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[title]Parents already familiar with the consignment-sale scene know the rules: Show up early for the best finds, show up late for the best bargains, bring a laundry basket to tote your haul, and leave your stroller at home. Here’s a sampling of consignment sales that are about to sprout up in the Chicago area.
Rhea Lana’s Consignment Sale Event
This April 15–19 consignment sale, which takes place every fall and spring, lets parents buy and sell gently-used, high-quality gear and clothing. Among the popular brands that frequently turn up are Gymboree, Hollister, American Eagle, Gap, Baby Lulu, Polo and more. The weeklong sale, presented by national consignment-service chain Rhea Lana, also features a nice selection of shoes, toys, books, DVDs, baby stuff and maternity clothes. Parents interested in selling kiddie accoutrements can enter their items into Rhea’s online system, prepare and price them, and take home 70 percent of what they rake in. Volunteers and consignors get first dibs at a pre-sale event. April 15–19. Sun 9am–6pm, Mon 10am–9pm, Tue 10am–4pm; free admission and parking. Villa Oaks Shopping Center (218 W Roosevelt Rd, Villa Park; 630-728-5255, rhealana.com).
Bugaboo Children's Consignment Sale
This popular, locally-run sale has a seasonal focus, offering tons of spring clothing as well as gear. The two-day event, which runs April 20–21, also offers parents of sprouting wee ones the chance to buy or unload gently used toys, books, video games and sports equipment. For sellers, there’s no need to man a table: Clothes may be dropped off, pricing and tracking can be done online, and a check for 65 percent of your total sales will arrive in the mail (80 percent for volunteers). Vendors also get passes to a pre-sale event. See website for accepted items, as well as details on buying and selling. April 20–21. Fri 10am–7pm; Sat 10am–3pm; free admission. Kendall County Fairgrounds (Route 71 and Highpoint Rd, Yorkville; bugabooconsign.com).
Babies Tots n' More
This twice-yearly upscale sale combines quality consignment items alongside new boutique overstock gear. Held April 20–21 in Old Town, the sale features affordable clothes and gear for the whole brood, from babies to kids size 16. Maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, games and baby equipment such as strollers, cribs, play stations and high chairs are also in the mix. Sellers keep 65–70 percent of profits. Strollers and kids under age 12 are not allowed into the pre-sale. April 20–21. Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 8:30am–1pm; free admission. Daystar School (1550 S State St (enter at 16th and Dearborn St), Chicago; babiestotsconsignment.com).