Final answer:
Julian is suggesting that Marcus take advantage of trade credit, which is a delayed payment arrangement with suppliers that can help manage inventory levels and cash flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Julian suggests that Marcus ask his wholesalers if they would be willing to delay payment for inventory ordered. Julian is referring to a business practice known as trade credit. Trade credit is an arrangement where a supplier allows a business to purchase goods and pay for them at a later date, typically within 30, 60, or 90 days. This enables a business to stock a wide range of products, such as surf and skateboards, clothing, and accessories, without immediate cash outlay, alleviating cash flow pressure.
Retailers like Marcus who carry a variety of inventories including durable goods and nondurable goods might benefit from such arrangements, especially if sales fluctuate. The flexibility provided by trade credit can help maintain stock levels, even if a business experiences unexpected changes in sales velocity, which can either cause inventories to decline if business is better than expected or to rise if it's worse.