Inventory prep isn’t glamorous.
It’s spreadsheets.
It’s counting patches.
It’s realizing you’re low on smalls and overloaded on mediums.
It’s labeling bins at midnight.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Bring depth in what sells.
Bring samples in what doesn’t.
You don’t need 200 SKUs.
You need clarity.
For rallies like 4 Corners, I focus on:
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Strong visual pieces (flags, bold patches)
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Accessible price points (stickers, pins, smaller items)
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A few anchor pieces that elevate the booth
I also think about:
What will someone realistically buy at a rally?
Not what I love the most.
Not what took the longest to make.
What they can say yes to in that moment.
And I always ask:
What do I want them to remember me for?
Not everything has to go.
But something should become known.
That’s what I’m refining this year.
Less random inventory.
More intentional presence.
