Share and save as kids outgrow coats quickly

If you’re a parent, you know that winter means new clothes for your kids, who will likely have experienced significant growth since the previous winter.

New jackets and coats can make a large dent in your bank account, a hard hit when you know they will likely be used only one season before they, too, are outgrown.

One solution is to head to consignment stores to buy gently used jackets at a fraction of the price. Whatcom County has a good selection of such stores and their merchandise is often in great condition and well priced.

“Our kids’ coats range from gently used to brand new, with original tags still attached,” said Laura Diaz-Price, general manager at Value Village in Bellingham.

The store at 150 E. Bellis Fair Parkway saves up its coat donations through the summer and has already started displaying them on the sales floor.

“We have hundreds to choose from, including name brands from Walmart to Macy’s and designer brands, and every day we put new merchandise out,” she said.

The coats are carefully sorted based on their condition and priced accordingly. Apparel that’s not in good condition is recycled.

At Wee Ones Reruns on James Street, jackets and clothes that are not 100 percent clean are laundered before being put out on display. No-name brands rub shoulders with Gap, Old Navy and other designer brands for coats, snowsuits and rain jackets, usually in excellent condition.

Other stores in the county that sell gently used kids’ jackets include Flip, 1512 Ellis St.; Little Bugs, 2400 Yew St.; and Goodwill, 1115 E. Sunset Drive.

This story was originally published November 29, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Share and save as kids outgrow coats quickly."