Sourcing isn’t just about spotting the coolest pieces, it’s about spotting the right pieces. The ones that sell fast, fill the gaps in your shop, and actually reflect what your buyers are looking for.
But in the chaos of digging through thrift bins or scrolling resale apps at 1am, it’s easy to forget what your store really needs. That’s where inventory gaps come in.
If your digital inventory is already tracking what you have (and don’t), it can guide your next sourcing trip like a cheat sheet. Here’s how to use it to your advantage:
1. Take Stock of What You’re Missing, Not Just What You Love
You might love collecting corset tops or slouchy blazers—but are you overlooking that your shop is always low on jeans? Or that your mid-size and plus-size racks are thin compared to your XXS section?
🎯 Quick check: Look at your current inventory by size, category, and season. What’s underrepresented?
➡️ That’s your gap. And filling it = faster sales + happier customers.
2. Look at the Pieces That Almost Sold
Ever had a buyer DM you asking, “Do you have this in a medium?” or “Any more cargo pants like this?” Missed opportunities are powerful signals.
💬 Start keeping a mini list of repeat buyer questions or abandoned carts. If multiple people are searching for a style you don’t stock consistently, that’s not a fluke—it’s a sourcing clue.
3. Use Sell-Through Rate to Spot What’s Working
Which categories are flying off your (digital) shelves? Maybe your skirts are moving quickly, but your blouses are stagnating. That tells you your customers are craving one thing more than the other—even if your gut says otherwise.
📈 Hack: Filter your inventory by sell-through rate and time-to-sale. If something has a high conversion but low stock, it’s a gap waiting to be filled.
4. Don’t Forget Style Trends—But Ground Them in Your Data
TikTok might be screaming “balletcore” this week, but if your customers are loyal to 80s power suits and grunge denim, don’t pivot too fast.
🔥 Trends are helpful for inspiration—but your sales history should always anchor your sourcing strategy.
➡️ Use trends to tweak your selection, not overhaul it. That way, you stay relevant and consistent.
5. Make a “Gap List” Before You Source
Right before a sourcing trip, spend 10 minutes reviewing your inventory data. Where are you low? What sizes sell fastest? Which styles are buyers messaging you about?
📝 Create a “gap list” just like you’d make a grocery list. Stick to it (mostly). It’ll help you avoid impulse buys that just sit in your storage unit for six months.
Spotting inventory gaps is your not-so-secret weapon for sourcing with purpose. It saves you money, speeds up your sales cycle, and helps you curate a shop that actually serves your audience.
Because at the end of the day, sourcing isn’t just about finding more—it’s about finding better. And nothing’s better than a vintage rack that’s both curated and complete.
Think Oly 🫒can help your business? Drop us an enquiry here: https://www.oly-platform.com/contact
