Updated: October 8, 2026 $1.7 trillion. That’s what overstocks and out-of-stocks combined, what researchers call inventory distortion, cost the global retail industry in 2026, 6.2% of all retail sales worldwide. If you’re carrying more stock than you can move, you’re not just tying up shelf space. You’re personally funding a slice of that $1.7 trillion, a line item most retailers never actually measure. Key Takeaways 📋 Table of Contents What Is Excess Inventory? What Excess Inventory Actually Costs You The New Driver: Tariff-Related Overstocking How to Identify Excess Inventory Before It Becomes Dead Stock Preventing Excess Inventory: A Financial Approach Frequently
