The retail clothing sector can profit by expanding into niche markets. A broad range of suppliers specializing in niches have gained profits across the country, and also in geographic regions with different demographics. While it invites retail merchants to explore potential customers in these niche markets, it's also a favorable time to come across suppliers of closeouts. Basics, such as socks, t-shirts, fleece apparel and underwear, always sell quite well, and purchasing at closeout prices enables retail merchants to offer deals and keep up healthy profit margins.

The same is true for designer apparel. Top brands from suppliers that specialize in receiving shelf pulls and overstocks from upscale shops give retail merchants a competitive edge. That edge is more and more important in today's climate of intensifying gas prices and higher heating bills.

The average cost of a wholesale shirt is $12, and the suggested retail is between $19.99 and $39.99. You can even offer your own exclusive brand, which gives you even more exclusivity. You should have some average apparel, but the latest styles should be your specialty and fastest growing product line. If men’s fashion is your primary market, you should also stock some ladies wear and apparel for children. This includes scarves, scarf sets, blouses and dresses, in addition to purses and matching outfits.

Look at suppliers who are leading a growing demand of apparel from other regions around the world. You should carry fancy stoles, scarves, skirts and dresses in several exotic styles. You should have a wide assortment with lots of color and flavor. There's a growing demand for this type of style in all parts of the nation.

The typical minimum order is $300 and can include a mixed bag from the company's complete line. The wholesale cost for each piece is about $10 and $20, which allows retail merchants to double that price in their shops. The bulk of the items are sold in bundled packages, and the number of products in each will vary according to that specific unit. The greater your minimum order, the greater chance of a wider assortment of all items.

For example, jeans usually wholesale for about $8 and they have an average retail price of $24.99 or more. You can sign up at several wholesale websites and receive a confirmation password for free that gives you access to wholesale prices. The growing popularity of urban wear has been seen in several city streets across the nation for several seasons, but now it's extended to well beyond just cities.

The name brands are notoriously pricey, and the styles are, driven by numerous music channels. You should carry some name brand items, but make sure your specialty is in off brand merchandise that reflects the styles of popular names as Coogi, Artful Dodger, Ed Hardy and others. All of these products can be obtained at wholesale prices that give retailers an edge in this explosive category. The top prices are for styles that have bling bling and rhinestone decorations. Anything with skulls and all over printed designs are very hot and will keep on rising.

I encourage retail merchants to ask for the deepest discounts. There are plenty of starter kits that range between $250 and $500, and these assortments can be made-to-order to individual markets. Don't stick just to t-shirts, but offer a broader selection that will identify your store as the popular place for your client base. A few suppliers do not require any minimum order; it exhibits most products that are sold in six piece breakdowns of the same style, in a wide assortment of sizes. Remember that children's apparel is recession proof, since children keep growing and they will need a new wardrobe every season.

Closeouts serve the top of the line with name brand clothing from upscale department stores and specialty retailers. The majority of merchandise carried in its storage warehouses are overstocks and shelf pulls, all consisting of high quality goods. These will most likely wholesale up to 90 percent off the original retail price. The closeouts will also obtain customer returns, which can wholesale for even less.

I advise on pricing for the greatest profitability and a balance between profits and volume. Direct them towards your complementary combinations and lines. Complementary goods not only sell better for a retail merchant, but they also tend to bring up the total price. It’s very smart to be able to sell multiple products to the same consumer. Offer real low, down and dirty prices on damaged, as-is merchandise. Damaged t-shirts cost around 90 cents; you can print on them to cover up any visible flaws to obtain a nice mark up. Never deter small buyers, always have the fundamentals, because it's a constantly changing market. Make your selection work for all market levels.

It’s a buyer’s market; do not pass up opportunities to expand your base.

Men who are resolved to find a way for themselves will always find opportunities enough; and if they do not lie ready to their hand, they will make them. - Samuel Smiles