When COS Has sales (Don’t Miss These drops!)
Fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s also about making smart choices.
In today’s world, where sustainability and budget-consciousness are paramount, understanding the resale value of your purchases is more important than ever.
That’s why I’m diving deep into the world of COS (Collection of Style), a brand renowned for its minimalist aesthetic and quality craftsmanship.
COS sales events aren’t just opportunities to snag a bargain; they’re chances to invest in pieces that can hold or even increase in value.
This article is your guide to navigating COS sales in 2025, ensuring you maximize both your wardrobe and your potential return on investment.
Understanding COS and Its Appeal
COS, a brand under the H&M Group umbrella, emerged in 2007 with a clear vision: to offer timeless, functional, and modern designs at an accessible price point.
Unlike fast fashion brands that chase fleeting trends, COS focuses on creating durable, high-quality garments with a minimalist aesthetic.
This commitment to quality and timelessness is a key reason why COS items often perform well on the resale market.
The brand’s philosophy centers around creating pieces that transcend seasonal trends.
Think clean lines, neutral color palettes, and high-quality materials like organic cotton, linen, and wool.
This emphasis on enduring style appeals to a discerning customer base who value both aesthetics and longevity.
Analyzing Sales Trends:
From my research on resale platforms like ThredUp and Vestiaire Collective, I’ve noticed certain COS items consistently retain or increase in value after purchase.
These include:
- Classic Outerwear: Wool coats, trench coats, and leather jackets in neutral colors tend to hold their value well.
- Timeless Knitwear: Cashmere sweaters, merino wool cardigans, and other high-quality knitwear pieces are highly sought after.
- Unique Design Pieces: Items with distinctive architectural silhouettes or interesting design details often attract collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
- Collaborations: Limited edition collaborations, such as those with artists or designers, can become highly coveted and fetch premium prices on the resale market.
Based on data from ThredUp’s 2024 Resale Report, the resale market is projected to grow to \$70 billion by 2027, further emphasizing the importance of considering resale value when making fashion purchases.
ThredUp 2024 Resale Report
Customer Demographics:
COS primarily appeals to a demographic that values quality, sustainability, and understated elegance.
These customers are often professionals, creatives, and individuals who prioritize timeless style over fleeting trends.
They’re also more likely to be active on resale platforms, both as buyers and sellers, creating a vibrant market for pre-owned COS items.
Sales Events to Watch in 2025
To maximize your potential for profitable resales, it’s crucial to understand COS’s annual sales calendar.
While the exact dates may vary slightly each year, here’s what I anticipate for 2025, based on historical patterns:
- End-of-Season Sales (January/February & July/August): These are major clearance events where COS discounts a wide range of items to make room for new collections.
Expect discounts of up to 70% off. - Mid-Season Sales (April/May & September/October): Smaller sales events that offer discounts on select items.
These are good opportunities to snag deals on transitional pieces. - Black Friday (November): A significant sales event with substantial discounts across the board.
This is a prime opportunity to stock up on items with high resale potential. - Holiday Sales (December): Similar to Black Friday, the holiday season brings another round of discounts, making it a great time to find gifts and investment pieces.
Anticipated 2025 Sales Dates (Based on Historical Data):
Product Category Patterns:
During these sales, I’ve observed consistent patterns in product categories that are heavily discounted:
- End-of-Season Sales: These sales typically feature a wide range of clothing, accessories, and shoes from the previous season.
Expect deep discounts on items like summer dresses in January/February and winter coats in July/August. - Mid-Season Sales: These sales often focus on transitional pieces and items that are not selling as well.
You might find discounts on lightweight jackets, knitwear, and accessories. - Black Friday & Holiday Sales: These events offer discounts across nearly all product categories, including clothing, accessories, shoes, and even home goods.
Industry Insights:
According to a recent interview with a resale expert at The RealReal, “Investing in classic, high-quality pieces during sales is a smart strategy for resellers.
Look for items made from natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk, as these tend to hold their value better.”
- Rarity: Limited edition items, collaborations, or pieces from past seasons that are no longer available are often highly sought after.
- Condition: The condition of the item is paramount.
Items in excellent or like-new condition will always command higher prices. - Seasonal Trends: Consider current fashion trends when evaluating resale potential.
For example, a vintage-inspired dress might be highly desirable if vintage fashion is currently trending. - Consumer Demand: Research which COS items are currently popular on resale platforms.
This can give you insights into what buyers are actively searching for.
Specific Collections and Collaborations:
Certain COS collections and collaborations have historically performed exceptionally well on the resale market.
These include:
- COS Atelier: The Atelier collection features more experimental and avant-garde designs, which often appeal to collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
- Collaborations with Artists and Designers: Limited edition collaborations, such as those with renowned artists or designers, can become highly coveted and fetch premium prices.
Research and Tracking Tips:
- Monitor Resale Platforms: Regularly browse platforms like Poshmark, Depop, eBay, and The RealReal to see which COS items are selling well and at what price points.
- Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums and social media groups dedicated to COS and resale fashion.
These communities can provide valuable insights into upcoming sales, popular items, and pricing strategies. - Use Price Tracking Tools: Utilize price tracking tools like Google Shopping or Keepa to monitor the prices of COS items on various online retailers.
This can help you identify potential bargains and assess resale value.
Effective Buying Strategies During Sales
Shopping COS sales effectively requires a strategic approach.
Here’s my advice for maximizing your chances of finding high-value items:
- Preparation is Key: Before the sale begins, browse the COS website or visit a physical store to identify items you’re interested in.
Create a wishlist or take notes on specific pieces. - Timing Matters: Be ready to shop as soon as the sale starts.
Popular items tend to sell out quickly, so it’s important to be among the first to browse the discounted selection. - Utilize Technology: Download the COS app and sign up for email newsletters to stay updated on sales and promotions.
Follow COS on social media for announcements and exclusive offers. - Navigate the Website Efficiently: Use filters to narrow down your search by size, color, and product category.
This will help you quickly find the items you’re looking for. - Visit Physical Stores: If possible, visit a COS store during the sale.
This allows you to see the items in person and try them on before purchasing.
Community Knowledge:
I’ve found that online communities dedicated to COS are invaluable resources for sharing information about upcoming sales, product availability, and potential resale opportunities.
Members often share tips and tricks for navigating sales and finding hidden gems.
Reselling COS Items: Platforms and Best Practices
Once you’ve acquired your COS items, it’s time to put them up for resale.
Here’s a breakdown of popular platforms and best practices:
- Poshmark: A social marketplace that’s popular for selling clothing, accessories, and shoes.
Poshmark is known for its user-friendly interface and strong community. - Depop: A visually-driven platform that’s popular among younger buyers.
Depop is a good option for selling trendy or vintage COS items. - eBay: A large online marketplace with a wide reach.
eBay is a good option for selling rare or high-value COS items. - Grailed: A marketplace specifically for men’s fashion.
Grailed is a good option for selling men’s COS clothing and accessories. - The RealReal: A luxury consignment platform that specializes in authenticating and selling high-end designer items.
The RealReal is a good option for selling rare or expensive COS pieces.
Platform Pros and Cons:
Listing Best Practices:
- High-Quality Photos: Take clear, well-lit photos of the item from multiple angles.
Show any flaws or imperfections clearly. - Detailed Descriptions: Provide accurate and detailed descriptions of the item, including the brand, size, color, material, and condition.
- Competitive Pricing: Research similar items on the platform to determine a fair and competitive price.
- Excellent Customer Service: Respond promptly to inquiries, ship items quickly, and handle any issues professionally.
Customer Service Importance:
Positive customer service is essential for building a good reputation on resale platforms.
Respond to messages promptly, ship items quickly and securely, and be willing to resolve any issues that may arise.
Success Stories and Case Studies
To illustrate the potential for profitable resales, let’s look at a few success stories:
- Sarah, a Poshmark seller, purchased a COS wool coat during an end-of-season sale for \$80.
She resold it on Poshmark for \$150, making a profit of \$70 after fees. - David, an eBay seller, purchased a limited edition COS collaboration sweater for \$120 during a Black Friday sale.
He resold it on eBay for \$250, making a profit of \$130 after fees. - Emily, a Depop seller, purchased a vintage-inspired COS dress for \$50 during a mid-season sale.
She resold it on Depop for \$100, making a profit of \$50 after fees.
These examples demonstrate that with careful planning and strategic buying, it’s possible to generate significant profits by reselling COS items.
Notable Trends:
From these case studies, I’ve observed a few key trends:
- Classic and Timeless Items Perform Well: Items like wool coats, cashmere sweaters, and classic dresses tend to hold their value and are easier to resell.
- Limited Edition Items Command Higher Prices: Collaborations and limited edition pieces are often highly sought after and can fetch premium prices.
- Condition is Crucial: Items in excellent condition are more likely to sell quickly and at higher prices.
Conclusion
Navigating COS sales events with resale value in mind is a smart and strategic approach to fashion shopping.
By understanding the brand’s appeal, identifying high-value items, employing effective buying strategies, and utilizing the right resale platforms, you can maximize both your wardrobe and your potential financial returns.
Remember to stay informed, be proactive, and embrace the exciting world of resale fashion in 2025!
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to make savvy purchasing decisions and turn your love for COS into a profitable venture.
Happy shopping!
