MLK Weekend 2026: Source Smart — The Reseller’s Big Opportunity

 

The new year is still fresh — and right now is one of the best times to score clearance deals, deep discounts, and underpriced inventory before the spring rush begins. Retailers are clearing out winter stock, shoppers return holiday gifts, and markdowns get real. For a reseller with an eye for value — this is your jackpot.

According to recent sales roundups and 2025–2026 markdown patterns, these retailers and brands are offering some of the sweetest deals this MLK Weekend. 

• Madewell — Up to 70% off end‑of‑season styles this weekend. Great for denim, cozy sweaters, jackets, and basics. 

• J.Crew — Clearance and sale sections are deep, with many pieces marked down heavily; good for classic coats, sweaters, and work-to-casual wear. 

• Athleta — Strong sales on activewear, cold‑weather workout gear, and cozy leggings/hoodies — perfect for resale-ready athleisure. 

• Columbia Sportswear — Known to mark down outdoor jackets, snow pants, and winter outerwear around this time. Good for winter gear flips. 

• The North Face — Winter jackets and puffers sometimes hit sale during MLK Weekend, especially older-season styles. 

Bonus: many of these places run sitewide sales, end‑of-season clearance, or “sale on sale” promos this MLK Weekend — so if you’ve got your reseller hat on, now’s the time.

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What to Snatch Now — Updated 2026 Items & Trends

Here’s what I’d target this MLK Weekend if I were you — updated for 2026 resale flow:

Denim & Casual Staples

• Madewell jeans, denim jackets, and casual button‑ups

• J.Crew chinos, sweaters, and preppy everyday wear

• Neutral basics that photograph well and sell quick

Outerwear & Winter Jackets

• Snow jackets or puffers from Columbia & The North Face

• Transitional coats, wool-blend jackets, and parkas from J.Crew or Madewell

• Outerwear that works going into late winter/early spring

Athleisure & Activewear

• Athleta leggings, joggers, cold‑weather gym wear

• Comfortable hoodies/zip‑ups, base layers (great for resale during New Year fitness trends)

• Any thermal-lined or fleece-backed workout gear

Cozy Sweaters, Basics & Knitwear

• Madewell or J.Crew knitwear — cardigans, oversized sweaters, cozy basics

• Neutral tones or classic colors (black, beige, forest green, soft pastels) — easier to resell

 Outdoor / Winter Sport Gear

• Columbia snow pants, outdoor jackets, etc. Good if you get them cheap and re‑list for colder climates or early buyers

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2026 Smart Sourcing Strategy: How to Maximize MLK Deals

1. Start online — now. Many of these sales begin online ahead of physical‑store markdowns. Refresh often, set alerts, and snap up deals before sizes run out.

2. Scope clearance & sale‑on‑sale sections. Especially at Madewell, J.Crew, Athleta — clearance hides your best flips.

3. Buy for resale value, not personal style. Stick to neutrals, easy‑to-ship items, and basics or staples.

4. Crosslist smart. Outerwear, activewear, and denim often do well across platforms.

5. Bundle items when possible — adult + kid gear, or outfit sets. Great for families shopping after Christmas.

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This isn’t just a sale weekend — it’s a chance to restock inventory with real profit potential. With retailers like Madewell, J.Crew, Athleta, Columbia, and The North Face dropping prices, and big retailers clearing winter stock, the deals are there if you know where to look.

If you go in with a plan — and a reseller’s eye — you could come out with some serious flips ready for Q1. 

Time to fire up your browser, list those hauls, and turn markdowns into money.