, they have access to a whole lot more.

Plus, if you're planning on having that suit altered at a BB store, the associate who helps you with the alterations will hate you a lot less if he's made a commission on the sale.


I used to work at BB.

 

[Nicola]

Originally Posted by soupcxan

. I don't really know how the fashion industry works...do they just make a bunch of suits at the start of the season and then throw the patterns away? Is there some reason they can't make more every month or two?


Most likely the factory is currently finishing making up the fall/winter order now.