In this episode of WWD Voices, host Arthur Zaczkiewicz, executive editor at WWD, interviewed Melodie van der Baan, cofounder and chief executive officer of Max Retailer. During the discussion, van der Baan shared insights into the challenges faced by small retailers and independent brands regarding excess inventory and how her company is making strides to address these issues efficiently.
Max Retailer operates as a zero-inventory tech platform that specializes in connecting independent retailers and brands with excess inventory to online retailers and marketplaces. The goal is to secure higher payouts for these companies than what is typically seen with traditional liquidation methods, and to do so with minimal effort on their part. “It’s about getting these companies the financial returns they need with the least hassle,” van der Baan said.
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Small and independent retailers often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to handling unsold inventory. Unlike large retailers who can negotiate and plan for liquidation within their business strategies, smaller businesses lack the necessary resources and connections to manage excess stock effectively. This often results in financial strain due to tied-up capital in unsold goods, which can hinder their ability to pay vendors or accept new shipments. However, Max Retailer is working to change that narrative.
Max Retailer’s process involves an easy integration where retailers and brands can report their on-hand inventory that needs to be sold. For those using platforms such as Shopify, for example, tagging items in a collection sends a product feed directly to Max Retail, signaling the need for assistance in selling those items. The company boasts partnerships with a vast network of e-commerce sites that are always in need of drop-ship inventory, thus opening up a realm of possibilities for products that would otherwise sit unsold in warehouses or on store shelves.
To listen to the episode, CLICK HERE.
