How do I clear out last season’s sporting goods stock before handover?

Begin with an honest count. Walk the store and storage, and sort the old goods into three piles: items that will sell with a small push, items that need deeper markdowns and items that are unlikely to sell at all. Note what the supplier will take back and when return windows end.

Then choose tactics. Seasonal sales, bundle offers and promotion to team and club customers can help the first group. For the second, think about outlets or liquidators. For the third, decide whether donating or writing off makes more sense, and ask your accountant how that is treated. Sell in a way that does not hurt your regular customers or your reputation.

Tell the buyer what you are doing. A buyer will want to know what the clearance does to your margins and to the stock count at closing. Agree how inventory will be counted and valued, and put it in the purchase agreement. Keep records so the buyer can see what was cleared and what is left. If you cannot clear everything, discuss with the buyer whether to exclude the rest. Start well ahead of closing. Keep clearance signage and pricing consistent, so regular customers do not feel they overpaid and wonder what the new owner will do.

Key takeaways

• Sort old stock into likely, unlikely and hopeless piles before choosing tactics.
• Check supplier return windows early, as they close.
• Tell the buyer what you are clearing and agree how stock is counted at closing.