Until you had kids you didn’t really know that they actually grow like weeds. Your little seedlings can sprout up overnight making it hard to keep up with everything from soccer shoes to tutus. Buying and selling secondhand is a smart way to save money while they grow. Here’s the deal on five consignment shops ITP, and what they buy and sell.
Tater Tots
The bargains: Tucked away off 17th Street near Atlantic Station, Tater Tots boasts 4,800 square feet of kids’ loot. Flanking the entrance are dozens of strollers, bikes and outdoor toys. Once inside, you’ll find circular racks of brand-name clothes sized 0-10 (with a few 12 and 14s) and a nice selection of shoes. Delving further into the storehouse, you’ll find three more rooms dedicated to baby gear (swings, car seats, high chairs, etc.); toys, books and videos; and upscale cribs, bedding and heirloom clothing. This place pretty much has it all, sans maternity clothes. But be forewarned: with the overwhelming amount of toys they boast, if you bring your kids along to shop, you may have a hard time getting them to leave!
What you’ll score: Toys by the truckload and traditional togs
How to consign: Drop-ins are welcome, however it is recommended you call first to ask if they are taking new items, and what season for clothing. The consignor receives 50 percent of the tag price, less tax.
433 Bishop Street NW
Phone: 404-817-9393
Hours: Tue – Fri 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Rhubarb & Custard
The bargains: Conveniently located in Buckhead near East Andrews Drive, Rhubarb & Custard offers kids clothing sized 0-14, accessories and shoes; maternity clothing; as well as a sprinkling of gear, toys/books and decor. In an effort to please all price points, their clothing ranges from “new-with-tags Target brand to Janie and Jack to Burberry and smocked,” says owner Louise Boyce-Nyberg. The store also offers a selection of new, locally-designed gift items such as bows, art and puzzles.
What you’ll score: Loads of Lilly (Pulitzer) and smocked stuff
How to consign: Please call for an appointment. Their motto is “cute and clean” when it comes to clothing, and items should be less than three years old. Consignors receive 40 percent of the selling price. Gear and furniture are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
3265 Roswell Road NE
Phone: 404-474-9860
Hours: Mon – Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am – 5pm
Sweet Repeats
The bargains: This 30-year-old Buckhead establishment specializes in children’s and maternity clothing and shoes. A few strollers can be found scattered throughout the store, amongst the sprawling racks of clothing, sized 0-16 for girls and 0-20 for boys. Monogramming is also offered onsite; choose from bibs and bloomers or bring in your own items.
What you’ll score: Sweet southern smocked stuff and a boatload of bows
How to consign: Please call for an appointment. Spring/summer items are accepted from January through June while fall/winter items are from July through December. Items must be freshly laundered, in bags or boxes (no hangers), and under two years old. Forty percent of the selling price will be paid to the consignor.
800 Miami Circle
Phone: 404-261-7519
Hours: Mon – Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Baby Love
The bargains: Brace yourself, this place is much more than a consignment shop. Grant Park mom and owner Lauren Hise opened the consignment and gift boutique in order to give local parents a one-stop resource for all things child-related. In addition to consigned clothing, toys and gear and maternity clothing, the space houses a 700-square-foot studio with classes, camps and special event rental. A large variety of retail items are offered (they have a great selection of carriers and slings) and even a registry.
What you’ll score: Toys and gear galore plus good-condition gear like cloth diapers
How to consign: Summer clothing is accepted January through June and winter clothing July through December. Appointments are necessary for clothing and shoes, however gear and toys can be dropped off. The consignor receives 40 percent of the sale price, and in some cases toys will be bought outright at 30 percent cash. Note: Baby Love accepts clothing sized 0-5 while their sister store, Boomerang (located in the same shopping complex), takes clothing sized 6 up to women’s.
465 Boulevard Ave. SE, Ste. #101
Phone: 404-590-1380
Hours: Tues – Sat 11am – 6pm, Sun 2pm – 6pm
Jack and Jill
The bargains: In 2000, Lisa Doesburg, a former chef seeking to have her second child, bought this Avondale Estates business. Baby gear, furniture, toys and maternity clothes can be found throughout the shop in addition to a more casual stock of kids clothes sized 0-16.
What you’ll score: Books, DVDs and furniture as well as clothes
How to consign: Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 4:30pm, drop-ins are welcome. Appointments must be made on Saturdays. Items must be in a box, bin or basket. Outright cash or store-credit offers are made at the end of the appointment. They accept spring/summer clothing from February through June, and fall/winter clothing from August through December.
88 North Avondale Road
Phone: 404-508-0611
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm, Thursdays until 7:00pm
Where do you swap out your stuff? Tell us below!
–Anna Cate Little and Phebe Wahl
Photo courtesy of Tater Tots via Facebook, Rhubarb and Custard via Facebook, Sweet Repeats via Facebook, Baby Love and Jack and Jill Cosignment via Facebook
