Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

I know many of you have been wondering about all the details for the Encores North Fall/Winter 2011 sale! I promise we haven't been keeping them a secret, but when we found out we could no longer use the old Goody's location in Rivergate, we started a frantic, long search for a new space. All that searching paid off as we have found our best location yet (and hopefully one we can use for years to come!)

Encores North Fall/Winter 2011 will be held in the new Expo center in Hendersonville. Located right in the heart of Hendersonville, it can be accessed either off New Shackle or Old Shackle Drive in Hendersonville. The exact location is 90 Volunteer Drive in Hendersonville, TN 37075. It's so easy to get to from either the Vietnam Veterans bypass OR Gallatin Road. The best part? It's over DOUBLE the size of the old Goody's...yes, it's over 80,000 square feet. The other best part? In addition to our amazing kid's sale, we will be bringing back an adult and home decor sale at the same time in the same location. Now, you can truly buy and sell everything your entire family needs!

Here's the details:
DROP OFF:
September 19-September 21
WORKERS ONLY SHOP:
September 22
CONSIGNOR'S PRESALE:
September 23
NEW MOM'S SALE:
September 24
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
September 24-October 1

All the details will be updated on the website over the new few days so keep checking back at http://www.encoresconsignmentnorth.com/. I can promise you this is going to be the BEST sale yet...we are so excited for all the shoppers to have tons of room to shop in. We will also be offering booth rentals to local businesses and other ways to advertise! Start tagging and we'll see you in September!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fall 2011 Encores North Sale

FROM BREA:
I'm sure many of you have noticed lots of changes with Encores North Fall 2011 sale. First, let me encourage you that "a little change will do you good!" There's many things that are changing that I had been meaning to implement for a while now, but the sale is often so much work, that it sort of sneaks up on you and by then, it was always too late to make those changes.

I want to share with you my new role at Encores North. In January of this year, my husband and I made the final decision to sell the sale to the owners of the original Encores in Franklin. We felt and continue to feel that they know our vision for what we wanted Encores to be to our community and have promised to continue it's traditions of customer service and giving back to the community. The new owners agreed to keep the staff as it was, so you will still see all the familiar faces at Encores North. I have stepped back as much as possible to allow more freedom with my family, but to also take on a new role both as a trainer for future Encores sales and as a trunk keeper for Matilda Jane Clothing.

With that being said, the new owners, Natalie (sale manager) and I worked together to develop some positive changes for the sale...to make our sale the biggest and best around! We implemented a new tagging system which many of you have already checked out. Here's a couple of helpful hints for the tagging system:

1. Once you get a number for any of the Encores sales, you don't need to get a new number for the other Encores sales. Just email the other Encores sales you want to participate in and they will get that number registered for that sale as well. Just think: NO RETAGGING! It's an awesome feature of the site.
2. Because you have to fully register to get a number, you will now have a password and username attached to your number. No more worrying if you are using the right number or wondering if someone has transposed their number. This system prevents that from happening!

Another HUGE change which is amazing is our search for a new location. Let's face it, we had completely outgrown the Goody's space in Rivergate. We began our search for a new location right away and have been given some amazing opportunities for great, larger, SAFER space. We are in the final stages of nailing down a lease, so please continue to check our facebook page for updates as we will list that info as soon as we have it.

With that being said, appointments and worker shifts will not open until we have the dates and location nailed down. Please don't think that because it is listed as closed that we no longer have shifts left: actually, it's quite the opposite. We will need loads of workers to pull off our best sale yet.

I still plan to be a huge part of Encores North and I am already SO busy working getting all this NEW Gymboree and boutique clothing tagged and ready to consign. I have a feeling that we are getting ready to blow the doors off Sumner County with an amazing sale. What can you do to get ready?

1. Tag your items! Don't let it sneak up on you and be stressed at the last minute pulling items together.
2. Tell your friends! The more people that know about Encores North, the more shoppers we have which means your items sell better! It's a win-win!
3. Sign up for shifts once they become available! You will often hear people say that once you shop with the workers a FULL day before consignors, you never go back. Imagine the deals you can score while you shop in a nice, peaceful environment.

I'm excited about the future of Encores North and I can't wait to see how much you guys are going to love the changes. THANKS for your continued support of the sale! It's been an absolute blessing being part of such an amazing sale and I look forward to being involved for years to come!

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!