| While many shoppers are addicted to the Walmart | | | | knowledge of how to maximize their buyer pool with |
| philosophy, savvy moms can discover new ways to | | | | the best keywords in their title. To find a real bargain, |
| purchase upscale, quality children's clothing at (or | | | | use a service that searches through people's |
| below) Walmart prices. | | | | misspelled titles: |
| The Outlet Mall | | | | Advantages: |
| The outlet malls present a selection of dozens of | | | | Convenient and time-saving |
| stores within one locale, drawing massive crowds to | | | | Shop from home |
| their discount prices. To view your local choices, do a | | | | Disadvantages |
| Google search for your state. | | | | You still pay shipping. |
| Advantages: | | | | You are at the mercy of the seller's description and |
| Numerous high-end stores in one location | | | | pictures, since you can't handle the clothes before |
| New clothing without defects | | | | buying. |
| Disadvantages: | | | | Budget: $-$$$ |
| Travel time and gas money to get to your local mall | | | | Local Consignment Stores |
| Amount of time necessary to search through | | | | Many a mom has thrilled over resale finds. Especially in |
| numerous stores | | | | today's uncertain economy, even the parents of the |
| Budget: $$-$$$ | | | | best-dressed kids often buy and sell clothing via the |
| Semi-annual Clearance Sales at Designer Stores | | | | consignment route. Search on for consignment within |
| If you are a good planner and have extra cash to | | | | your city for the best options. |
| buy clothes a season in advance, join the ranks of | | | | Advantages |
| thrifty moms who have made a science of catching | | | | Designer brands at 1/3 or less of the original cost |
| the end-of-season sales at Gymboree, Children's | | | | Disadvantages |
| Place, Gap, and high-end boutique stores. | | | | Most consignment stores aren't large enough to |
| Advantages: | | | | house a huge selection, so your search is limited. |
| New clothing at closeout prices | | | | Budget: $-$$$ |
| Disadvantages: | | | | Semi-annual Consignment Sales |
| Timing is everything. If you shop too soon, you miss | | | | The growing trend in giant resales conducted two |
| the better deals, but if you wait too long, you'll have | | | | times a year has spread across the country, with |
| no selection. | | | | good reason. These massive events draw hundreds |
| You still have to shop at stores in multiple locations. | | | | of consigners to a one-week event, providing an |
| Budget: $-$$$ | | | | unbelievable selection in each age-range, and often |
| Ebay Shopping | | | | including maternity clothes and baby furniture as well. |
| If time for shopping is an issue, you should consider | | | | To find one in your area, search online or browse |
| purchasing clothes online. If you go the ebay route; | | | | your local papers, as they're usually held in |
| however, there are several things to keep in mind. | | | | September and March. |
| First, hone your search to include exactly what | | | | Advantages |
| brands you're looking for, as well as the condition of | | | | Huge selection of designer brands at 1/8-1/3 of the |
| the clothing (new, excellent, average used condition). | | | | cost. |
| Secondly, if you have more time, search within the | | | | Get rid of your children's old clothes at the same |
| description as well, even though it will pull up more | | | | time to earn spending money for the new season! |
| items. Keep in mind that many ebay sellers are still | | | | Meet and have fun with other local moms. |
| inexperienced in the listing process, lacking the | | | | |