A growing number of manufacturers are sending their products to the residual market in a bid to hit sales targets during the recession, according to residual stock specialist Rowan International.

"A lot of well-known companies are highly leveraged, so are particularly looking at stock levels," said CEO Alan Saywell.

Companies were also using the residual market to reach new customers.

"Fifteen per cent of customers who buy discounted goods go on to buy the full-price version," he said. "Managing surplus stocks can introduce a brand to a whole new market."