Turning Risk into Reward: Managing the Spring 2026 Tariff Season

Everyone’s talking about Spring 2026 — and for good reason. Many economists are predicting that this will be the season when we “pay the piper” for years of shifting tariff policies. They’re warning about higher costs, delayed goods, and tighter margins.

It’s not the first time we’ve heard that kind of talk. Economists and pollsters often paint worst-case scenarios — and while they’re sometimes right, their forecasts don’t tell the whole story. At Management One, we take a different approach. We use forecasting as a tool for success, not a prediction of doom. Our goal is to give independent retailers the information, structure, and confidence to make smart choices — no matter what’s happening in the economy.

That’s what we mean by turning risk into reward.

1. Getting the Balance Right — What to Bring In Early, What to Leave Open

When tariffs and shipping costs start moving, timing is everything. The goal isn’t to stockpile — it’s to plan smart.

- Bring in the right goods early. We’ll help you decide how much product to receive early in the season to stay ahead of tariff hikes or supply delays — without overbuying.
- Keep open-to-buy ready. Holding back some buying power lets you chase new trends and keep your assortment fresh.
- See the trade-offs clearly. Our planning tools show you how early receipts or later buys affect margin, cash, and freshness — so you can find your sweet spot.

👉 Front-load what’s smart, save room to stay agile.

2. Expanded Child/Subclass Reporting for Deeper Insight

Our classification reports go deeper than just sales numbers — and now, with expanded child and subclass reporting, you can analyze your business at a much more detailed level.

Child classes (subclasses) are the smaller segments that roll up to a main class — sometimes even representing specific brands within a category. This deeper view lets you see what’s driving performance, not just by class, but within it.

With this enhancement, you can:
- Zoom in without losing the big picture. Understand performance by subclass or brand, then see how it contributes to the overall class.
- Reinvest with precision. Move open-to-buy dollars into the subclasses and brands that are winning — and pull back on those slowing down before they become markdowns.
- Spot early shifts in demand. Identify trend pivots faster at the subclass level — by style, price point, or label — and adjust before others do.

And the best part? Subclass reporting is included at no additional cost for Management One clients. It’s a popular feature that helps you see more clearly, plan more accurately, and make faster, smarter merchandising decisions.

3. Planning, Adapting, and Staying Ahead

Volatility isn’t just risk — it’s opportunity for retailers who plan and adapt.

We combine:
- Predictive forecasting built for real-world retail.
- Hands-on conversations to translate the data into action.
- Real-time plan adjustments as things change.

That’s how you stay nimble, confident, and in control.

4. The Bottom Line: Turning Risk into Reward

Tariffs may create turbulence — but with the right planning, that can work in your favor. Retailers who balance early deliveries with open buying, track brand performance, and use strong classification systems will come out ahead.

At Management One, we help you turn that uncertainty into strategy — and strategy into profit. Let’s make next spring your strongest season yet.

And we’re not stopping there.
Over the next 18 months, Management One will transform the planning landscape — turning complex data into easy, actionable information. We’re fully invested in delivering innovation that makes sense — tools and insights that empower independent retailers at an unprecedented rate and in a completely new format.

Because planning isn’t just about predicting the future — it’s about shaping it. And together, we’ll make sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Want to talk through your Spring 2026 plan? Reach out to your Management One advisor or visit management-one.com to get started.

Onwards and Upwards,

Marc