Why Retailers Downstream Clothing (and How It Benefits You) 👗✨

Why Retailers Downstream Clothing (and How It Benefits You) 👗✨

he fashion world moves fast — new clothing lines arrive every season, and trends shift in a matter of weeks. But what happens to all the clothing that doesn’t sell at full price? Instead of going to waste, most brands use a process called downstreaming to keep clothes moving until they find a buyer.

At Charlies Closet, we source much of our inventory through this cycle, which is why you’ll often find:

  • 👠 Discount designer clothing

  • 🌱 Sustainable resale fashion

  • 💸 Affordable everyday styles

Here’s how it works 👇

🔄 What Is Downstreaming?

Downstreaming is the process of moving unsold clothing through different stages of the retail system. Instead of leaving items sitting in storage, brands:

  • Put items on markdown 🏷️

  • Move them to outlet stores 🛍️

  • Sell them through off-price retailers

  • Pass them on to resale marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, and Charlies Closet 💻

💡 Why Do Retailers Downstream Clothing?

  • Clear Out Inventory → Makes room for the next season’s fashion.

  • Recover Profit → Even discounted sales help brands reduce losses.

  • Reach New Shoppers → Price-savvy buyers look for deals downstream.

  • Reduce Waste → Keeps clothing out of landfills and in circulation.

📉 The Stages of Downstreaming

  1. Full Retail Price – Clothing starts at flagship or online stores.

  2. Markdowns – End-of-season sales begin.

  3. Outlets & Off-Price Stores – Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx.

  4. Resale & Thrift – Consignment shops, thrift stores, resale sites.

  5. YOU, the Shopper – Scoring sustainable, stylish, affordable finds.

👏 Why It Matters for You

By shopping downstream, you:

  •  Get amazing deals on quality clothing.

  •  Make a sustainable choice for the planet.

  •  Find unique, one-of-a-kind styles not available in retail anymore.

✨ Charlies Closet: Smart Shopping, Sustainable Style

At Charlies Closet, we give these pieces a second life so you can:

  • Shop resale designer clothing at a fraction of retail.

  •  Support eco-friendly, sustainable fashion.

  •  Enjoy a constantly changing selection of unique finds.

💖 Shopping resale isn’t just smart for your wallet — it’s a step toward a better, more sustainable fashion future.

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