The annual sale has seen rapid growth. Seven years ago, the sale started in a garage and is now large enough to occupy Trent Arena.
“We aren’t your average stay at home moms,” says Christine Bathgate a committee member.
To get the word out they advertise on their website, Facebook, and Craig’s List, bringing in about a 1,000 shoppers. To further entice shoppers they hold drawings to win a chance to jump to the front of the line. There is a $1 entry fee per adult.
“On the day of the sale people start to line up an hour before,” says Jody Paris an organizer. Paris helped implement a bar code system last year to speed the checkout process and added the ability to take credit cards this year.
The sale will feature clothes, bicycles, strollers, Pac and Plays, all seasons of clothing, and this year there is a large selection of clothing for older children.
Volunteers, family and friends, will work all day the day before to set up, then participate in a presale letting them have first chance to purchase items. The committee is looking for volunteers to fill the 8:30 am–11:30 am shift.
“Prices are reduced to half at noon, some people will stand near the racks of things and wait for the half price sale,” says Brittany Cusick, a committee member. However, they don’t always get what they want because the item may go during the regular sale.
Items left over when the sale ends are donated to Hannah’s Treasure Chest a non-profit organization that helps provide less fortunate children with books, clothes, toys and infant and toddler equipment.
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