Seasonal Sourcing
When it comes to running a successful reseller business, timing is everything. Whether you’re listing a cozy sweater or a breezy sundress, understanding seasonal trends—and planning ahead—can make the difference between quick sales and stale inventory. Savvy sellers start sourcing at least one season in advance and keep a close eye on holidays, events, and trends that drive buyer behavior. Think Fourth of July, back-to-school, holiday parties, and even festival season—each offers a golden opportunity to meet buyers where they are. In this post, we’ll break down how to build a seasonal strategy that keeps your closet fresh, relevant, and primed for sales year-round.
Let’s first look at why you want to be sourcing at least one season ahead.
Buyer Behavior Lags Behind Sourcing
Most buyers shop ahead, especially for big events or season changes. Shoppers start browsing 4–6 weeks before a season officially kicks off and at least 2–4 weeks before holidays or events like weddings, graduations, or festivals. Having inventory ready and listed before that window is critical to catch early-bird shoppers.
Competition Gets Fierce Closer to the Season
If you wait until a season is in full swing to list, you’re competing with a flood of other resellers who are just starting to list similar items. Early listings can help you dominate search results while competition is still light.
Algorithm Momentum
Listing early is key. On Mercari, early listing allows time for your items to gain visibility, since its search engine is more like Google and builds traction over time. Early listing on Poshmark and Depop helps you be prepared for early shoppers, but to maximize visibility, you’ll want to re-list or edit your listings closer to the season, holiday, or event to keep them fresh and capitalize on peak buyer interest.
Sourcing is Easier and Cheaper Out of Season
Thrift stores, liquidation lots, and even clearance sales often have seasonal stock for less out of season. Sourcing swimsuits in winter or coats in summer not only prepares you early but often saves you money.
You’re Prepared for Surprise Demand
Weather can shift unexpectedly (think unseasonal cold snaps or heatwaves), and events like festivals sometimes have sudden surges in popularity. Having seasonal stock ready to go means you can capitalize fast.
Stress & Time Management
Sourcing, photographing, and listing all at once right before the season starts can be overwhelming. Working ahead spreads out the workload and helps you keep your business running smoothly.
Now let’s look at the holidays and events that you want to think about while sourcing.
Spring Season (March-May)
Colors and patterns: pastels (baby blue, soft pink, lavender, mint, butter yellow), brights (coral, fuschia, tangerine, cobalt, emerald), nature-inspired (sage, moss green, sky blue, teal), neutrals (white, cream, beige, light gray), soft metallics (light gold, champagne, pearl finishes), florals, stripes, polka dots, gingham, light plaid/checks, watercolor & abstract prints, soft-tone animal prints, botanical motifs (leaves, palms), whimsical (butterflies, birds)
Fabrics: cotton, linen, chambray, eyelet, jersey, silk, satin, organza, chiffon, seersucker, lightweight knits
Clothing: easy layering pieces, tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, cropped pants, wide-leg trousers, jumpsuits, sundresses/shirt dresses, midi skirts, blazers, lightweight jackets, rain jackets, swimwear, cover-ups/sarongs, sunhats, sunglasses, sandals, ballet flats, loafers, running shoes, hiking boots, rainboots
Other items: crossbody bags, straw bags, tote bags, delicate jewelry items incl. anklets, floral fragrances, fresh/clean girl fragrances, fruity fragrances, self-tanner/bronzer, sunscreen, makeup and nail polish in spring colors, umbrellas, picnic blankets, hiking gear, camping gear, baseball equipment (balls, gloves, bats, etc), golf equipment (clubs, balls, tees, etc), soccer balls, basketballs, reusable water bottles, outdoor entertaining items (patio decor, outdoor plates, cups, platters), outdoor decor, outdoor toys, beach toys, party items for Cinco de Mayo, organization items (think spring cleaning)
Holidays/Events:
Women’s History Month/International Women’s Day (purple/white/green/pink, clothing and items with empowerment/feminist messages, books by female authors, educational materials and books for homeschoolers, teachers and parents)
Easter (pastels, dresses, sunhats, bunny items, Easter eggs)
St. Patrick’s Day (green/white/orange/gold/black, leprechaun-themed, shamrock, lucky-themed)
Spring Break (swimwear/beachwear, crop tops, cover-ups, sandals)
Prom (formalwear, shoes, clutches, accessories)
Baseball Season (MLB jerseys, hats)
Festival Season (crop tops, vests, shorts, boots, hats, sunglasses, bandanas, bold jewelry, fanny packs or crossbody bags, denim, fringe, crochet, sequins, glitter, holographic, psychedelic patterns, sheer fabric, face gems, body glitter, temporary tattoos)
Earth Day (sustainable fabrics, recycled materials, neutral/nature-inspired color palette)
Derby Season/Kentucky Derby (special occasion attire/daytime formal, sunhats, fascinators)
Cinco de Mayo
Teacher Appreciation Week (teacher shirts, tote bags, functional items/accessories, gifts)
Graduation Season (dresses, dress shirts, ties, outfits and gifts)
Mother’s Day (gifts)
Summer Season (June-August)
Colors and patterns: pastels, brights and neons, light neutrals, tropical florals, nautical-themed, tie-dye, fruit prints, beach-themed prints (seashells, flamingos, etc)
Fabrics: lightweight cotton, linen, chambray, mesh, gauze, eyelet, seersucker, flowy rayon or viscose
Clothing: tank tops, t-shirts, halter tops, crop tops, bralettes, Hawaiian shirts, shorts, lightweight/flowy pants, sundresses, mini skirts, swimwear, cover-ups/sarongs, sunhats, sunglasses, visors, sandals, ballet flats, running shoes, hiking boots
Other Items: beach bags, straw bags, tote bags, crossbody bags, delicate jewelry items incl. anklets, florals fragrances, fresh/clean girl fragrances, fruity fragrances, self-tanner/bronzer, sunscreen, makeup and nail polish in summer colors, picnic blankets, hiking gear, camping gear, reusable water bottles, outdoor entertaining items (patio decor, outdoor plates, cups, platters), grilling/BBQ items, outdoor decor, outdoor toys, beach toys, party items for July 4th, travel items (travel reading lights, luggage, neck pillows), coolers, summer-themed, beachy books (such as books by Elin Hilderbrand, Jenny Hale, Nancy Thayer, Jamie Brenner, Rochelle Weinstein), life jackets, goggles, snorkel/scuba gear, Pride-themed items and books, school supplies, teacher supplies, homeschool supplies, backpacks, college/dorm essentials, small cooking appliances
Holidays/Events:
Pride Month (rainbow, Pride-themed, inclusive messages, books and art by LGBTQ+ creators)
Father’s Day (gifts)
Juneteenth (red/black/green, history-based books, celebration items)
Festival Season (crop tops, vests, shorts, boots, hats, sunglasses, bandanas, bold jewelry, fanny packs or crossbody bags, denim, fringe, crochet, sequins, glitter, holographic, psychedelic patterns, sheer fabric, face gems, body glitter, temporary tattoos)
Wedding Season (special occasion dresses, dress shirts, suits, ties, dress shoes, sunhats, clutches/small bags, bridal items, wedding items, bridesmaid gifts, groomsmen gifts)
July 4th (red/white/blue, stars and stripes, America-themed, patriotic)
Music Festivals/State Fairs (western wear, denim, boho)
Back to School (kids’ clothing and shoes, backpacks, school supplies, art supplies, educational books and other homeschool supplies, dorm supplies and college gear, teacher supplies)
Sorority/College Rush
Autumn Season (September-November)
Colors and patterns: earth tones (rust, terracotta, olive green, mustard yellow), deep jewel tones (burgundy, navy, plum, forest green), warm neutrals (camel, beige, taupe, cream), metallics (gold, bronze, copper), autumn motifs (leaves, pumpkins, etc), houndstooth, herringbone, animal prints, plaid
Fabrics: flannel, fleece, wool, knits, corduroy, denim, suede/faux suede, velvet, leather/faux leather
Clothing: easy layering pieces, long-sleeve tees, turtlenecks/mock necks, cardigans, sweaters (chunky and lightweight), “ugly” sweaters/Christmas sweaters, flannels, sweatshirts/hoodies, sweatsets, thermal pieces/long johns, fleece-lined leggings, trousers, jeans (darker wash, black, jewel tones), jumpsuits, sweater dresses, dresses and midi/maxi skirts (in a heavier material), puffer vests, blazers, shackets, jackets (denim, bombers, moto, leather, military-style), coats (wool coats, trench coats, peacoats), winter gear (heavy coats, snowpants/snowbibs, gloves, wool socks, ear muffs, beanies, winter hats, snow boots), thick tights, thick/blanket scarves, knit gloves, wide-brim felt or wool hats, beanies, loafers, mules, boots (ankle boots to knee boots), combat boots
Other Items: tote bags, warm spicy fragrances, woodsy fragrances, makeup and nail polish in autumn colors, harvest decor, hosting/entertaining items (such as serving platters and dishes), Halloween masks and costumes, fog/smoke machines, Christmas ornaments, Christmas decor, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, winter outdoor toys (such as snow sleds), snow shoes, skis, snowboards, ice cleats/snow grips, cozy mystery books, thriller books, spooky season books (think books like We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer and The Only One Left by Riley Sager)
Holidays/Events:
Football Season (NFL team attire)
Pumpkin Patch Season (cozy sweaters, boots, flannels)
Homecoming (semi-formal dresses, dress pants. dress shirts, ties, shoes and accessories)
Halloween (orange/black, costumes for kids adults and pets, masks, pumpkin/ghost/witch/spider/spider web/skeletons/horror movies/eyeballs/zombies items, decor and clothing; smoke machines; candy bowls; trick-or-treat buckets)
Friendsgiving (trendy, dinner party attire)
Thanksgiving (turkey/cornucopia/pumpkin/harvest items, serving platters and decor)
Winter Season (December-February)
Colors and patterns: rich, deep tones (burgundy/wine, navy blue, emerald green, forest green, plum/eggplant, chocolate brown), frosty/cool tones (ice blue, snow white, dusty lavender, silver-gray), neutrals (cream, ivory, charcoal gray, camel, black), holiday/festive colors (red, green, gold, silver), holiday motifs (reindeer, snowflake, Santa), Fair Isle/Nordic, plaid/tartan, houndstooth, herringbone
Fabrics: fleece, sherpa, flannel, corduroy, chunky knits, thermal/waffle knit, down/quilted/puffer, cashmere, Angora wool/Merino wool/wool/wool blends, faux fur, suede/faux suede; for holiday attire: velvet, silk/silk blends
Clothing: easy layering pieces, long-sleeve tees, turtlenecks/mock necks, cardigans, sweaters (chunky and lightweight), “ugly” sweaters/Christmas sweaters, flannels, sweatshirts/hoodies, activewear/athleisure, sweatsets, thermal pieces/long johns, fleece-lined leggings, trousers, jeans (darker wash, black, jewel tones), jumpsuits, sweater dresses, holiday dresses, New Year’s dresses (party dresses), dresses and midi/maxi skirts (in a heavier material), puffer vests, blazers, shackets, jackets (denim, bombers, moto, leather, military-style), coats (wool coats, trench coats, peacoats), winter gear (heavy coats, snowpants/snowbibs, gloves, wool socks, ear muffs, beanies, winter hats), thick tights, thick/blanket scarves, knit gloves, wide-brim felt or wool hats, beanies, loafers, mules, boots (ankle boots to knee boots), combat boots, snow boots
Other Items: clutches, holiday bags, warm spicy fragrances, sweet gourmand fragrances, woodsy fragrances, makeup and nail polish in winter and holiday colors (think sparkles and metallics for holiday), hosting/entertaining items (such as serving platters and dishes), Christmas ornaments, Christmas decor, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, winter outdoor toys (such as snow sleds), snow shoes, skis, snowboards, ice cleats/snow grips, exercise equipment (exercise machines, dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats, yoga blocks, etc), journals, planners, meditation items/tools, self-care items, holiday/Christmas books, wintery books (such as The Shining by Stephen King and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis), wellness books, self-care books, personal development books REMEMBER: January is popular for New Year, New You and resolutions. Keep in mind when sourcing for winter.
Holidays/Events:
Hanukkah(blue/silver, gifts)
Christmas (red/green/white/gold/blue, snowman/Christmas tree/gingerbread man/stockings/wrapped gifts/candy canes/bells/reindeer/Santa apparel and items, Elf on the Shelf, Santa costumes, nativity scenes, Christmas lights, tree ornaments, tree toppers, Christmas wreaths, gifts)
New Year’s (sparkly, sequin dresses, shoes, accessories, champagne flutes)
Chinese/Lunar New Year (red/gold, red envelopes)
Black History Month (red/black/green, clothing and items with meaningful/empowering quotes and messages, books by Black authors, educational materials and books for homeschoolers, teachers and parents, cultural art or creations by Black artists, etc)
Super Bowl (NFL team gear)
Valentine’s Day/GALentines (red/pink, date-night dresses, lingerie, jewelry, romantic items and gifts)
Mardi Gras (purple/green/gold, beads, masks, feathered boas and other accessories, themed graphic tees, decor)