May is the month when the spring–summer campaign really picks up steam. Temperatures rise, in-store traffic increases, and customers start looking for comfortable, breathable, and “easy-to-wear” footwear. For retailers, this translates into a clear need: to quickly restock fast-moving items and adjust their product assortment to sell more with less friction.
Here is a practical guide to prioritizing orders in PV26 and planning replenishment effectively.
1) Which references to prioritize in May: what rotates (and why)
In May, three types of products tend to perform particularly well:
“All-rounder” espadrilles and espadrilles
They’re the first to sell out because they’re perfect for everyday wear, weekend getaways, and neutral looks. In stores, they sell quickly because customers can easily spot them.
Stable wedges (height + comfort)
Wedges continue to be a sales driver: they provide height without sacrificing stability. In May, customers are looking for “put-together yet comfortable” styles, and wedges fit the bill perfectly.
Lightweight men’s footwear
It’s becoming increasingly popular in spring: fresh, simple and combinable styles (ideal for restocking and increasing the average purchase amount in family stores).
Assortment tip: On the shelf, combine staple items (the ones customers buy “without thinking”) with 2–3 styles featuring unique details (to add variety and increase the average ticket).
2) Colors That Work Best in May
May is the month of colors that go with everything. The most popular ones are usually:
- Neutrals: beige, ecru, sand, stone
- “Safe” dark colors: navy and black (for those looking for versatility)
- Subtle, on-trend colors: soft greens/khaki or natural blues (they add a fresh touch without taking any risks)
Rule of thumb: If in doubt, go with neutrals and navy. They work in almost any store and are the first to be restocked.
3) Sizes: How to Avoid Breakages at the Crucial Moment
In May, people don’t “buy to try it out”—they buy it to use right away. That’s why, when certain sizes are out of stock, you lose immediate sales.
Reorder recommendation:
- Check each week to see which sizes sell out first.
- Keep a “safety stock” of the most popular sizes (the ones that sell best in your area).
- Prioritize restocking models that have already proven to sell well (which is more profitable than introducing too many new items midway through the campaign).
4) Smart Replenishment Plan: May is won with pace, not volume
The key isn’t to ask for a lot all at once. It’s to ask for the right things at the right time.
Recommended Plan for Distributors in May:
- Week 1: Restock best-selling tops (neutral colors + navy)
- Week 2: Add 1–2 new items to refresh the storefront
- Week 3: Stock up on wedges and espadrilles (demand is rising)
- Week 4: Adjust based on actual sales and prepare for June (second wave)
This allows you to keep your storefront lively, avoid overstocking, and ensure a steady turnover.
5) Quick replacement through the customer portal
To make this planning easier, distributors can purchase and restock directly from the customer portal, checking real-time inventory availability. This allows you to respond quickly to demand, avoid stockouts, and keep your product lineup up to date at all times.