Merchandising: The Turnover Myth (We Had It All Wrong)
March 13, 2026
Turnover is one of the most commonly cited retail metrics, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many store owners focus on increasing turnover without fully understanding what it actually reflects or how day-to-day merchandising decisions influence the result.
This session reframes turnover as an outcome of sound merchandising rather than a number to chase. In this practical and fast-paced presentation, Abe Sherman walks through the four essential steps of merchandising: budgeting, inventory planning, buying, and inventory management. He explains how these steps work together to shape cash flow, assortment health, and profitability.
The session also addresses the challenge of aging inventory, offering realistic approaches for managing slow-moving stock without relying on constant discounting or reactive decisions. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what turnover really measures, how disciplined merchandising supports better financial outcomes, and how to make more confident decisions.

