As summer begins to wind down, some small retailers will start looking ahead to fall holidays, back-to-school trends, and the ever-looming Q4. But before the season slips away, there’s still time to turn your summer inventory into a sales opportunity. With the right strategy, what might look like excess stock can actually be a tool for boosting revenue, increasing foot traffic, and setting the stage for a strong finish to the year.

This week, we’re diving into how small retailers can make the most of their end-of-season inventory starting with a fresh look at what’s sitting on the shelves.

1. Identify What Needs to Move

Before you plan a promotion, take a clear-eyed look at your current stock. What’s seasonal versus evergreen? What hasn’t moved in weeks, and what do you still have too much of?

Look for products with summer-specific packaging or themes, items tied to weather or activities (like beach gear, grilling supplies, sunscreen, bug spray), and SKUs with declining sales velocity over the past 30 days. It helps to take stock and separate these items from year-round staples.

This is also a good time to check if you over ordered from vendors or if certain items didn’t perform as expected. By clearly identifying what needs to move, you can tailor your marketing and merchandising efforts to prioritize those products. This targeted approach prevents over-discounting items that still hold value, preserving your margins.  Well-planned clearance events have been known to maximize profitability by balancing the need to move inventory without eroding overall product value.

2. Rethink Clearance: Add Value Without Cutting Prices

Discounting is a tried-and-true method for clearing out seasonal goods, but deep cuts aren’t always necessary. Instead, try offering bundled deals or limited-time “Buy One, Get One Half Off” promotions that help you move products while maintaining better margins. Pair high-demand essentials with slower-moving summer items to make bundles feel more valuable.

You can also use tiered pricing strategies to move bulk stock while rewarding higher spending. Start with modest discounts to test customer interest and increase markdowns gradually if items linger. This approach aligns with recommendations which emphasize the importance of planned markdown schedules to optimize sales and minimize losses.

Balancing discounts with profit is an art. While it’s tempting to slash prices deeply to clear inventory fast, too steep a markdown can hurt overall profitability and customer perception of your brand.

3. Tap Into Community Events and Local Timing

National trends don’t always reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood. In many places, summer continues well into September, with local festivals, school sports, and community events still going strong.

Pay attention to your local calendar. Can you create pop-up promos around a community fair? Offer discounts for sports parents on game days? Build displays that tie into local weather and routines?

Late-summer shoppers may still be looking for sunscreen, bug spray, and cold drinks, and your ability to stock what they need is one of your biggest strengths.

4. Get Creative With Merchandising and Storytelling

Even the most practical summer item can feel exciting with the right framing. Instead of simply marking items as “clearance,” build small themed displays like: “End of Summer Staycations” (sunscreen, snacks, flip flops), “Grill-While-You-Can” BBQ Bundles (sauces, charcoal, chips), or “Sunset Snacks” (beach treats, juices, and candy).

Front windows and checkout areas still carry influence. According to Shopify’s 2024 retail merchandising trends, end-cap displays and point-of-sale impulse zones remain key areas to drive last-minute summer sales.

Use signage and storytelling to position products as “last chance” essentials for customers wanting to squeeze the most out of the season. Reframing end-of-summer goods as part of a lifestyle moment, rather than just leftover stock, adds emotional appeal and urgency.

5. Use This Moment to Build Loyalty

End-of-season promotions are a powerful chance to bring customers back in after slower midsummer weeks. Try using a bounceback coupon (“Spend $15 now, get $5 off next visit”), a mini raffle or giveaway tied to summer products, promoting your loyalty program (or starting a simple one if you haven’t yet).

Shoppers prioritize value and experience. You can offer both, not just through discounts, but through thoughtful service and consistency!

6. What to Do With the Leftovers

Some items just won’t sell, no matter how well you display them. Don’t let them take up valuable shelf space.

Here are a few suggestions for that overstock: if you have the space, box and store evergreen items that will be relevant next year (e.g., picnic gear or party supplies), donate excess goods to a local school, shelter, or pantry, offer items to employees at a deep discount to clear space while rewarding your team

Remember, before you toss anything, review your vendor return policies. Some suppliers allow partial returns or credits for unsold goods, especially if you’re a regular buyer.

Final Thoughts

End-of-season doesn’t have to mean “leftovers and losses.” With the right approach, summer inventory can help drive sales, build stronger relationships with your community, and set you up for success heading into fall. A little creativity and a lot of local know-how can turn unsold stock into a strategic asset.

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Sources Referenced:

https://metrobi.com/blog/end-of-season-sale-maximize-profitability/

https://www.solumesl.com/en/insights/how-retailers-can-prepare-for-end-of-season-sale

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-state-of-grocery-in-north-america