Debra Zeivel of Lindenhurst wasn't afraid to do some digging. She got down on the floor to hunt for bargains in the baby clothes section, which was no small feat for a woman expecting her fourth child in December. She said the effort was worth it as she scooped up deals at the Brand Name Consignment Sale held Sept. 4-6 at Key Lime Cove in Gurnee.

"I have three kids at home, ages 6, 5 and 3, and one on the way," Zeivel said. "I sold all my baby stuff six months ago. I am looking for everything."

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Justin and Laura Tyler find clothing for their son, Anderson, 6 months. Two local moms have started Brand Name Consignments and hosted a sale at Key Lime Cove over the weekend. (Rob Dicker/Staff Photographer)

 

She had already found a baby activity gym, clothes, pajamas and hats.

"We moved here from California so all my kids need hats," Zeivel said, still looking through the racks of clothes.

"The prices here are great. I'm actually surprised at how good they are," she said. "There's not a whole lot of these sales in this area. I love it!"

That is exactly why two sisters started the sale. Carly Shamash of Gurnee and Mellysa Kanioa of Libertyville had a feeling the demand for name brand children's clothing and toys would be strong.

"These sales are a huge trend in Atlanta and throughout the south," said Shamash. "With the economy the way it is, and how fast kids grow out of stuff, this is a great opportunity."

Moms from throughout the region seemed to agree. Over 15,000 items were donated for the consignment sale..

"We had people lining up here at 7 a.m.," said Kanioa as she rang up customers who waited in a line 20 people deep. "We didn't even open until 10 a.m."

Shoppers had to be willing to wait to check out. They also had to be assertive in finding what they wanted in the oversized garage sale atmosphere in a meeting room at Key Lime Cove.

Julie Boldt of Salem, Wis., who is expecting her second child in December, shopped with her daughter Lindsay, who is almost 2.

"I was looking for toddler shirts," Boldt said. "I've found 10 so far. My daughter always needs play clothes. The sale is great, but I'm dreading the line."

Shoppers found irresistible deals on baby clothes, strollers and swings; kid's clothes, shoes and toys; maternity clothes, books and DVDs

"It is a little crowded, but I guess that's the price you pay for getting the cheap stuff," Boldt said.

Robin Synder who lives on the Great Lakes Naval Base had a laundry basket full of treasures for her two kids, ages 7 months and 2 years old.

"You have to budget for winter clothes," Synder said. "I found snow pants, regular pants, DVDs, all kinds of stuff."

She estimated that the full retail price of her collection would have been around $200. She expected to pay only around $20 during the Brand Name Consignment Sale.

Laura and Justin Anderson of Kenosha shopped with their 6-month-old son Tyler, but left Ryan and Nathan, their 3-year-old twins, at home.

"We came for the race car toddler bed," said Laura Anderson. "It retails for over $150 and we got it for $40. We got eight outfits, some shoes and a bed. I'm a thrifty shopper."

-- Marcia Sagendorph/For Pioneer Press