Sunflower Sprouts consignment sale kicks off Friday

PITTSBURGH — Sunflower Sprouts in Pittsburgh opens the doors to its tenth consignment sale Friday morning at 9 a.m. Moms looking for toys, furniture and clothing or just about anything for young children likely will be in luck for the better half of the rest of this month.

Generally, moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers who shop at consignment sales can save anywhere from 50 to 90 percent off name brand items – including designer clothes, shoes and accessories.

Sunflower Sprouts, located at 8000 McKnight Road, has around 450 consigners. In the midst of preparing for her tenth sale, Leslie Bruns, co-founder of Sunflower Sprouts, spoke with Channel 11.

“It feels great when you see families not wasting money year after year buying new stuff,” said Bruns. “They sell stuff and when they buy stuff, they basically break even.”

WHY SHOP CONSIGNMENT:

Many may wonder what the difference between shopping consignment sales versus shopping at stores like Plato’s Closet or Goodwill is. Bruns said it’s simple: independent pricing and quantity.

“What is unique about seasonal consignment sales verses stores is that our consignors price and tag all their own items.  We don't turn away items simply because we don't have space like many stores do.  We only turn away items that are worn, stained, broken, out of season or have been recalled,” Bruns said.

SHOPPING TIPS:

Since consignment sales are becoming hugely popular, it’s important for shoppers to be prepared.

Come with patience. “The lines get long, which is to be expected when a sale of this magnitude is held for only a few days,” said Bruns.

1. Bring a laundry basket with a rope or necktie strapped to drag while you shop. It can be cumbersome to carry several items in a bag, especially if you're buying many things.
2. Come prepared with sizes.  You can draw foot sizes on a piece of paper.  Bring a tape measure marked with each child's lengths.
3. And if you can, leave your children at home.  "While we never turn away children at our sale, it can be a bit overwhelming for some children.  There are so many great things that they 'have to have,' Bruns said.

WPXI