Wholesale Scarves and Winter Accessories: When to Stock Up

Seasonal items can be some of your best sellers, but only if they are on the shelf at the right time. Wholesale scarves are a great example. Put them out too late and you miss the rush. Put them out too early and they sit while customers are still shopping for summer. A little planning helps you catch the season at its peak.

Here is how to think about timing, quantity and display for scarves and other cool-weather accessories.

When to Buy Wholesale Scarves

Most shoppers start thinking about scarves when the weather first turns cool, not when it is at its coldest. That means the best time to have scarves on your shelf is at the start of fall, with steady interest through the holidays.

Work backward from there. Give yourself time to receive, price and display your stock before the first cool week. In many parts of the country, that means buying in late summer or early fall. If your area stays warm longer, you can shift a bit later.

Because our styles are one-time drops, it also helps to buy when you see a scarf you like rather than waiting. Once a style is gone, it is gone.

How Much to Order

Scarves take up more space than clips, so plan with your display in mind. Start with a few dozen in different colors and patterns, then watch how quickly they move. Holiday shoppers often pick up scarves as gifts, so a second smaller buy later in the season can help if your first round sells well.

Pair Scarves With Other Accessories

Scarves sell well on their own, but they sell even better as part of a look or a gift. A few pairings that work:

• Scarf and tote bag: A cozy, useful gift set.
• Scarf and headband: Satin or glitter headbands add a finishing touch.
• Scarf and coin bag: Small and easy to wrap together.
• Scarf and hair clips: A fun add-on for younger shoppers.
• Scarf and cross earrings: A simple holiday gift bundle.

Display Tips for Winter Accessories

Scarves look best when customers can see the color and feel the fabric. Drape them over a rack, a ladder or a hanger bar. Tie one or two on a mannequin or around a tote bag to show how they can be worn.

Put seasonal items near the front of your shop when the weather turns. As the season goes on, move gift-friendly bundles closer to the register for last-minute shoppers.

The key with wholesale scarves is to buy early enough to be ready, start with a reasonable amount and watch your sales. When you get the timing right, scarves and winter accessories can carry you through the busiest shopping months of the year.

New styles, including seasonal pieces, drop on our Facebook Live Monday through Friday at 7 AM PT (10 AM ET). Check this week's live sale to see what is available, or learn more on our wholesale page.