Here at Summit Sports we work hard to source the best deals so you don’t have to.  But many of us don’t know what a closeout is. Closeouts offer you big savings on top quality merchandise while you still receive a new and unused product manufactured by top of the line brand name companies.  Individuals can then buy brand new product at a fraction of the price of current year models. 

First here’s what a Closeout is NOT... 

• Second quality or blemished product – manufactured defects, printing mistakes, stitching problems, etc…
• Someone else’s old or returned junk – some companies focus on buying up store returns or refurbished merchandise that has already been used or handled by a customer

So, where do Closeouts come from?

• MANUFACTURERS CHANGE THEIR PRODUCT LINES – They look just like last year’s model!  Every 1-2 season’s the brands make changes to their products.  Usually just cosmetic changes like different accent colors or buckles.  Sometimes we even have a hard time telling the difference between this year’s model & last year’s model.
• RAW MATERIAL AND BOOKING ORDERS ARE DONE UP TO 2 YEARS AHEAD – Companies now book orders up to two years before the product actually hits your store’s shelf.  Because of this, forecasts can leave the brands with too much inventory at the end of the season.  Furthermore, economic or trend changes can make it difficult for companies to sell through.
• BAD WEATHER = BAD SELL THROUGH – In the Sporting Goods business we depend strongly on the seasonal weather.  If there was no snow across the county, chances are there will be extra winter equipment left over.
• MANUFACTURERS HAVE CASH FLOW PROBLEMS – There are opportunity costs to having money tied up in excess inventory.  Storage costs and lack of capital to buy new raw materials for future product lines.  Just like retail stores, the brands need to mark down their inventory and turn their dollars to stay profitable.

This should give you a good idea about how Closeouts can save you 10-70% depending on the item. If you would like to know which items are closeouts and how you can save 10-70%, find the store nearest to you for more information.