Sunday, March 13, 2011

So far, SOOO good

When we initially found out the dates we could get the building for the sale, we were a little worried about how well attended the sale would be since it happened to fall the week of Spring Break for Nashville, TN.

We worried for nothing.

Our opening day, Saturday, was our largest Saturday ever. We typically have a line until around 2pm and then it slows down. We didn't catch the line until 4pm yesterday and that was with running 22 lanes. Insane.

When I walked back to strollers and realized we have less than 15 left out of the 119 that we started with, I was shocked. We have 2 Bumbos left! We started with 39. We have 9 swings left. We started with 90.

The good news? Consignors are going to be thrilled with their checks.
The bad news? We NEED consignors to bring in more goodies during our restock days, Monday-Wednesday from 11am-5pm. If you have large toys, equipment, beds, furniture, strollers, clothing, ANYTHING, please consider spending today tagging it.

Here's our rules on restock: MUST use the online tagging system you can find at online at Encores and More North. Clothing can be all seasons, but must be free from stains, odors, and other damage. Same goes for equipment. Carseats must be no older than 5 years and have not been in a wreck. We are taking NO drop side cribs unless than have been repaired using the manufacturer recall kit.

Come see us at Encores North this week, as we typically have over 100 consignors bring in more goodies. We have people come and shop EVERY day, so I promise we won't look at you like your crazy if you come back every day. We still have loads of amazing clothes and other goodies, so come check it out!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Spring 2011: Worker Sale

It's Friday morning and I'm one tired little girl. Yesterday was our worker sale for anyone that works at least 5 hours plus sort and up. The workers started shopping at 3pm (these workers did 30 hours plus sort to come in this early) and I got home a little after 1am. It was so fun to watch them be so excited to shop! I love to see them try to act like they aren't running to the item so they do this cute little run/walk until they can snatch the item and then they do a little happy dance that they got it. It's awesome and makes all this hard work SO worth it.

Rest assured, unless I had just told you that, you would come to shop never dreaming anyone had shopped before you. Seriously, it doesn't look like anything is gone. Seriously. I have never seen so much stuff in my life, and it's amazing stuff at that.

Here's some of the comments workers made last night:
*This is the best selection of boy's clothing items we have EVER had for a Spring sale. Typically boys wear their clothing out, but there is not only so much great used stuff, there is TONS of NEW WITH TAG items. Even the boys bigger sizes have a great selection (like 8 racks of boy's size 6)
*The shoes are amazing.
*The toy room (FAR LEFT behind boys) is the most organized it's ever been.

The only negative thing I heard was that some were sad we were no longer taking checks, but with SIX checks that we have been unable to collect from the Fall sale, we just can't afford to do it any longer. We are taking ALL debit/credit cards EXCEPT American Express. Bring your ID.

Consignors shop tonight at 6pm. PLEASE remember we don't let any children in to the presale. People with a guest pass shop tonight at 8pm. It's going to be fun!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Spring 2011: Day 5 Drop Off: Brea's Favorite Things

Drop off is officially over. It went so amazingly well (at least I think it did). It's hard to explain to you how much is there. It's definitely the biggest sale we have ever had. Seriously.

I did some counting last night and here's a few fun facts. We have 119 strollers. 119. Insane, right? We have 50 full size baby swings and 40 portable swings. That's 90 swings. The toy room looks amazing. It's so organized it's scary. Items are grouped into very detailed categories and the cheapest items are towards the front as we all want the bargains right?

Today is worker shopping day. Anyone working at least 5 hours plus sort shops today/tonight so we will spend this morning finishing up organizing and getting the register lanes ready. Our workers today will go through every piece of clothing there and pull out any stained items we missed during check in, any fall/winter (it goes out Sunday afternoon), and everything is resized. If you hid a stack, trust me, your hidden stuff will get put back out as this sucker is going to be the most organized anyone has ever seen it (at least I hope you think so)

Brea's Favorite Things from the last day of drop off:
1. ANOTHER bounce house. This one is much bigger and has a slide. $130
2. Beautiful custom skirts and knot dresses that look just like Matilda Jane. Skirts are $6 and knot dresses are $9. Girls size 2T (may be other sizes, but that's what I saw)
3. Janie and Jack boys outfits that look like new $10-$12
4. Bag of hot wheels size cars from the movie Cars $5 (don't fall in love, I bought them!)
5. Beautiful crib $150
6. Disney DVD's $4 each

Answering yesterday's questions:
We have some at least two rocker gliders with stools. I know the one I noticed looked brand new and was $90 for the set. Great deal! We also have a ton of car seats...a TON!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Spring 2011: Day 4 Drop Off: Brea's Favorite Things

I am so sorry I am just now getting this on here. I love hearing from you guys that you anxiously check my favorite things, but I must tell you that it puts the pressure on me to find the VERY best bargains! :)

Tuesday general drop off is over. We had exactly 250 people drop off which puts our consignor count so far just shy of 800. We have about 200 dropping off today so we should land right around 1,000 consignors not counting the new ones that will drop off next week for restock (typically around 100 people). Although we didn't see a big jump in consignors for this sale, I am very excited that those who did consign really outdid themselves when it comes to cleaning out stuff.

I'm so pumped to tell you that we have THIRTY highchairs (not counting boosters), 25 toddler beds, 3 cribs, at least 30 swings (not counting the smaller, portable ones), at least 30 Bumbos, and more Elmos than a small country would ever need!

Definitely THE SALE that should not be missed....post on facebook (tell them to like Encores and More NORTH on facebook) and tell your friends to check this sale out. By getting more shoppers (especially during Spring Break), consignors sell more stuff! Although the building is stuffed now, our prayers are that the building is close to empty next Saturday.

I have to also take a minute and tell you how many amazing people God has placed at the sale this week. Just yesterday (Tuesday drop off), I met the sweetest worker and we realized how much we have in common (LONG STORY). It's moments like this that I realize that when God chose me to do this 7 years ago, his purpose was so much larger than a sale. It's about relationships, friendships, community, and customer service. I'm proud to be a part of something that is so great, seriously proud.

Here it is. Brea's Favorite Things:
1. A white wooden vanity with stool. $30
2. Bumbo with tray $8

3. HUGE John Deere pedal tractor $25 (retails for $199)
4. Little Tikes plastic toybox (great condition) $10, yes, I said it TEN DOLLARS!
5. Chicco travel system. Includes stroller, infant car seat and base $45
6. Fisher Price rainforest high chair in amazing condition $35
7. Leapfrog Activity Table $5


Tonight will be my last night to post my favorite things, BUT I am adding a new feature this year. YOUR favorite BUYS! As my workers check out, I'll post some of the favorite things they found this year to give everyone an idea on how much it's worth it to get in here and shop early by becoming a worker. If you're reading this and you score a major deal (or just find something that you've been searching for FOREVER), let me know and I'll add it to my list.

Off to our last day of APPOINTMENT ONLY drop off! :)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Spring 2011: Day 3 Drop Off: Brea's Favorite Things

Whew! I am one tired girl. After a day full of drop offs, I went to dinner with some dear friends tonight for a much needed steak dinner. It was fabulous and although I am pooped, it was great to laugh with some of my favorite people on this planet.

Typically, Monday is our slowest drop off day. Today was no exception. We had some spurts where we would have five people dropping off at once, but for the most part, it was very steady and again, things went so well. I've loved hearing your feedback and I'm pleased that no one minds putting out their own clothing. I actually think many like it as you can grab a quick glance at your sizes and all the amazing stuff that has come in so far.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our last day of general drop off. It is typically our busiest day of drop off, so my prayer tonight is that God will send everyone with an extra dose of patience (and our workers with an extra dose of energy!) So far, we have had right at 600 people drop off and we are expecting around 300 to drop off tomorrow.

If you are dropping off tomorrow (general drop off Tuesday, 3/8 from 10-6pm) PLEASE read this first. It will make your drop off experience so much better:

1. Park and come in to register first. You can't be in the fire lane.

2. Bring a self addressed stamped envelope. If you don't have one, you can buy one for $.50 at the sale. After you register, we have tons of racks to take to your cars to get your clothing and plenty of people to help you get everything to the right stations.

3. Be patient while your clothes get checked. Trust me, you want us to check EVERY piece of clothing that comes in. If we don't, you end up going through tons of stained and worn out items when you shop and who wants to shop through that mess?

4. After your clothes are checked (if you used the tagging system), you get to take the rack and put your clothing items out. We'll do everything else for you (toys, shoes, books, equipment), we just need you to put your clothing out so we can focus on staying organized.

5. If you didn't use the tagging system, you will need to wait while we print the barcodes. You will then put those barcodes on your clothing items and THEN put your items out. This could add up to 30 minutes to your drop off time so please be patient if you didn't use the tagging system.

6. YOU'RE DONE! You get to look forward to shopping :)

PLEASE NOTE: Drop off on Tuesday from 3pm on tends to be our busiest times, so IF you can make it earlier in the day, I definitely would. I promise we are working our tails off to get you in and out ASAP!

Without further delay, here is Brea's FAVORITE things that I found at the sale today:
1. Blow up bounce house for toddlers (perfect for birthday parties, comes complete with air blower that keeps it inflated) $15 (YES, $15...what a deal!)
2. Tons of Gymboree girl's dresses $4 each
3. Fisher Price jumparoo $12
4. Kapla wooden building blocks $6 (this is a personal favorite of mine, my boys love their building blocks)
5. HUGE Barbie outdoor playhouse $90
6. AWESOME Nascar upright dresser. Looks just like a tool chest and is in great condition $350
7. Maclaren stroller $20
8. I can't begin to tell you how much Gymboree kid's clothing is at the sale. I swear I think every piece of Gymboree that has been sold in the last 2 years has made it's way to Encores North.

I'm so excited to hear all your comments on your shopping experience. I personally think it's the best selection we've ever had and we still have over 500 people to drop off! I can't wait to see all the great stuff that will continue to come in.

We are up to 15 todder beds, 3 cribs, around 30 swings, at least 30 exersaucers, at least 60 strollers, about 20 play kitchens, bedding galore including loads of great child's room decor, some of the best shoes we've ever had, over 20 high chairs AND SO MUCH MORE. I seriously counted over 50 ride on toys back in the toy room tonight.

Looking for something specific? Leave me a comment and I'll be happy to check and I'll let you know in my post tomorrow night!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Spring 2011: Day 2 Drop Off: Brea's Favorite Things

Today was the first day of general drop off. We had 211 people drop off in 6 hours. It started out very hectic and yet, even in the craziness, everything stayed very organized and the longest it took everyone from start to finish was 45 minutes. Not too shabby.

It's hard to explain to you how much stuff is already there and we've only had 400 people drop off! It's going to be amazing to see how much is there when everyone has finished dropping off. We are expecting around 200 to drop off tomorrow, which means we will probably have 300 drop off on Tuesday, so if you are wondering which day to come...come tomorrow! Everyone that is running behind on tagging always waits to come around 5pm on Tuesday night and it's a zoo, so I would definitely recommend tomorrow or early Tuesday morning for general drop off.

If you are dropping off tomorrow (Monday, 3/7 general drop off from 10am-6pm), here's some things to keep in mind:


1. Park and come in to register first. You can't be in the fire lane.

2. Bring a self addressed stamped envelope. If you don't have one, you can buy one for $.50 at the sale. After you register, we have tons of racks to take to your cars to get your clothing and plenty of people to help you get everything to the right stations.

3. Be patient while your clothes get checked. Trust me, you want us to check EVERY piece of clothing that comes in. If we don't, you end up going through tons of stained and worn out items when you shop and who wants to shop through that mess?

4. After your clothes are checked (if you used the tagging system), you get to take the rack and put your clothing items out. We'll do everything else for you (toys, shoes, books, equipment), we just need you to put your clothing out so we can focus on staying organized.

5. If you didn't use the tagging system, you will need to wait while we print the barcodes. You will then put those barcodes on your clothing items and THEN put your items out. This could add up to 30 minutes to your drop off time so please be patient if you didn't use the tagging system.

6. YOU'RE DONE! You get to look forward to shopping :)

Ok, and now it's time to share what I know you are REALLY here to read. Brea's Favorite Things from Day 2 of drop off. I usually only pick 5 things, but tonight I might share a few more if you don't mind.

1. This awesome toddler trampoline. It's super cute and has a handle so your little one can hang on while they jump. $25 (I'm seriously debating this one, so don't be surprised if Brea buys it...I'm just wondering if it's worth $275 since I'm sure it will somehow earn us a trip to the ER and our copay is $250)
2. 3 original Cabbage Patch Kids dolls from the 1980's. They are in AMAZING condition and come complete with their original adoption papers. A doll collector would die to get these, but they brought so many fond memories back to me as I remembered my Granny standing in line for that doll for me in the 80's. I even sang the Cabbage Patch song when I saw them and all the workers cracked up at me. They are $8 each.
3. The large Baby Alive doll complete with loads of accessories $10
4. Three awesome purses: Coach and Dooney. They are authentic and should still be there for presale as long as my 12 year old doesn't spot them. They are in amazing condition (definitely giftable) and the most expensive one is $40! Perfect for your tweens :)
5. Radio Flyer Wagon $25
6. So many awesome boys clothes...Gymboree, Gap, Polo, Mini Boden, Children's Place, Abercrombie,  boutique and it's all priced so great! Mini Boden shorts for $6...what a deal!
7. So many awesome girl clothes....Gymboree, Gap, Mini Boden, Children's Place, Matilda Jane, Abercrombie, Justice, and more boutique than you could ever want.

As for other stuff, well, we've got it. We've only got 2 cribs in so far, so if you have a crib, BRING IT!! Just remember we aren't accepting drop side cribs unless than have been updated to be a fixed side crib (replacement parts from manufacturer). We've got ELEVEN toddler beds already, 10 toy boxes, kitchens galore, tool benches, swings, pack and plays, bumbos (I think we are already at 15), diaper bags (CUTE ONES!), slides, outdoor play structures, etc. etc. etc.

The only other thing I can think of to tell you guys is don't forget to make sure you have working batteries in ALL your toys AND equipment. We had lots of large equipment that needed batteries today so make sure you don't have to run out and get batteries after you drop off...check them before you bring them.

I can't say it enough...Encores North has the best group of workers and consignors. Drop off has gone so smoothly so far and it looks amazing inside, so organized already! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, we couldn't do this without the people that help make this sale a success...our workers, our consignors and our shoppers. We are very thankful!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Spring 2011: Day 1 Drop Off: Brea's Favorite Things

Day 1 of drop off is over.

I have to tell you that this is by far the easiest drop off day we have ever had. I have to give credit to several groups of people:

*the people that helped get it completely organized last night. We had all racks in place when we started this morning and it looked amazing.

*the workers today. Natalie assembled a rocking group of workers who started at 10am this morning and didn't stop until 7pm tonight. They got 159 people checked in, barcoded and organized.

Even with all the changes for our Spring 2011 sale (having to bring a SASE, putting out your own clothes, etc) AND the RAIN, it went so well. People were in great moods, things went smoothly, and we turned away the least amount of clothing ever simply because people didn't bring stained items in.

If you are dropping off tomorrow (Sunday, 3/6 general drop off from 12pm-6pm), here's some things to keep in mind:
1. Park and come in to register first. You can't be in the fire lane.
2. Bring a self addressed stamped envelope. If you don't have one, you can buy one for $.50 at the sale. After you register, we have tons of racks to take to your cars to get your clothing and plenty of people to help you get everything to the right stations.
3. Be patient while your clothes get checked. Trust me, you want us to check EVERY piece of clothing that comes in. If we don't, you end up going through tons of stained and worn out items when you shop and who wants to shop through that mess?
4. After your clothes are checked (if you used the tagging system), you get to take the rack and put your clothing items out. We'll do everything else for you (toys, shoes, books, equipment), we just need you to put your clothing out so we can focus on staying organized.
5. If you didn't use the tagging system, you will need to wait while we print the barcodes. You will then put those barcodes on your clothing items and THEN put your items out. This could add up to 30 minutes to your drop off time so please be patient if you didn't use the tagging system.
6. YOU'RE DONE! You get to look forward to shopping :)

If you have any questions about anything related to the sale, PLEASE don't hesitate to leave a comment and ask. We are always willing to answer your questions, take your advice, and hear your praises :)

If this is your first time to this blog, I do a post EVERY night telling you my top 5 things that came in during drop off. As I said above, we had 159 people drop off today and man, there is some amazing stuff that came in today. So, here are Brea's TOP 5 for the first day of drop off at Encores and More North 2011 Spring/Summer sale.

1. Boys size 12 Sperry's that look like new $15
2. Bob Ironman Double Jogging Stroller in amazing condition $300 (THE BEST jogging stroller on the market!)
3. LOADS of take along Thomas trains $2 each
4. The Learning Tower (so your child can help in the kitchen, see pic below) $25 (retails for $199!)
5. Awesome ball pit complete with balls (my little guy was instantly in love when he saw it) $15

That's it for today...I'll try to focus more on girl tomorrow (although I did see some Matilda Jane come in today...it's one of my favorite brands so it was hard to miss!)

Looking for something specific? Post a comment and I'll let you know how many we have and prices tomorrow!

Friday, March 4, 2011

A few of Brea's favorite things!

I know, I know....drop off doesn't start until tomorrow. Technically.

Tonight we moved in racks, tables, bar coding equipement, signage and every other piece of equipment it takes to run our sale. We had scads of workers show up and assemble said racks, tables, etc. I must say that it was the smoothest set up we have ever had and we are in much better shape than we normally are going into our first day of drop off tomorrow. Tomorrow is appointment drop off from 11am-6pm and we are FULL. We will have over 150 people drop off tomorrow.

We brought loads of new boutique and Gymboree up tonight and some of our VIP taggers dropped off items, so I was able to go through some stuff that is already there so I could post my TOP 5 for Friday night. So...here goes: Brea's TOP FIVE favorite things from Friday, March 4:

1. LOADS of Pediped shoes for $9-$15. Most of them look brand new.
2. Rose Petal Cottage complete with 8 accessory pieces: washer, dryer, etc. $65
3. Step 2 retired Pig toy box $35
4. Full size Pottery Barn boys bedding set $90 (AWESOME!)
5. BRAND NEW Joovy sit and stand stroller (holds 3 children) $150

That's it for tonight, I'll post again tomorrow night with my favorite things from Saturday. Looking for something specific? Leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer you tomorrow :)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Procrastination

Well, I did it again. I've waited until the last minute (literally) to get my stuff tagged and I find as I glare at the bins of clothing that await me, that I just can't get motivated to get it ready.

I KNOW it will be so worth it when I see those bins empty and get that consignment check. I KNOW I will regret it if I don't get it hung, priced and dropped off. I KNOW I won't get anything for the items if I wait and put them in a yard sale. I KNOW all these things and yet, I DON'T WANT TO DO IT.

Ever feel that way when tagging? I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes I could I close my eyes, click my heels and awaken to find that everything is neatly ironed, hung and ready to go.

So what tips do you have that help you get everything accomplished? Leave a comment with your best "getting it all ready" tip and I'll draw a winner next week out of the comments. Winner gets a $10 gift certificate to Encores and More North.

I'm going to quit procrastinating now and dive into my bins :) Happy tagging!