Global Purchasing Companies

I thought I would FINALLY write a review for Global Purchasing. something I should have done long ago!!! This company is a phenomenal assist for anyone either 1/​considering going into the retail business 2/​already IN the retail business or 3/​anyone looking to start a clothing line. As an existing womens’ retailer going on almost 9 years, I really don’t think that I would still be around today if not for GPC.
When I started the business, I had literally NO idea as to how to run any business, let alone a women’s clothing shop. Somehow on the Internet, I happened upon Mercedes Gonzalez and she was quite literally, a lifesaver. She gave me tough talk and minced no words about that she didn’t like my business location and the mall concept into which I was building my store. I (or course!) thought. what could go wrong??? haha! Good thing I didn’t know then what I know now. Opening with incredible foresight in the fall of 2007, by the time I expanded and moved to my current location, my «mall» was down to 4 retailers from a high of 25+!! As I went into the store each day (well. most days), Mercedes would talk me down off the ledge. I was SURE I was gonna fail. why would I make it when seasoned retailers around me were losing their shorts??? As I struggled and made expensive mistakes, Mercedes was there to guide me to better inventory choices, help with employees, determine my cash flows and inventory management (you BETTER get that part RIGHT!!), and be a sounding board when I was stressed or down. And there were a LOT of times! Poor thing. having to prop me up so much! But that is what is great about Mercedes and her crew. they are there to give you the tough talk, the shoulder to cry on, the muscle, the support and the assist when you need it. NO OTHER store is going to help their competition! GPC was my hidden ace in the hole, and well worth the money I spent to utilize their services on a monthly basis. So now here I am. almost 9 years later, expanded, happy and grateful for the fortuitous phone call that led me to Mercedes. Oh.. and guess what??? I STILL stress! hahah But I am in a way better place in all ways! Thanks Mercedes!

I hired Mercedes/​Global Purchasing Companies after hearing Mercedes speak at a seminar. If she claims to save every retailer from the pitfalls of Opening A New Store, as described in her New Store Program, than how come she couldn’t save mine? I received only 2 out of the 17 services listed in her New Store Program. I opened a new store this time last year and I’m now in the process of filing for bankruptcy, because of my stores failure to succeed. The only advice I received from Mercedes was «I can’t make sense out of your numbers» and «it’s time to put your big girl panties on» these were her solutions to my lack of sales. Her assistant took me on my first buying trip in September 2011 and I spent ²⁄₃ of my OTB dollars. It is with great sadness that I still have 50% that merchandise-​after one calendar year. I couldn’t give that stuff away! I had 25% off, then you guessed it 50% off then 75% off, in the course of a year. Not good for turnover or sales! Mercedes response «Sorry about that». It took me months to rebuild that inventory with sellable merchandise. So many family members have helped me financially to get through the first year, but I am at a point where they can no longer assist me financially (and I don’t blame them one bit). My family members have done everything from covering my bills, the store’s rent and my personal bills, since I don’t have enough sales to draw a salary, and that is why I am filing for Bankruptcy. I have no more money, with sales not covering the rent, and when they do, then I don’t have money to buy new merchandise. So again my family members chip n to buy new merchandise. Mercedes has yet to provide a solution or advice to my lack of sales, certainly with all her «expertise» she should be able to provide some sort of solution and if she can’t why would you hire her? Lesson learned do not trust anyone else with your money!!! And get references when it involves your own money, (and your family’s).
In reference to Mercedes response. Just because you say that you are an expert, does not mean that you are. Secondly, I have the email that proves that Mercedes said this was the location to go with. Three other successful retailers got their start in this very area.

I attended a couple of seminars at TexWorld in the past year about Starting a Fashion Line on a Shoestring Budget and they were both very well done! Mercedes presented us with lots of tips that I know will save me a lot of trouble as I try to build my own fashion line. I know her advice will also help me save a lot of money too!
I also received a copy of the Fashion 101 presentation on a CD that she has for sale after the seminar. What a great resource to refer back to as I start my research! I know she will be a great resource as I move forward with my fashion business. It’s so daunting trying to navigate this world by yourself as a brand new designer, but I’m so happy that I found her as a resource. I know I will work with her in the future as I start to build my business.
If you haven’t seen her videos on youTube, I highly recommend them… also full of great information!