Michelle Martinez
a year ago
I will not be supporting this business anymore, and will instead drive a little further to a certain Hillsdale consignment store that is ethical, clean, and ACTUALLY helps the community.
I was a fan of this store initially, as I had found some good deals. The last few times I have gone, the prices have been ridiculous! $40 for a donated jacket in very used condition?? $35 for used (and very dirty) baby bogs? This isn’t the first time I’ve seen ridiculous prices, but I just felt they are price gouging.
My mom also went with me and had a bad experience where the person at the front priced a puppet for $10 when my mom mentioned the item didn’t have a tag. My mom decided to buy it. Then the owner (I assume, blonde curly hair lady with glasses) rang her up and charged $40!! My mom left it.
Even though I already had a bad taste in my mouth about this place, I decided to try one of their events. I have two kids, so I paid $40 to sit in a VERY crowded room to hold bunnies for 10 minutes. I wish I would’ve timed it. The initial description of the event said there would be pastries, coffee, juice, fruit, etc. Well, the first session must’ve finished all the food because there wasn’t much left for us after our session. It was ridiculously disappointing and not even half worth the price.
I like the concept of this second hand children's shop. You bring in a bag of donated children's items and receive $5 store credit. When I started going to Village Kids a few years ago, prices were reasonable for used items and a portion of your purchase went to one of three charities of your choice.
I now go less frequently given the toys and clothing are largely overpriced. For instance, I have purchased new sale items from Hanna Andersson online that were cheaper than moderate condition Hanna Andersson items at Village Kids. I have seen nike soccer shoes for almost $30, just a few dollars less than new. Inventory is bursting such that being in the shop is overwhelming, yet the prices are not reasonable (esp. for the condition) such that the items are not an incentive for me to stay and look around.
I have also found great deals before. Two winters ago, select pajamas were on sale for $4 a set, and I purchased several pieces in great condition. I don't know if deals like this continue as the prices for the quality of items have been too high for me to return with any frequency.
If the prices came down, I assume there would be a lot more turnover of inventory such that the shop would profit more and patrons could benefit more. I am a big advocate of reusing and recycling and secondhand and consignment shops. This shop, for me, used to be my go-to, but the prices now seem prohibitive for many who could really benefit from the concept.
Elisabeth Adkins
2 years ago
Very disappointed in this shop. I was really excited to discover it because I assumed it was a consignment store and as a consumer I like to support businesses that connect and support their community. I also like to shop sustainably. I was willing to pay close to retail thinking families with children were getting a cut. But when I went in today to ask when they do consignment buying the gal at the counter said they are donation based. What!? What a huge profit margin!? I feel robbed and will not be shopping there again. As a community member and a mother I expect more from a children’s clothing small shop. At the very least cut your prices in half and give people a damn break on your free inventory hustle.
Caitlyn Vegas
3 years ago
I went here because we want to reduce our carbon footprint and would like to reuse items to reduce overall waste we are creating from raising small children.
This store accepts clothing and toy donations from families with small children and sells it for premium profit.
An undisclosed percentage of total sales goes towards an animal shelter in the Philippines. It’s not a 1:1 giving model for charities. I’m not sure that this store benefits local children or the local community (other than donating donated items that have been donated to the shop for free to discard them).
For example: footed pajamas/onesies on SALE are listed for $7, non-sale $10. These are Carter’s pajamas that usually are sold $17 for a 2 pack at target. Every toy is listed around $14, regardless of wear. Amazon sells most of the items for equitable prices to what they’re listed at here, or less. If the goal is to save items from hitting the landfill, I would expect the prices to be reasonable for families with young children to purchase for re-use. Given the shop’s location, I assume the items are much cheaper than other designer stores in the area and perhaps that’s how it remains in business with its current business model.
I think Goodwill might be a better stop since they employ folks who have difficulties being hired otherwise, driving employment in addition to being a non-profit.
I love this shop! It’s super well-kept, clean and organized and the woman who works there is always so helpful and kind. The clothes are washed and steamed before going out on the floor, which is pretty unusual for secondhand shops. The prices can’t be beat and you support a local charity of your choice with each purchase. Pretty amazing model for a kids clothing shop.
