Smart Ways to Clear Summer Stock Before Fall

Don’t let those summer products gather dust! Some folks consider the change of seasons the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate their looks, homes, and daily routines. Why not give your business the same treatment? More specifically, your retail shelves.

The just-a-little-longer mindset is a tempting side to take, we get it. Afterall, there’s always going to be those times where the product you were so excited to sell ends up untouched. It’s disappointing! On the flip side, it’s crucial you don’t let that hold you back. Instead, use that information to pinpoint what it is exactly that you’re clients are looking for.

Clearing out and sorting through old product is a headache and a half, but it doesn’t have to always be that way. If you’re not sure what to start with when clearing out your summer stock, or just want some creative ideas for getting it off your shelves, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look:

What to Take Off Shelves

Before pumpkin spice unleashes its expectedly unexpected country-wide takeover—usually in late August—you have a unique opportunity to get ahead of schedule and make a little extra money. Remember: holding onto slow-moving summer stock ties up both your shelves and your revenue.

Here’s what you should consider clearing out ASAP:

SPF-forward products: Sun protection is important year-round, but those summer-focused formulas, like spray sunscreens, after-sun gels, or travel-sized SPF kits, tend to slow down once vacation season ends. Bundle or mark them down before they expire.

Bright, tropical, or seasonal scents: From pineapple-scented scrubs to citrusy candles, summer fragrances start to feel out of place as cooler months approach. Consider grouping them into “End of Summer” packages or limited-time gift sets.

Warm-weather wellness items: Think cooling facial mists, beachy aromatherapy blends, and lightweight moisturizers. These are ideal for quick clearance or as freebies alongside more seasonal services like hydration facials or scalp treatments.

Neon and pastel polish shades: If you’re a nail pro or sell lacquer, bold brights and soft pastels often lose appeal when clients start opting for moodier, more muted tones in the fall. Move these colors to a “last chance” rack or create a flash sale.

Seasonal service add-ons: Did you offer a signature summer facial, tropical massage upgrade, or beach-body waxing bundle? Retire the signage, and move associated retail products accordingly. If stock is leftover, repurpose it creatively (e.g., use in treatments or as complimentary add-ons).

The goal here isn’t just selling more product; the real goal is being prepared for what comes next. When your inventory reflects the season your clients are living in, your business feels more intentional, relevant, and ready for what lays ahead.

Now that we know what should be the first to come off your shelves before summer ends, let’s brainstorm some creative ways to get it moving.

Clearance Without Looking Cheap

Sometimes hearing clearance inspires the thought that something might be wrong with whatever it is on sale—that it’s defective—but the truth is: discounts don’t have to devalue your brand. In fact, clearing seasonal stock can even feel elevated when you frame it the right way. Instead of slapping red “SALE” stickers on everything, focus on strategies that preserve your brand’s value and move product efficiently.

Bundling is a smart tactic that adds perceived value without undercutting your pricing. Instead of discounting a single slow mover, combine it with a popular item or service. That pineapple body scrub may not be flying off the shelf on its own, but pair it with your best-selling moisturizer or as an add-on to a fall-themed treatment, and it becomes a curated experience.

Another effective approach? Tiered discounts. Offering escalating savings based on how much a client purchases gives them a reason to buy more while keeping your margins intact. It also adds a sense of choice and control, which can feel more empowering (and less like a bargain bin).

Presentation matters, too. A sale should still look on-brand. Create a clean, intentional display—think “Last of Summer,” “Seasonal Favorites,” or “Sunset Shelf”—so your clearance area still feels elevated and cohesive with your space.

And remember, how you talk about your promo is just as important as what you’re discounting. Naming it a “Seasonal Refresh” or “Summer Sendoff” gives the promotion a natural, timely reason to exist. It’s not a clearance, it’s a celebration of change, and a subtle signal that new things are coming.

A well-executed end-of-season sale clears space, drives revenue, and builds anticipation for what’s next—without lowering the perceived value of your products or services.

Promote With Purpose (and a Plan)

A successful clearance sale takes the right timing, messaging, and intention. Map out your promotions ahead of time! You could do a weekend flash sale, a “Gift With Purchase” week, or a final push before fall hits. Spacing your discounts out keeps things fresh and prevents promo fatigue.

Use your marketing tools wisely. With Vagaro, you can automate targeted emails and texts to the right clients, like retail regulars or seasonal shoppers. Tie promotions to bookings (“Book a facial, get 20% off summer skincare”) to move product and drive appointments.

You’re creating momentum, not clearing shelves.

Use It or Lose It

Everything gets older with time. Everything. Your product is no different! In fact, some of it could be long past due its needed removal from your shelves. Whether it’s sitting on your shelf or tucked away in your backbar, it’s time to take stock and make smart calls before fall hits.

Here’s what to check:

• Expiration dates: Skincare, hair products, oils, and anything with natural ingredients can expire faster than you think. If it’s close, mark it down or work it into a service now.

• Seasonal relevance: Light moisturizers, tropical scents, or cooling treatments may not see the same demand in cooler months. Repurpose them in August before interest drops off.

• Treatment room stock: Got backbar products you only use during summer services (like after-sun masks or brightening scrubs)? Add them to limited-time upgrades or complimentary boosts to finish them off.

• Samples and travel sizes: These are perfect to give as little surprises with retail purchases or as part of a back-to-school or end-of-summer promotion.

• Inventory clutter: If it’s been sitting for 6+ months untouched, ask yourself—will you really use or sell this come fall? If not, discount, donate, or phase it out.

So, toss the expired products and refresh your product bundles, because it’s time to…

Clear the Clutter, Make Room for Profit

Once you’ve cleared out what’s expired or seasonally irrelevant, make your space work for you. A clean, curated setup instantly elevates your brand and drives more sales. Streamline your displays to feature what’s current and in demand. Refresh signage and swap in fall-friendly visuals to give everything a fresh start. If you’ve got lingering inventory, find ways to bundle or feature it in promotions to move it fast.

Most importantly, let this process inform your next round of buying: what flew off the shelves, and what didn’t? Use that insight to stock smarter, not more. Less clutter, more clarity, better profits.

If you’re ready to do it without the headache, give Vagaro’s inventory features a try with a 30-day complimentary trial. We’ve got your back every step of the way