Ms. Cheap: Fall/Winter children’s consignment sales are the way to go for bargain

Aug 08, 2023

By Ivan Aronin | on August 03, 2023

Out with the old, and in with the new – or “like new.”

Or at least “new to you.”

Yes, the children’s consignment season is upon us with sales popping up all over Middle Tennessee, with thousands of gently used pieces of clothing, baby equipment, sports gear and toy items selling for a fraction of the original retail prices.

These sales, usually taking place for just a few days, are wonderful resources for bargain hunting parents and grandparents with new and growing kiddos. Some of the sales also sell adult clothing and home décor.

The Encores sale, which may be the biggest of all of the sales, is celebrating its 30th year in business. Said sale owner Russie Carter, whose mega-sale is coming up in Murfreesboro in mid-September, “Our favorite quote has always been ‘bringing down the cost of growing up.’ We also love to talk about the reduce, reuse, recycle aspect of consignment and we also always say, ‘find cash in your closets.’ ”

Natalie Dohanes, whose Hooked on Consignment sale has been going on for 12 years in Hendersonville, says her customers love finding bargains on everything from infant wear to books, shoes and fun items for kids of all ages.

“Over 3,000 guests come to shop over 75,000 items,” she said. “It’s the sale people look forward to every year and keep coming back for more,” she said, noting that her sale includes “baby and kids clothes, toys, shoes, books, baby equipment, outdoor equipment, a splash of women’s items and more.”

Here are dates and locations and contact information for some upcoming public fall/winter consignment sales in Middle Tennessee:

Aug. 15-17: Hooked on Consignment Sale, 162 Imperial Blvd. in Hendersonville. This sale, which is in its 12th year, usually has 75,000 items and features sizes infant through girls and boys 18. Details: hookedonconsignment.com

Aug. 23-25: Floods of Duds consignment sale, Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, 217 E. Main St. in Hendersonville. This sale, which has about 300 consignors, has been running for more than 20 years. Proceeds benefit the community and children’s ministries at this Methodist church. Details: Floodsofduds.com

Aug. 25-26: Brentwood United Methodist Kidsale, 309 Franklin Rd. The sale, which expects about 300 consignors, raises money for the church’s missions, which include Room in the Inn and Harvest Hands. Details: Bumckidsale.net

Sept. 1-2: Little Sprouts Sale, Liberty Hall at the Factory, 230 Franklin Rd. in Franklin. The sale has more than 500 consignors and an estimated 75,000 items. This sale, which also offers a ticketed presale ($5-$29) has been taking place since 2008. Details: littlespoutssale.com

Sept. 8-10: Reruns Are Fun sale, Williamson County Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane in Franklin. This sale has been taking place since 1990, with all categories of children’s clothing, toys and equipment being offered. The public sale is free, but there is a Sept. 7 ticketed presale if you want to pay to shop early. Details: Rerunsarefunsale.com.

Sept. 13-17: Encores South Consignment, Middle Tennessee Expo Center, 1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd. in Murfreesboro. This sale is in its 30th year and usually has more than 500 consignors who contribute more than 100,000 items for infants through teens and maternity. And again, this season, the children’s sale is combined with the Adult Clothing and Home Décor sale.

Encores has a “Dollar Dash” at the end, with all items that are left priced at $1, with a portion of those proceeds going to local charities. The remaining items are donated to ThriftSmart. Details: www.encoresconsignmentsouth.com/

Sept. 25-26: Otter Creek Church’s spring/summer children’s consignment sale, 409 Franklin Rd. The sale takes place in the gym takes place in the gym with more than 300 consignors. Proceeds support youth ministries and child related charities. Details: www.ottercreeksale.com/

Sept. 28-30: Oak Hill School’s Children’s Consignment Sale, Oak Hill School Enrichment Center, 4815 Franklin Rd. The sale has about 300 consignors and features newborn through juniors apparel. It also has furniture and equipment as well as a housewares and home décor section, The sale has been going on for 40 years. Details: oakhillschool.org/consignment

Sept. 29-Nov. 4: Ladies of Charity Fall/Winter Consignment Sale, Ladies of Charity Shop, 2216 State St. This is not a children’s item sale but it features consigned and donated men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. The six-week sale takes place at the Ladies of Charity shop and is open Mondays through Saturdays during the sale. Details: www.ladiesofcharitynashville.org/thrift-sale or call (6125) 327-3453.

Tips for savvy consignment shoppers

Check the sales’ websites for sale hours and other details and to find out how to get an early shopping pass. Most of the sales offer this perk to volunteer workers, consignors, grandmothers, new moms, and first responders and some sell presale tickets for early shopping privileges.

Shop early on the first day of the sale for the best selection, or the last day for best prices because most of the sales offer a half price day at the end of the sale. Be aware that the first public day of most of these sales is pretty hectic and some of the sales discourage shoppers from bringing children with them.

Some of these sales can be overwhelming, so preparation can make it easier. Before you go, make a list of things to look for: think ahead for fall/winter items like Halloween costumes, holiday wear, and maybe stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts.

Know that in most cases the consignors price their own items so if you see several duplicate items, the prices might be very different. Consignors typically get 70 percent of the proceeds, with the sale organizers getting the other 30 percent. (If you are considering consigning in the future, it is good to ask about the split because some sales have a 60/40 split.)

Bring a shopping bag or laundry basket or rolling cart (or even a wagon) to carry items you are considering buying as you continue to shop.

Bring cash. Most of the sales accept debit and credit cards but some have an upcharge if you use credit cards. Some of the sales do not accept checks. Cash always works.

Know sizes before you go. Some savvy shoppers even take their children’s measurements (inseams, pants length) along with a tape measure to the sales because sometimes sizes vary by brand.

Inspect all items to be sure they are in good shape, (zippers work, no stains or other flaws) before you pay because all sales are final at most of these sales. The websites almost all say, “please inspect items prior to purchasing.”

Become a volunteer to gain access to presales.

Go back on half-price days to see what kind of great deals are still available.

Enjoy the savings! Stay cheap!

Mary Hance, who has four decades of journalism experience in the Nashville area, writes a weekly Ms. Cheap column. She also appears on Thursdays on Talk of the Town on NewsChannel5. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook as Facebook.com/mscheap

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