A brand or size to be closed out shall have been in a wholesaler’s inventory for a period of at least one year before any application for a closeout sale is made to the department, and shall have first been offered at the closeout price to a Connecticut wholesaler authorized to sell the brand or size. Before an application is made, the wholesaler to whom the offer is made shall have notified the vendor of the brand or size, in writing, of his intention to purchase or refuse to purchase such brand or size. After the offer, items approved by the department for closeout below cost shall then be delivered to the purchasing wholesaler or shall be advertised in a trade publication having circulation among retail permittees, as appropriate. No purchase of a closed out brand or size shall be made by the wholesaler for two years after the effective date of any authorized sale below cost.