Trying to keep your kids in clothes that are presentable, affordable, and actually fit can feel like a full time job. Between babies that seem to grow another inch every time you turn around to ten-year olds that seem to wear through the knees of their pants before they even put them on, the cost of kids clothes can easily take over the family budget. If you have friends and family that you can trade hand-me-downs with, then count yourself among the lucky few. For the rest of us, consignment shops offer the next best solution.
Unlike thrift shops that resell donated clothes, shoes and accessories, consignment shops offer the chance to make money and save money at the same time. By reselling your children’s gently used items at a consignment store, you can earn money for new clothes, toys, gear and accessories. You can then save money by finding the items you’re looking for at the same stores for prices that are much lower than original retail.
Of course, not all consignment shops are the same. So we’ve looked at some of the top shops in the Richmond area to bring you our favorite five. The following list was chosen based on:
- Organization of the shop (easy to find what you are looking for)
- Consignment system (how they resell items)
- Variety (sizes, brands, items other than clothes)
If you’re looking for ways to make your clothing budget just a little more manageable, then you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the opportunity to buy and sell top quality children’s items at any of these amazing shops.
Once Upon A Child RichmondFor our “Best of Richmond” lists, we do everything in our power to make sure that we look beyond national chains and franchises to uncover local Richmond gems. In doing so, we hope to support our local small businesses and help them garner the recognition they deserve. However, on occasion, we find that there are chain stores or restaurants that simply offer the best experience for the category we’re covering – and provide outstanding service and resources for the Richmond area. Such is the case with Once Upon A Child. This national chain can be found across the country with three locations in the Greater Richmond area (Colonial Heights, North Chesterfield and the West End). What earns them a spot on our list is the consistency they provide. You may not find as many high-end items here as you’ll find at some of our other favorites (not to say that you won’t find plenty), and you may not find the same intimacy as you would at a local boutique, but what you will find is consistent variety, value and availability. With three locations, you have more chances of finding what you want – and because they are so well known, you’ll find that many people use them as their go-to for consigning their own items, which translates to ever-changing variety and selection for you as a consumer.
Why we love them:
Once Upon A Child’s West End location was voted Best Children’s Clothing Store in the Greater Richmond area in Richmond.com’s 2016 Best Of Contest. If you’ve been there, you’ll see why. In fact, all of their locations, offer big, well-organized stores that make you feel like you’re shopping at a department store. This means that it’s easy to find everything you need to keep your infants, toddlers and big kids in quality new-to-them clothes and shoes – all the while, saving yourself a fortune on clothes, as well as baby equipment, toys, games, books and more.
How to Consign:
No appointment necessary. Just bring in your clean, sorted items and an appraiser will provide you with an estimate and payment for any accepted items on the spot. To ensure the best outcome and payment, you may want to call ahead to find out what the most wanted items are for the current season! Click here to learn more.
Contact:
West End
9127 W Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 346-5552
www.onceuponachildrichmondwestend.com
North Chesterfield
9770 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 272-2229
www.onceuponachildrichmondsouthside.com
Colonial Heights
52 Southgate Square
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 526-1333
www.onceuponachildcolonialheights.com
Elephants and Giraffes / FacebookElephants and Giraffes came about after Richmond mom, Julee Evans, began selling sample and consignment items at semi-annual sales. The response was so overwhelming that it became obvious just how many parents were looking for quality kids’ clothing without draining their bank accounts. After a few years and a few iterations, Elephants and Giraffes opened in the Westbury Pharmacy Shopping Center. Now, seven years later, this local boutique has become a favorite for both new and used children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. With new and used items available from Mud Pie, WubbaNub, Rare Editions, Lilly Pulitzer, Nookums, Zuccini and many, many more, Elephants and Giraffes is the ideal spot to find items for every day, special occasions or even gift giving. They even offer custom appliques, as well as a selection of smocked dresses, jumpers and shortalls. While they definitely keep their consignment clothing in the higher-end range, you can still find great bargains, incredible discounts and sales throughout the year. With a bright, open shop, items are easy to find, but should you need help, the staff is always ready with a smile and an answer.
Why we love them:
We love that Elephants and Giraffes also offers new items. As a busy parent, you don’t often have time to stop in three or four shops. One stop at Elephants and Giraffes allows you to find gifts for family or friends, play clothes for your own little ones and, maybe even that hard-to-find specialty item you’ve been looking for. Plus, with sales and specials throughout the month, the bargains are just too good to pass up. Be sure to visit them on Facebook to see their latest inventory and specials.
How to Consign:
Consignment drop-offs are currently by appointment only, but Elephants and Giraffes has made it easy with online scheduling. Make your appointment, then be sure to check out the detailed guidelines to ensure that your items meet the requirements. Once sold, you’ll receive 50% of the final sale price. Click here to learn more!
Contact:
8901 Three Chopt Rd Suite A-1
Richmond VA 23229
(804)859-5909
[email protected]
www.elephantsandgiraffes.com
3. Kid to Kid
Kid to Kid MidlothianKid to Kid is another national chain and like we’ve already mentioned, we prefer to include local shops on our lists. But these well known consignment shops are a mainstay for many Richmond area families – and we feel they deserve a spot in our Top Five. As a franchise, Kid to Kid is locally-owned with a location in Midlothian and a new location coming soon in Short Pump. It offers one-stop shopping for everyone from babies to big kids. Because they are a national organization, they uphold a certain standard for items that are accepted for resale. But because they are also committed to helping you both earn and save money, their prices are always fair. The end result is an incredible selection of high quality, gently used clothing, shoes, games, toys, accessories, strollers, Pack n’ Plays, bouncy seats, and so much more – all at extremely affordable rates that are a fraction of what you would pay for the same items new. Plus, their store is carefully laid out to make finding what you need easy.
Why we love them:
Like we said, we prefer to focus on locally owned shops. But in this case, we actually appreciate the standards and quality control that franchising brings to Kid to Kid. Because they have national brand standards, they hold their shops and inventory to high standards, which means you can trust the quality you’ll find. Likewise, they provide simple consignment standards that make it easy for you to earn a little extra cash by simply clearing the clutter in your own home!
How to Consign:
Bring your clean, sorted items in during store hours. Meet with an in-store buyer to see which items can be resold and receive your cash same day. If you prefer, you can receive 20% more for each item, by choosing to receive payment in the form of store credit. It really is that easy! Click here to learn more.
Contact:
Midlothian
4537 Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 763-0708
Short Pump
11740 W. Broad Street, Suite 105
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 290-0441
Mom2Mom Resale Boutique / FacebookAs Mom2Mom likes to say, they’ve got everything you need from the belly to the big kids. Featuring a shop packed with all of the essentials, Mom2Mom is a one-stop shop for maternity clothes, baby gear, nursery necessities and baby furniture – not to mention kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, books and more. You’ll find most items in like-new condition but at a fraction of the cost – this includes top names for strollers, baby furniture, bouncy seats and swings, as well as clothing. In fact, this is the kind of shop that makes you wonder why you would ever pay full price – for anything. To add to their appeal, Mom2Mom keeps their inventory neatly organized with entire rooms devoted to the various product categories. But what really sets them apart is their staff. Known for being exceptionally friendly and helpful, they’ll answer your questions, keep you from feeling overwhelmed and make sure you find what you need every time.
Why we love them:
You just can’t beat the value of Mom2Mom. Not only do they offer a wide selection of clothes for kids of every age, they offer variety as well. From play clothes to special occasion clothes, you’ll find what you need at a great price. However, they don’t stop there. Mom2Mom also offers incredible sales on a regular basis, including seasonal clearance sales, “fill a bag” sales, special events and more. Be sure to visit them on Facebook to see the latest specials and catch one of their frequent discount deals.
How to Consign:
Call Mom2Mom at (804) 737-2195 to find out the best times to drop items off and/or the consignment rates for product categories.
Contact:
49 W. Williamsburg Rd
Sandston, Virginia
(804) 737-2195
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/Mom2momresale/
1. Clover
Clover / FacebookSince opening their doors in 2010, Clover has been named one of the best children’s clothing stores in Richmond – and not just once, but every single year. Much of this praise is due to the quality of items found in this mom-owned and operated shop, not to mention the bright, boutique-atmosphere of their spacious Carytown location. Clover specializes in leading high-end brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Baby/Mini Boden, Vineyard Vines, Janie and Jack, LL Bean, Shrimp & Grits, and many others, but without the high-end price tags. The same discretion for quality extends to their shoes, accessories and pre-owned maternity clothes. And while you won’t find as many everyday play clothes as you might like to see, Clover has new selections coming in nearly every day, along with a healthy smattering of new, all-natural clothes, blankets and swaddles, as well as gifts and toys, so you definitely won’t lack for options. You can even rent cloth diapers or find new cloth diapers and supplies. The bottom line is that if you’re looking for specialty items or brands, special occasion outfits, or just like to indulge in high quality kids’ clothing without spending a fortune, then Clover is one shop you won’t want to miss.
Why we love them:
At Clover, you don’t have to sacrifice the feeling of shopping at a high-end boutique just because the clothes you’re buying are second-hand. Their stylish store has the flair and luxury of any Carytown boutique, along with the high-end brands to match. They even provide a children’s play area, so that you can get the most from your shopping experience.
How to Consign:
Clover accepts high-end clothing for kids and moms-to-be. Clothing must be in top condition and seasonal. Simply drop your items off and the Clover staff will price and display them for you and you’ll receive 40% of the total sale when your item is purchased. Clothing selections are based on condition, current trends and customer demand. Clover will also buy cloth diapers in like-new condition, with the option to choose 30% of the sale price in cash once items are sold, or to receive 50% of the price as store credit. Call (804) 355-3517 or click here to review Clover’s policies.
Contact:
3024 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA, 23221
(804) 355-3517
[email protected]
www.cloverkids.com
As always, we would love to hear about any hidden children’s consignment gems you might know of. If you have one that we’ve overlooked, let us know in the comments below or at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
