Inventory Stabilizes for the First Time Since Pandemic

The third quarter of 2023 marked the first time since 2020 that retail sales outpaced inventory, according to analysts at the Telsey Advisory Group. 

In Q3 2022, the spread between inventory and sales growth was positive 3,320 basis points. In Q3 2023, the spread hit negative 730 points. In addition, inventories in the retail sector were down 7.8 percent in Q3 2023, compared to 38 percent growth in Q3 2022. 

In 2024, retailers are anticipated to “continue to control inventory,” according to the analysts.