KIDz City (formerly MOMMY CITY) is the LARGEST baby & kids consignment event every Spring and Fall in Rochester, NY. It is your chance to buy &/or sell baby and kids clothes, baby gear, toys, and much more!
PANORAMA PLAZA - PENFIELD
FRIDAY, APRIL 4 - 10AM - 8PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 5 - 10AM - 6PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 6 - 10AM - 2PM
Tips for Shopping at a Mommy & Kids Consumer Sale
Shopping at a mommy and kids consignment sale is a fantastic way to score great deals on children’s clothing, toys, gear, and more. These sales, often held seasonally, bring together gently used or new items at a fraction of their original cost. But with so much to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you’re a first-time shopper or a seasoned pro, here are some expert tips to help you make the most of your shopping experience!
1. Arrive Early (or Go Late!)
- Early Birds: Get there early to snag the best deals, especially if you’re on the hunt for popular or big-ticket items like strollers, cribs, or highchairs. Early access sometimes requires a ticket, but it’s often worth it.
- Late Shoppers: Many sellers offer discounts toward the end of the sale, so if you're looking to score even better deals, shop later. You might miss out on the best selection, but the price drops can be worth it.
2. Come Prepared with a Shopping List
- Know exactly what you need before you walk in. Kids grow quickly, so check your children’s sizes, make a list of upcoming needs (seasonal clothing, shoes, sports gear), and identify must-have items like baby equipment or educational toys.
- Pro Tip: Have back-up options in case your top choices aren’t available.
3. Bring a Reusable Shopping Bag or Cart
- Many sales won’t provide bags, and you’ll be juggling lots of items—so bring a large reusable shopping bag or even a small rolling cart to hold all your finds. This will keep your hands free for more browsing!
4. Check for Quality and Condition
- While most items at these sales are in good condition, it’s still important to inspect them carefully. Check clothing for stains, tears, or excessive wear. For toys and gear, make sure all parts are included and that the items meet current safety standards (especially for cribs and car seats).
- Pro Tip: Bring a phone with internet access to quickly look up recall information or safety guidelines for specific items.
5. Be Open to Sizing Up
- Kids grow fast, so think ahead and grab clothes that are a size or two bigger than your child currently wears. You’ll be grateful to have them ready when that next growth spurt hits.
- Look for seasonal deals—like winter coats or summer sandals—that may not be needed immediately but will come in handy down the road.
6. Dress for Success
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You’ll likely be standing and walking for a while, and the space can get crowded. If you plan on trying on any gear or carrying large items, dressing comfortably will make the whole experience easier.
7. Bring Cash and a Budget
- While most sales accept cards, cash is often quicker and helps you stick to a budget. Set a spending limit before you arrive to avoid impulse buys and be prepared for any cash-only booths or sellers.
- Pro Tip: Some sales offer bundle pricing or discounts for bulk purchases, so having cash on hand could get you an even better deal.
8. Consider Shopping with Friends
- Make it a fun outing! Shopping with a fellow mom friend can make the experience more enjoyable. You can split up to cover more ground, keep an eye on each other’s kids, and share great finds. Plus, you can swap items if you come across something perfect for their child!
9. Take Advantage of Vendor Specials
- Many sales will feature booths from local vendors selling everything from baby products to mommy must-haves. Check out their offerings for unique items and ask if they have any special event promotions.
- Pro Tip: Some vendors offer freebies or giveaways, so be sure to explore all the tables!
10. Bring Snacks and Water
- Shopping can be exhausting, especially if the sale is crowded or larger than expected. Keep your energy up by packing some healthy snacks and water. If you’re bringing kids along, be sure to have extras for them too—this can help avoid a mid-shopping meltdown.
11. Be Patient and Stay Focused
- Big sales can be overwhelming, especially when there’s a crowd. Take your time, stick to your list, and don’t feel rushed. If something catches your eye that’s not on your list, give it a quick second thought to see if you really need it.
- Pro Tip: If the sale is multi-day, you can return later to see if there are new markdowns or restocked items.
12. Know the Return Policy
- Most mommy and kid's sales are final sale, meaning you can’t return items after purchase. Be sure you’re comfortable with your selections before buying, especially for higher-priced items like strollers or furniture.
13. Follow the Sale on Social Media
- Many sales post updates on social media about discounts, featured items, or special promotions. Follow the event or organizer on Instagram or Facebook to get the latest scoop on early-bird tickets, flash sales, or giveaways.
Shopping at a mommy and kids consumer sale is a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste by buying gently used, and find great deals on items your family needs. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to score the best bargains while staying organized and stress-free.
Happy shopping!
