Published: February 01, 2008 01:31 pm      

New era of yard sales hitting Southern Indiana

Three-day consignment sale scheduled for March in New Albany

Save gas and time by making several purchases at one location is what KidStuff Sales owner Suzette Decker had in mind when starting a unique consignment business in 1997.

For the first time that business is coming to Southern Indiana March 14-16 at the National Guard Armory along Grant Line Road in New Albany.

Locals will have the chance to sell their own children’s clothing, toys and furniture or browse for purchases themselves. Decker said most families desire a place to sell their children’s outgrown garments, but many do not have time to set up a yard sale.

“It’s nice to think that we can always donate everything, but it’s also nice to make a little bit of money so we can buy the next size,” Decker said.

At the other end of the spectrum, those looking for a good deal on quality used clothes and furniture also need a place to shop that is convenient.

Decker believes KidStuff Sales takes care of needs for both the consumer and the merchant.

“As gas prices go up and moms are so busy, it’s hard to hop houses (during yard sales) looking for decent things for your children,” Decker said.

She describes the sale as a way of mothers helping mothers to provide quality clothing and toys for a reasonable price.

Decker believes the three-day event will bring hundreds to the National Guard Armory for shopping. She said unlike other consignment businesses, sellers are given 70 percent of what they value their goods.

“They know if they overprice it, they’re going to carry it home,” Decker said. “Therefore they are a little bit more lenient with the pricing since they know they are getting 70 percent back.”

KidStuff is automated with an online inventory control system where consignors can enter and price all of their items over the Internet. Decker said this encourages privacy and convenience for users.

Consignors are able to print off bar code tags from their home, place them on the item they wish to sell and then drop it off without much hassle.

“Sometimes the technology can be a little bit intimidating but we encourage them to try it out,” Decker said.

After a user has registered online for the event, they can go to the Web site and see what was sold every day. Consignors can also transfer inventory that did not sell from one event to another if they wish.

The popularity of yard sales in New Albany is why KidStuff is coming to Southern Indiana, according to Decker. Her first KidStuff sale was held in her mother’s garage in 1997, but has since expanded to several different locations including a scheduled stop in Louisville on Feb. 23.

The Louisville sale will be located at HOOPS Basketball Facility, 12909 Sycamore Station Place, behind Sam’s Club.

Consignors can also choose to donate any items that do not sell to charity. KidStuff arranges for a charity to pick up leftover items at the end of each sale. Past organizations that received donations include Lifebridge Ministries and The Pregnancy Resource Center.

The New Albany sale will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for half-price Sunday.

Registration is now open for both the Louisville and New Albany dates. For more information, visit the Web site www.kidstuffsale. com.