Kids Exchange opens Friday for public shopping

The massive Kids Exchange consignment sale is this week at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Posted 1:00 a.m. Jul 21, 2015 — Updated 1:00 a.m. Jul 21, 2015

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

The massive Kids Exchange consignment sale is this week at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

More than 3,000 families will be selling their gently used children's toys, clothes and gear at this sale, which spreads out across both the Jim Graham and Expo buildings at the fairgrounds, which sits off Blue Ridge Road and Hillsborough Street.

If you need to stock up on some really affordable items for your kids - birth to teenager - this is the place (along with the series of other consignment sales, which will be springing up across the region over the next few months).

Public sale hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday (when some items are half off).

Some things to know if you go:

Take a list. Know your kids' sizes and what they need for the coming months. Be prepared to look for everything from school clothes to Halloween costumes and Christmas attire. This sale will focus on fall/winter items. You can even stock up on Christmas and birthday presents. You will find some new or very gently used items. (And, let's be real: A toddler or preschooler isn't going to notice if that toy came in the original box or not).
Take a credit card or cash. Checks aren't accepted. A credit card processing fee of 2.75 percent will be charged.
Bring a wagon or stroller (without a child) to haul your loot if you need a lot. A clean trash can on wheels is another option. A laundry basket with bungee cords, which you can drag on the floor, is another option.
Bring your own large-size kitchen garbage bag to pack up your pieces after you've purchased them. Otherwise, you'll be required to buy a bag for 25 cents from the sale. (Bags are mandatory for purchases).
Bring your patience. These sales are best, I think, for shoppers who don't mind the hunt. There will be a lot of people, a lot of items and maybe a line at check out.
Let your kids bring their own money. If they are older, like mine, and are constantly asking for toys or books, let them bring their own allowance or hard-earned lemonade stand money so they can make their own selections.

Happy shopping!

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