The Reseller’s Calendar: When & What to Source for Maximum Profits

For anyone in the business of reselling second-hand clothing, timing is everything. Sourcing the right stock at the right time not only maximizes profits but also keeps inventory moving efficiently and ensures you're ahead of seasonal demand. Knowing what to buy and when to buy it can make a significant difference in your success. This guide breaks down a reseller’s calendar, detailing when and what to source for year-round profitability.

 

January – New Year, New Wardrobes

✅ Best to Source: Activewear, winter coats, knitwear, and high-street casual wear.
✅ Why? January is all about fresh starts, fitness goals, and post-holiday clear-outs. Gym memberships surge, making activewear from brands like Nike, Adidas, Sweaty Betty, and Gymshark high in demand. It’s also prime time for sourcing quality coats and knitwear from brands like The North Face, Regatta, and Joules, as people offload unwanted Christmas gifts and wardrobe refreshes begin.

February – Transition into Spring

✅ Best to Source: Light jackets, blouses, layering pieces, branded high-street wear.
✅ Why? As winter winds down, shoppers start looking for transitional outfits, making this a great time to pick up lighter outerwear and everyday wear before spring officially arrives.

March – Festival & Holiday Prep Begins

✅ Best to Source: Denim shorts, dresses, spring tops, branded casual wear.
✅ Why? Festival season is on the horizon, and shoppers are planning ahead. Now is the time to stock up on festival-ready fashion, lightweight spring looks, and casual vacation outfits that will move quickly.

April – The Spring Fashion Boom

✅ Best to Source: Summer dresses, swimwear, sandals, sunglasses.
✅ Why? As temperatures rise, buyers start thinking about holidays, weddings, and summer events. Having a variety of trendy, easy-to-sell seasonal pieces is key for maximizing profits.

May – The Lead-Up to Summer Sales

✅ Best to Source: Branded t-shirts, linen trousers, lightweight jackets, summer casualwear.
✅ Why? People begin curating their summer wardrobes, meaning quality branded stock and breathable fabrics become best-sellers.

June – Peak Summer Stocking

✅ Best to Source: Swimwear, beachwear, holiday fashion, vintage summer staples.
✅ Why? Holiday season is in full swing, and shoppers are after lightweight, bright, and vacation-friendly clothing. This is the time to focus on holiday must-haves.

July – Clearance Season & Back-to-School Prep

✅ Best to Source: School uniform items, autumn jackets, branded casualwear.
✅ Why? Retailers start summer clearances, which means great sourcing opportunities for autumn essentials at lower prices.

August – Autumn Arrivals Begin

✅ Best to Source: Knitwear, coats, boots, high-quality branded outerwear.
✅ Why? The shift toward autumn fashion begins. Getting ahead of demand for layering pieces, quality knitwear, and warm outerwear ensures strong seasonal sales.

September – Cosy Season Starts

✅ Best to Source: Oversized sweaters, hoodies, coats, layering essentials.
✅ Why? As the temperatures drop, demand for second-hand outerwear and layering pieces spikes. Stocking up early is crucial.

October – Winter-Ready Stocking

✅ Best to Source: Heavy coats, scarves, boots, Christmas party wear.
✅ Why? With winter approaching, shoppers look for seasonal staples. This is also a great time to stock festive outfits as holiday shopping ramps up.

November – Black Friday Prep & Winter Stock Focus

✅ Best to Source: Winter coats, holiday outfits, festive dresses.
✅ Why? Black Friday brings a surge in sales, making this the perfect time to have strong winter stock and holiday fashion options ready to go.

December – The Holiday Rush & Clearance Planning

✅ Best to Source: Party dresses, cosy loungewear, clearance stock.
✅ Why? December sees peak shopping activity, but it’s also a great time to prepare for New Year clearances, where post-holiday markdowns can provide excellent sourcing opportunities.

Sourcing Tips for Year-Round Success

• Stay Ahead of Trends: Plan sourcing 1-2 months in advance based on seasonal demand.

• Buy in Bulk: Wholesale lots offer better margins and a steady supply of stock.

• Know Your Audience: Tailor purchases to what sells best in your shop, whether it's premium branded goods, festival wear, or winter essentials.

• Maximize Off-Season Buying: Some of the best stock is available when demand is low—buy coats in summer and swimwear in winter to get the best deals.

Keeping this calendar in mind will help ensure that you always have the right inventory at the right time, keeping sales flowing and maximizing profits throughout the year.