Coterie New York · September 9–11, 2026
Markdowns: a love/hate relationship — how to spot excess inventory and what to do about it
Max Retail Co-Founder & CEO Melodie van der Baan is leading a session at COTERIE this September. No buy is ever perfect — this one is about spotting slow sellers early and handling them swiftly, before they cost you margin, floor space, and next season’s open-to-buy. We're also holding open 1:1 time on the floor.
Javits Center, New York · Presented with COTERIE and The Boutique Hub
Two ways to find us
Sit in, or sit down with us
Wednesday September 9 · 5:00–6:00 PM ET
Open 1:1s with our team
Grab a slot →Friday September 11 · 10:00 AM ET
Markdowns: A Love/Hate Relationship
Add to my calendar →The Friday session is open to all COTERIE attendees — no separate sign-up. Wednesday evening is by appointment or walk-up. Either way, bring a category that's been sitting too long and we'll talk through it.
Why we're talking about this
Every buy can’t be perfect. Waiting to act is what costs you.
Every unit that doesn't sell has already been paid for. It holds capital, floor space, and the buying attention next season needs. The markdown is the closest lever to hand, and it works. The trick is knowing when to pull it, how deep to go, and what it teaches your customer about waiting. Melodie walks through how to balance customer perception, margin, and inventory turnover — so you can buy with confidence.
A markdown isn’t the enemy. Reaching for it too late is.
Melodie van der Baan · Co-Founder & CEO, Max Retail
This session is the short version of a conversation we have with retailers every day.
Book a time
Grab a time with our team at COTERIE
Can't make Friday's session, or want to talk through your own markdown pile? We're holding 5:00–6:00 PM ET on Wednesday the 9th for 1:1s — pick a slot below.
Not selling with us yet?
Max Retail is a secure online platform that helps retailers and brands get their wholesale cost back on past-season inventory. If you're at COTERIE, come find us at a session — or start listing today.
