Disclosure: Kids Closet Connection is a sponsor of San Antonio Mom Blogs.
Brittany Giddens and Rachel Brown are the new owners of the San Antonio area Kids Closet Connection, a consignment mega-sale that brings hundreds of families in San Antonio together to help consignors make money by selling their gently used children’s items and to help shoppers save money by offering a huge selection of gently used, name brand items. Their next sale is March 1-2.
How did you become business partners and get involved with Kids Closet Connection?
We’ve been friends for 12 years, and family since Rachel married Brittany’s brother in 2006. We’ve been “business partners” for years in ventures ranging from garage sales and flea markets to New Braunfels Market Days, so the transition to co-ownership of Kid’s Closet Connection was natural. We learned about consignment sales when Rachel was pregnant with her first baby. We had been looking for an opportunity to go into business for ourselves, and really felt that there is a strong need for this sort of business in San Antonio.
How is Kid’s Closet Connection different from other consignment sales and/or shops?
The best difference between us and consignment shops is that consignors name their own prices. And, because we don’t have the overhead expenses that a brick and mortar store has, we are able to keep the majority of the money in the consignor’s pocket! As far as the difference between us and other consignment sales, KCC consignors keep 70% of their earnings compared to 60% or 65% that other sales offer. We are also known for our outstanding organization and quick checkout lines.
How often will you have sales?
Our sales are twice a year, once in Spring season and once in the Fall season. This year, the Spring sale is March 1-2 and the Fall sale is September 27-28.
How do people consign items?
To become a consignor, simply visit our Kids Closet Connection website and click on “Sign Up Now to Sell.” You will fill out a short information sheet to register for a consignor number (this number and password stay the same so that you don’t have to do this process for future sales). Then you’re ready to start pricing. You will fill in a brief description of each item, the price, whether or not it should be marked 50% on Half Price Day, and whether or not you would like to donate the item to charity if it does not sell. Once all of your items are entered, you print your tags and attach them to your items. Then you’re ready for drop off. We set the sale up like a huge retail store so you don’t have to work the sale. In fact, if you choose to donate any unsold items, then this is your last step, besides taking your check to the bank.
What kinds of items will be for sale?
We accept anything related to children, from babies through teens, plus maternity. Big items are really popular, like strollers, bouncers, and furniture. Baby items also make up a big part of what we sell: diaper bags, nursing supplies, Boppy’s, bedding, etc. We sell outdoor play equipment, sporting goods, games, toys, and LOTS of great clothing. If it’s kid-friendly, we will probably have it.
Do you have any specials regarding the sale?
Yes! On Thursday evening, February 28, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., we welcome military families to shop before we open to the public on Friday, March 1. All you have to do is show your military ID for entry. Our Military pre-sale is very important to us. We feel it’s a very small way we can thank our local military community; however, we received a lot of feedback last season that not enough people knew about it. Please help us spread the word!
Also, non-military families can receive an early bird pass to shop one hour before the sale opens on Friday, March 1. Just sign up to receive the Kids Closet Connection e-newsletter. An email will go out the week of the sale with details on how you can get your early bird pass.
Why are consignment sales important?
As long as kids are growing and families need to save money, our consignment sale will be relevant. We like to think of it as recycling at its finest, and are so happy to be bringing this opportunity to our community to help consignors make money and shoppers save money while getting top quality items. We have already met so many fantastic people through our 2012 Fall sale. We look forward to the continued relationships as community partners. Please be sure to introduce yourself when you come to the sale, we can’t wait to meet you!
If you are interested in becoming more involved with Kid’s Closet Connection, we can always use volunteers. You can find more information about this on our webpage and by liking Kids Closet Connection on Facebook.
