End-of-Season Sales: The Garden Furniture They’re Desperate to Get Rid Of
What gets dumped and why
The first autumn chill hits, and suddenly your inbox is flooded:
“FINAL CLEARANCE – Up to 70% Off Garden Lounge Sets!”
Sounds like the bargain of the year, right?
Not so fast.
Those “too good to miss” deals often hide the outdoor furniture that retailers are most desperate to unload—sets that didn’t sell for a reason.
Why Retailers Slash Prices After Summer
Garden furniture is huge and seasonal. Warehouses need space for Christmas stock and next year’s designs. Unsold patio sets are dead weight, so they often get marked down hard.
But not everything goes on clearance. Retailers target specific pieces that cost them the most to keep.
Discontinued Designs
Next spring’s catalogues are already printed. For many trend-led retailers anything from the old range—especially last year’s colour trends (remember that sage green moment?)—has to go.
Odd-coloured cushions less common shades that weren't so popular
Last season’s weave patterns that don’t match new accessories
Awkward shapes Extra large or particularly small sets that don't fit most patios
If you don’t care about matching the coming year’s trends, these can be decent buys—just remember replacement parts may be hard to come by!
Weathered or Sun-Faded Stock
If you're shopping from a retailer with a physical store or showroom you may notice ex-display sets being sold for a heavy discount. Just remember, these sets have lived outside all season and consequently, there's a few things you need to be mindful of:
Cushions slightly bleached by UV light
Frames with hairline rust spots
Wood that’s already dry and thirsty
Retailers call it “open-box” or “ex-display,” but in some cases you may be taking on hidden wear and tear.
Cheap Designs That Didn’t Sell
Some budget lounge sets look great online but disappoint in person. When customers pass them over all summer, the only way to shift them is a fire-sale price.
Watch for:
Low-density cushions already flattening
Thin metal frames prone to wobble or rust
Low Quality Synthetic rattan that feels plasticky and brittle
These were never a bargain, even at 70% off.
Sizes No One Wants
Retailers often over-order corner units, giant daybeds, or dining sets that seat twelve.
By autumn, they’re desperate to clear bulky stock that few patios can accommodate.
If you have the space, you can score a deal—but make sure to measure twice to avoid costly return shipping.
The Hidden Costs of “Clearance"
Before you celebrate that big discount, don't forget to read the fine print:
Warranty exclusions: If you're buying an end-of-line items you want to make sure the same standard warranty still applies.
Delivery surcharges: Buying a generously sized garden furniture set?Heavier or oversized items often cost more to ship.
No returns: Final-sale means you own it, flaws and all.
So, How Do You Hunt Smart in End-of-Season Sales?
|t's certainly not impossible to score a bargain in an end-of-season sale, but here are the things you need to keep in mind:
Inspect in person if you're buying in a physical store and can see the product beforehand, don't forget to check frame joints, cushion density, and weave quality.
Check the returns policy —Make sure you can return your furniture if you do change your mind (or make sure your mind is made up before you buy).
Check the warranty: Ensure you’re not buying “as-is” unless the price justifies it.
Ask about next-year parts: Replacement cushions or modules may be impossible to find if a design is being discontinued. This is something worth keeping in mind before you buy.
FAQs
Are end-of-season sales ever worth it?
Yes—if you know what you’re buying and the quality is solid. Genuine teak or high-grade aluminium sets can be great value.
Best time to buy garden furniture?
Late September through October, when warehouses need space but before stock is completely picked over. Alternatively, early spring, so you're primed and ready as soon as the first signs of summer start to creep in.
What’s a red flag?
Deep discounts on trendy colours or super-bulky pieces with “no returns” policies.
Bottom Line
End-of-season garden furniture sales aren’t acts of generosity—they’re often a storage management solution.
Retailers slash prices on:
Discontinued styles
Ex-display sets
Cheap unwanted designs
Oversized stock
...to name but a few
If you shop smart, you can land a quality garden lounge set for less. But if you skip the research and fine print, you may just inherit next summer’s headaches.
