I've never been able to fork over a large amount of money for my children's everyday clothes (even when I buy the pricey stuff for holidays, family photos, etc. all I can think of is all the snot and dirt and fruit juice that will be adorning it in a matter of minutes) so I always shop consignment stores when I can. I love that I can find quality clothes for less, and I'm not above being on the receiving end of someone's recycling of their children's adorable clothes.
We recently moved to Slidell from NOLA and I was thrilled to see Itsy Bitsy Closet just minutes from our house. The first Saturday I had some time, I went to check it out. What a disappointment!
The employees were nice, greeting us and asking if we needed help (in-between their smoke breaks outside) and the store was pretty tidy and smelled clean...yada yada yada. (There's your two stars. Right there.)
Then I looked at some of the clothes...and the price tags attached to those clothes. Whaaaaa???! Why in the world would I buy a used GAP hoodie originally sold in 2008 for $12.99?! It's a hoodie...it's used...and it's from GAP! Not Phillip Lim or Fendi!
I made the mistake of strolling over to the baby equipment and toys....and was even more appalled at what they wanted for these things. Why would I buy a used playmat for $30 when I can walk into Target and get the exact same one (and a few years younger, at that) for $4 more?! It just doesn't make sense to me.
If places like this would realize that lowering their prices would up their sales tremendously, (therefore increasing their gross in the long run) they might be able to remain in business. I will easily drop $250 in a second hand consignment store if it means I leave there with a whole season's worth of clothing for both of my children. I wouldn't get close to that in this place. I get that they have to make their money after the consigners get their share, but seriously? A used Faded Glory outfit from Wal Mart for $9.99? No thank you.
Don't be ridiculous, and don't be greedy. I'm much better off just sticking to the end-of-season sales racks and sticking them in the closet until next year.
I won't be back.
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