It’s that time of year again. The new school year is right around the corner and you are probably getting ready to do some back to school shopping. This year, why not combine getting rid of some clothes that no longer fit your growing child with shopping for the upcoming school year?
Resale and consignment shops are a growing trend, especially in the past few years, and are more popular than ever. They are popping up all over Southwest Florida and can help you clean out your child’s closet and set them up with a fresh wardrobe.
WEED OUT THE OLD
The first step is to go through your children’s closets and drawers and see what may not fit or what you no longer want to keep. Make sure the items are clean, free from stains, don’t have any holes or rips and aren’t too worn. If you’re missing buttons, parts, laces and pieces, it’s best to just donate instead.
Items don’t have to be perfectly ironed but they will certainly show better if they are free of major wrinkles. Putting things on a hangar and giving them a blast of Downey Wrinkle Release will make them much more presentable plus they’ll smell fresh and clean. Once they are dry, fold neatly and group by size and type of clothing to make the sale organized and quick.
AT THE STORE
A store employee will generally go through your items while you wait. That gives you some time to do a little shopping of your own. It helps to be organized and have a list with you. It’s also easier to shop without your kids if possible. If you have a checklist with sizes and needed items you can broswe quickly and choose items that you know are needed. It also helps to be open to surprises! You may not be shopping for a holiday dress in August but if you see one that is in perfect shape and fits your budget, now is the time to buy. It won’t be there when you’re ready for it, that’s for sure.
A GROWING TREND
The general manager at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store in Naples, Shana Smith, says: “The owner, Cheryl, was a working mom and saw the need here in Naples. She thought it would be great to start a business with a unique and loyal family atmosphere.”
Twinkle Twinkle filled another niche by offering products for grandparents including rentals for those visits from grandchildren.
“We offer resale, as well as rentals year round. We thought this would be especially helpful for the grandparent population around here. They can rent the items for when their grandchildren visit, we set them up, and come and pick the items back up when they’re done.”
Resale shopping continues to be a growing trend in Southwest Florida and it seems to be a trend that will continue. Your time and money is put to good use and it’s a cycle that everyone can benefit from!
Naples-Area Resale Shops
- Once Upon A Child, 13560 Tamiami Trail N. #4, Naples, 239-596-6096, onceuponachild.com
- Plato’s Closet, 5369 Airport-Pulling Rd., 239-513-0134, platoscloset.com
- True Fashionistas, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. #178, Naples, 239-596-5044, truefashionistas.com
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, 4172 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, 239-262-5904, twinkletwinklelittlestore.com
- Guadalupe Center Resale Shop, 12980 Tamiami Trl N. Unit #10, Naples, 239-594-2696, guadalupecenter.org