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SELLING SEASONS

Knowing what season your line is appropriate for as well is crucial for sales. Sales will be minute if you try and market your winter parkas in the summer season! Beware of the months of lead-time between when one markets and sells a season and when it appears in stores.



APPAREL

In the apparel business timing of product development, production and presentation is critical. Manufacturers of seasonal, fashion products may have six selling seasons per year and offer five lines for each season, while manufacturers of basic, staple products have only one or two seasons a year. Your seasons may vary slightly and will coincide with your Sales Representatives selling seasons. In recent years there is a tendency for some retailers to have new items sell on a continuing basis rather than for specific selling seasons. In the women's apparel industry, four to six new lines or collections are customary.

Holiday
- Showroom ready samples by June
- Delivered to Retailer by October
- In stores in November

Resort / Cruise
- Showroom ready samples by August
- Delivered to Retailer by November
- In stores in December

Spring
- Showroom ready samples by August
- Delivered to Retailer by January
- In stores in February

Summer
- Showroom ready samples by November
- Delivered to Retailer by March
- In stores in April

Fall I / Transition
- Showroom ready samples by February
- Delivered to Retailer by July
- In stores in August

Fall II
- Showroom ready samples by April
- Delivered to Retailer by August
- In stores in September

Children's
- Children's apparel and accessories has three seasons:
- Spring Summer
- Back-to-School
- Holiday

Menswear
In the past, Menswear manufacturers presented two collections of classic clothing each year changing fabrics for seasons. Today many firms now produce highly styled clothing with seasons, lines and style now paralleling those of women's wear products.



ACCESSORIES

Summer
- Showroom ready samples by January
- Delivered to Retailer by May
- In stores in April

Fall I / Transition
- Showroom ready samples by March
- Delivered to Retailer by May
- In stores in June

Fall / Holiday Preview
- Showroom ready samples by May
- Delivered to Retailer by July
- In stores in August

Holiday
- Showroom ready samples by August
- Delivered to Retailer by October
- In stores in November

Spring
- Showroom ready samples by November
- Delivered to Retailer by January
- In stores in February


The January market is a topic of debate in the accessories industry. Many believe this market should be eliminated as it has diminished in importance over the years. Retail buyers that skip the January market buy Spring and Summer merchandise in November.

Date Published
January 2007

Region
USA

 

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