Summer is coming - outfit your children for the playground at One Week Boutique, which opens Friday. (Photo by el clinto on flickr)
by Laura Weisskopf Bleill
Shopping at One Week Boutique can be, in a word, overwhelming for the first-time (or second or third) shopper. But it doesn’t have to be. The semiannual children’s mega-consignment sale taking place this weekend at the *former* Champaign Best Buy building can be a bargain hunter’s best friend.
Owner Donna Pepper reports that there will be more than 40,000 items at this spring’s sale, which opens to the public on Friday at 9 a.m. and continues on Saturday and Sunday, with a half-price sale on Monday. (For full hours, see below.)
Here are some strategies to help you make the most of the OWB shopping experience:
- Don’t carry a big purse. Bring a small backpack or wear something with pockets for your keys, phone and preferred payment method. You’ll want your arms free to shop and carry your purchases.
- Do bring: children’s Pull-Ups or new, unused Playtex & Avent bottles to be donated to the Crisis Nursery. (Donations are optional).
- Wear comfortable shoes. You might be there awhile!
- If you’re planning (or hoping) to buy a large item, make sure you have adequate transportation to take it home.
- OWB does have large bags for shopping in the building to help corral all your items. Take full bags to the Hold section to free up your hands.
- Make a list of basics your children need (plain t-shirts, socks, jean shorts, etc.) ahead of time. I know that I have some hand-me-downs for both kids, so I’m not sure what exactly they are lacking, so I’ll be sure to look. Also, it’s easier to look for the cute “extra” clothes, but if you have a list of basics then you don’t inadvertently skip them.
- Think about what your child really wears ahead of time. Is your daughter begging for dresses? Does your son love to swim and needs lots of swim trunks? This is the time to stock up.
- If you’re looking for shoes, measure your child’s foot from heel to toe before the sale. Bring measuring tape with you to sale then measure inside shoe at sale and you will have good idea if they will work. Or, trace around your child’s foot on cardboard, cut out and bring that to sale; you can stick that into a shoe to see if it will fit.
- Do one section at a time. If you are interested in new baby items, cross them off your list first before going to the clothes section.
- If you need help, ASK. The volunteers are often very knowledgeable about the merchandise on the floor.
- We’d love to hear your OWB shopping tips – please leave them in the comments below!
Later this week, we’ll hear from some longtime OWB shoppers, consignors and volunteers. Oh, and did you hear the news? Amy and Laura from chambanamoms.com will be at OWB – hope to see you then! Please stop by and say hello.
What: One Week Boutique
Where: 606 W. Anthony Drive in Champaign (former Best Buy building)
When: Opens to the public on Friday, April 9 at 9 a.m. Hours: Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday (half-price sale) 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How Much: $2 admission on Friday, April 9; free on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
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Very much agree that OWB can be overwhelming at first, but if you’re expecting that, it’s pretty simple to navigate. and they have e v e r y t h i n g .
I was put off that I brought my own reuseable shopping bags, only be told that I wasn’t allowed to use them. Yes, they provide their own roomy shopping bags, but you have give it back at checkout and take your things home in plastic bags.
Just a reminder that this awesome event can only happen with the help of volunteers! Individuals who sign up to volunteer before, during, or after the sale can earn a pass to one of the “Pre-Sales” and get first dibs at the best items! You do not have to be a consignor to volunteer. Check it out!
http://www.oneweekboutique.com/volunteers/index.php
Also, they’ve gone to a barcode system, so check out is much easier and faster now. Debit/credit card payments are accepted too.
One last thing… this sale isn’t just a huge “garage sale.” Although most merchandise is used, it’s typically in excellent condition. All clothing/shoes is inspected before it hits the sales floor. Anything with stains, tears, etc. is not accepted and given back to the consignor. Also, the OWB sale has EVERYTHING… for parents, relatives, educators, and more! I’m a teacher and frequent this sale every year to stock up on materials for my classroom. Books, games, puzzles, manipulatives, computer games, etc. New parents can often find diapers, formula, and any baby item imaginable. Last year, I purchased a practically new car seat for my nephew for considerably less than at the store. When people say the sale has EVERYTHING, they mean it!
If shopping with crowds isn’t your thing (like mine), I highly recommend stopping by Monday for the half price sale. I have found some GREAT items and the lines are much shorter!