Simplify Apparel Orders for Gyms Across Multiple Locations

How to Simplify Apparel Orders for Multi-Location Gyms

If you own multiple locations, managing apparel can feel like a constant headache. Each location has its own vibe, personality, and preferences. Some will be excited about apparel, while others may not care at all. But here’s the reality: members will always ask for apparel. So, how do you simplify apparel orders and make managing multi-location apparel easy and effective?

Step 1: Accept the Reality—You Can’t Make Everyone Happy

Before structuring your apparel strategy, embrace this truth: you will never make everyone happy. No matter what designs, colors, or selections you offer, someone will have a complaint. Trying to please everyone leads to frustration and wasted time. Instead, focus on what’s best for your business, brand, and the majority of your members. This is the first step to simplifying apparel orders.

Step 2: Centralize the Plan

The first rule of managing apparel across multiple locations is simple: the plan comes from the top. Don’t rely on individual locations to handle their own orders—it creates chaos and inconsistency. Establish a minimum of four mandatory apparel orders each year from HQ. Locations can add supplemental orders for specific events, but the central plan keeps everything consistent and easy to manage. Explore our October 2025 Colorblast Tee for a bold, vibrant look that perfectly captures this season’s style.

Step 3: Skip Staff Feedback

Avoid asking coaches or staff for input on designs or styles. Feedback from staff is often overly critical, unproductive, and leaves you second-guessing every decision. If you must get opinions, keep the circle tight—limit it to trusted partners or family members who understand the big picture.

Step 4: Provide Samples

Sizing issues are a major reason customers hesitate to buy apparel. Provide free sizing samples at each location. Members are far more likely to preorder apparel if they can see and try on garments first. If your vendor doesn’t offer samples, you’re setting yourself up for returns, complaints, and extra customer service.

Step 5: Run Preorders

Preorders are the secret weapon for managing multi-location apparel. Collect the cash upfront and only order what’s sold. This eliminates guesswork and prevents cash flow problems. Pricing confidently and selling what you can helps reduce overstock and stress, which is key to simplifying apparel orders.

Step 6: Limit Inventory

You don’t need to stock your gym with piles of apparel. Even large franchises regret overloading lobbies with inventory. Keep a small stock of staple items and let preorders handle the rest. Limiting inventory helps save costs and keeps operations simple.

By centralizing your plan, leveraging preorders, and focusing on simplicity, you can save time, reduce costs, and keep members happy without driving yourself crazy. Which step will you implement first to simplify apparel orders across your locations?

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For more tips on managing gym merchandise efficiently, check out our guide on Case Study: How CrossFit Kota Achieved Outstanding Results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many apparel orders should a multi-location gym run each year?
A centralized plan with at least four mandatory apparel orders per year is ideal. Locations can add special orders for events.

Q2: Should I ask staff for feedback on designs?
Avoid extensive staff input. Limit opinions to trusted partners who understand the big picture.

Q3: How can preorders help simplify apparel management?
Preorders eliminate guesswork, reduce overstock, and improve cash flow by selling only what members order.