Auntie Kate The Resale Expert

Summer, fall, winter, spring. The four seasons of the calendar and the four seasons of retail selling. But it turns out there’s another season, and it’s upon us right now.

Your clients are now entering the need season, a season that only secondhander shops can profit from. The new-merchandise stores can’t afford the need season. But you can maximize  customer service, public recognition, and dollars in the till with wise promotion in the coming weeks.

What happens to the lady down the street when her boss announces the company picnic next weekend? She needs something new to wear, but the mall stores are stocked with corduroys and sweaters. Where can she find a nice crisp, summer outfit?

Your shop. After all, as a personable merchant, you understand that while fall goodies look really intriguing now, it’s still hot. And your customers may need something to wear now, not 5 or 6 weeks from now. The Rest of Summer is the Best of Summer!

Or they decide to take the kids to the shore for a quick weekend before school starts again, and little Dana’s outgrown everything. A quick trip to the thrift store finds the goods fast that even the most tiresome stint at the mall can’t uncover.

Or they are planning a Labor Day barbecue and can’t find tiki torches anywhere except an on-the-ball resale shop.

(Makes a great Tweet. Try it.)

But switching seasons can be tricky. Separate them or mix them? Front or back? What do you put in your swing shop? And what, by golly, goes in the window? Read all about it in How to Switch Seasons Easily and Profitably.