For resellers, preparing for every season means working around inventory and stocking up all the items. This is easier said than done when expenses and specific products need to be purchased to actually make profits.
The good part of the market today and what you can aim for is seasonal merchandise liquidation and all the lots available. This is a strategic approach retailers and businesses used to clear out excess inventory tied to specific times of the year—such as summer gear, winter apparel, or holiday decorations.
Instead of holding onto last season’s products that no longer match current demand, liquidation helps free up valuable storage space. In the process, it helps these companies and manufacturers to improve cash flow and prepare for new seasonal stock.
As a reseller, you benefit from the low-cost inventory. You can stock for your sales and future seasons without spending a fortune. This turns the entire process more affordable and also a friendly approach to maximize profits.
However, accessing seasonal merchandise liquidation is often more of a long-term investment. After all, liquidations around these items tend to be around the same time the season took place. for instance, liquidation of summer items usually takes place right after the season ends.
This means you have to purchase the lots, but more or less wait for a few months until the products can be sold for great prices.
Why Liquidate Seasonal Merchandise?
Retailers often face challenges with seasonal inventory because these products have a limited sales window. While resellers can take the time to wait for the next season, retailers need to make space for the new inventory.
Holding onto unsold summer apparel or holiday decorations beyond their peak season ties up capital and warehouse space, which can hurt profitability.
If you are a retailer or manufacturer, you should always consider this approach. Overall, liquidation offers several key benefits:
- Improves cash flow by converting stagnant seasonal stock into immediate revenue.
- Reduces storage costs by clearing out bulky, slow-moving items.
- Makes room for new merchandise aligned with current or upcoming seasons.
- Prevents losses from products that may lose value or become obsolete if held too long.
According to Shopify’s research, liquidation shouldn’t be seen as a way to lose inventory. Instead, this is an effective way for retail business to manage and execute inventory. From there, resellers also benefit while retailers get to free up space.
Types of Seasonal Merchandise Found in Liquidation Pallets
But what is it that you find?
The best part of relying on liquidation pallets is how you can stock multiple products. Since pallets are always mixed and come with a wide variety of items, this is the best place to stock your own inventory.
Among the usual items you find, they include:
- Summer Items. Products around swimwear, outdoor furniture, grills, fans, and gardening supplies.
- Winter Goods. Coats, boots, scarves, heaters, snow shovels, and holiday décor.
- Holiday Merchandise. Christmas, Halloween, Easter decorations, gift sets, and specialty foods.
- Seasonal Apparel. Clothing and accessories tied to specific weather or events.
When to Buy or Sell Seasonal Liquidation Lots
How can you access this lot? Or what about retailers trying to establish the right time for their sales?
The key in seasonal liquidation lots lies a lot in timing.
The common situations you see include:
- Post-Holiday and Winter Clearance. This is during the first quarter of the year. January through March is ideal for buying or selling leftover holiday décor, winter apparel, and gear at deep discounts. Retailers clear out these items to make space for spring merchandise.
- Pre-Summer and Fall. Liquidation of spring items often happens in late spring or early summer, Meanwhile, fall goods are cleared out before winter.
- Advance Stocking. Businesses with storage capacity can buy seasonal surplus off-season to resell later when demand spikes again, maximizing profit margins.
You can contact us at Coastal Surplus Solutions when needing help with sourcing and connecting with pallets. We are here to help you and provide professional support.
