Dressing Kids For Le$$: Finding Deals at Local Consignment Shops

By Kellie Carrara
 
At the rate kids grow, it’s hard to financially swallow investing in entire wardrobes every four-to-six months.


That's why more and more parents are shopping at consignment stores when the time comes to refresh their childrens' closet and move up to the next size.


Ann Marie Donovan of Franklin learned just how far a dollar would go early in life and passed her bargain-hunting skills onto her six children.


As a young mother, she loved the clothing mall department stores carried, but they were well out of her budget since she was buying for so many.


"Consignment shops are God's gift to families. Having a large family you have to find ways of stretching the dollar. Boy could we stretch it," she said.

 
"I would check out thrift stores and consignment shops, flea markets and yard sales. I usually could find similar items for a fraction of the cost. Most of the children's clothing was gently used and plentiful. And I never had to drive too far to find some great deals."

 
Some of her favorite finds were nearly new shoes, the best being shoes still in their original boxes. She once bought all six of her children "new" shoes for a total of $20.


"I loved the hunt and was giddy with the savings. I used to keep track of what I spent and what I saved. The saved column was always so much greater. I especially loved the shops that offered baby equipment and toys. I seemed to always be in need of new carriages," she said.


"When I opened my day care (Children's Garden in Franklin) I was able to purchase a lot of the toys at consignment shops and second-hand stores. Some stores got to know me well enough to put things aside. I would get a call and they would let me know what just came in."


Jacqueline Cardinale, owner of Beanstalk Consignment Company in Hingham, offers her customers just that--the ability to create a wish list, either at the store or online at beanstalkconsignment.com.


Her higher-end offerings span from maternity wear to children’s and juniors clothing to gently used toys and equipment. She recently added a women’s section and also sells new, unique handmade and hand-painted items like hair accessories and specialty furniture.


Some of her most popular clothing brands for children are Gymboree (a staple brand), Hannah Anderson, Mini Boden, Lilly Pulitzer and Baby Lulu. For juniors, she offers a variety of American Eagle, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch. She also carries a lot of European brands.

 
"My customers are willing to spend money...they're smart shoppers, but on a budget."


As far as equipment and toys go, she sells items two-years old or newer, since styles and regulations change so frequently.


Cardinale is very particular about what she buys and has certain guidelines for those who sell to her.


"People want what is out there now–they just don't want to pay the price, so I have to be specific. I keep up with the styles and really, I have enough to satisfy every customer," she said. "I have people that come in and check once or twice a week, just to see what I'm getting."


Her two-story location is easy to shop, and to the comfort of many, offers a playroom for the children.


She prices items on a markdown system lasting 75 days that's quite simple: her original price is half of what the item would sell at full retail, in 30 days she marks the item down 25 percent, in another 30 days the item is 25 percent less than that.


If items do not sell, the original consignor may retrieve the item, or Cardinale will either try to re-sell or donate it.


She admits that consignors will probably not "get rich" consigning, but it is a way to profit--even a little–from the little ones' outgrown clothing that's still in great condition.

While most children’s consignment stores operate on a markdown system like Cardinale's, The Children’s Orchard buys items outright and pays cash. The popular chain, which boasts over 100 U.S. stores with 11 locations in the greater Boston area sells clothing, toys and equipment.

 
Rebecca Marcoux, mother of Joshua, 3 and Ryan, 1, of Foxboro has shopped many consignment stores and admitted that it takes some digging, but there are treasures to be found.
 

“I did get a steal at a store in Brookline (Children’s Orchard, 807 Boylston Street)–the sit-and-stand double stroller at half-price and in A+ condition,” she said.

“It was great last summer when I was home on maternity leave and had both kids to haul around the mall - plus, the seat part works great for shopping bags if you can get the big kid to walk!"


But one complaint about the The Children’s Orchard outright buy is that staff is very picky, and stingy when it comes to offering up the cash.


"At least it's something," one mother said. And she was able to clear out more space in her daughter's closet.


But overall, great designer pieces only worn a few times are out there, for literally half the price.


"I believe more people are shopping the thrift stores and shops these days more than ever," Donovan added.
"I'm always so impressed when someone tells me, 'Oh I only paid $3 for this'."

 

 
Mirabella, at age 9 months, in a Minnie Lilly Pulitzer shift dress found at the Beanstalk Consignment Company in Hingham–new with tags for about $20. Original retail was $68.

  







How To Prepare To Sell

Out with the old, in with the new–getting ready to get rid of your gently used maternity and children’s clothing takes a bit of time, but the payoff could be big.
 
Many shops have specific guidelines for sellers, but the general rules are:
 
• Carefully go through and edit clothing you intend to consign
• All clothing should be washed and stain-free
• Sort clothing by size
• Neatly fold clothing or place on hangers
• Non-clothing items should be clean, in good working condition and meet current safety standards
• Call the store you intend to consign to and set up an appointment for review of your items
• Be sure you know the store’s buyout policy–some shop’s give cash, store credit or pay when your item sells.
• Ask what the store does with items that don’t sell–some offer them back to you, others will donate to charitable organizations.
 
Contact the store you plan to consign to for their specific policy.

 
Consignment stores around the Hub

Auntie Erl's Resale Shop
119 Great Road, Bedford
(781) 275-1093
 
Beanstalk Consignment Company
78 R South Street, Hingham Square
(781) 740-8135
 
The Children’s Corner
299 Newton Street (corner of High St.), Waltham
(781) 894-6468
 
The Children’s Orchard
Billerica
446 Boston Street    
(978) 671-0008
            
Brookline
807 Boylston Street
(617) 277-3006
            
Danvers
139 Endicott Street
(978) 777-3355  
      
Framingham
861 Edgell Road
(508) 788-0072        
 
Hyannis
65 Independence Way #1
(508) 775-4121        
 
Milford
196 E. Main Street
(508) 473-3383        
            
Newburyport            
1 Merrymac Street
(978) 462-KIDS                  
 
Norwood       
1001 Providence Highway
(781) 769-4388        
 
Rowley          
225 Newburyport Turnpike
(978) 948-6600        
 
Seekonk        
20 Commerce Way, Rt. 6
(508) 336-7757        
 
Westboro
18 Lyman Street
(508) 366-KIDS
            
Kid To Kid
42 Worcester Road (Rte. 9), Natick
(508) 650-4001
 
Liena’s Children’s Resale Clothing
45 B Church Street, Winchester
(781) 721-2210
 
Pink Dolly
8 Medford Street, Arlington
(781) 646.7811
 
Susie's Selections Consignment Shop
Corner of Rt 18 and Highland Rd., Abington
(781) 871-3886
 
Teresina's
41 Main Street, Maynard
(978) 897-3914
 
Online
Worn But Not Forgotten Online Children's Resale Shop
Pickup available upon request.
Danvers
(978) 774-7742
 
Locations listed and recommended by Bostoncentral.com–The Center for Boston Area Families, but there are many more local stores in the area.

Kellie Carrara is always looking for designer bargains to dress her three-year-old diva in. She is a freelance writer, living in Franklin.