What does the term "broad and shallow" describe in clothing selection?

The term "broad and shallow" in clothing selection refers to a retail strategy that involves offering a small number of items across a wide variety of styles and colors. This approach allows retailers to showcase numerous styles to appeal to different customer tastes. By having many options available in terms of design and color, retailers can attract a broader customer base, even though the individual offerings may be limited in quantity.

This strategy contrasts with other models that might focus more on limited styles with a larger stock of each style. In the broad and shallow model, the emphasis is on variety rather than depth, providing customers with the opportunity to choose from an array of fashion choices, even if they can't find multiple pieces of the same style. This approach can be particularly effective in fast fashion, where trends change rapidly, and consumers are looking for the latest styles rather than a repeat offering of a few favorites.