Consignment Conshminement

I'll be honest, when I learned about all of the consignment stores in the New London area, I was a little disappointed. Where I grew up, there were no consignment shops, only thrift stores. I feel like consignments try to pass themselves off as these great bargain shops, and don't get me wrong, they are cheaper than Baby's R Us, however any Goodwill or Salvation Army store will always have them beat price-wise. Since I can't change it, I must embrace it. I have consigned a few items and have gotten small sums of money back, and I have bought a lot of clothes at consignment shops. I always get the best deals at the Goodwill though. Here is my take on a few of the local shops -

Luv Me Once, Luv Me Twice -

Luv Me Once Luv Me Twice is located in Waterford close to the Crystal Mall. The shop is small, but they carry a large variety of items. They have a smaller, high quality inventory which makes it easy to find what you are looking for but also has it's limitations. The shops is clean and neat, The merchandise is clean and neat, the staff has always been friendly to me, and they have the best deal for someone looking to consign their objects - 50/50 split. The prices decrease over time and are indicated with a date on the tag, letting you know when and what you would pay for said item. I often get lucky there looking for nicer party dresses for my daughter Cece. 

Just Kidding -

Just kidding is located in Mystic downtown near the Mystic river. I have been there once. They had a lot of older kid's clothes, and the clearance deals weren't bad, however, I found their selection for the younger children limited and overpriced. They seem to carry only higher end items. I purchased a dress that I fell in love with, but I think I may have paid more than it was originally priced at. One pro of this location is centrally located dressing rooms, so that if you do find something you must have regardless of price, at least your child can try it on and be sure it fits prior to purchase. Although the staff was very friendly, I don't know that I will be going back.

Twice is Nice -

Twice is Nice is locate right on Route 1 in Mystic. Probably the best known consignment in the area, they have a huge selection of ever-changing merchandise from clothing to larger items like cribs, swings, jumperoos, etc. They are reasonably priced and have a lot of sales and promotions, especially around holidays. At times, the selection can be overwhelming, but if you do not have a lot of time and would like a particular item, they are always a good bet to have it. If you can, try to go alone or wear your baby in a sling or carrier, since the shop itself is very small inside. I have found myself more than once trying to navigate with a baby carrier and being less than successful at avoiding bumping poor Cece into things. I find the staff at this location friendly when I can find them, but overall things are well labeled and there are clear signs indicating what items are on sale. I would definitely recommend them. 

Baby-Go-Round -

Located in Groton right by Applebees, Baby-Go-Round has by far the best prices of all the consignment shops. Their merchandise varies from higher end to a Walmart special, and depending on what you are looking for either would work. I like that the staff is unobtrusive and that most of their larger items are set outside, so that if I am looking for something large I don't even have to take Cece out of her car seat to inspect it's quality or price. I have found their clothing to be somewhat limited, but it is probably because their prices are so good clothes are flying off the shelves. I have also noticed that this store carries many dance costumes and leotard type outfits that I have not seen at the other shops. This is often my first stop if I am looking to buy some bargain clothing, and it is located so close to the Goodwill I often make it a combined trip. 

What are your favorite store for baby bargains in the New London area? Are there any I missed?