This post is in partnership with Just Between Friends Lancaster. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
It’s consignment season! You’ll see these sales pop up typically in the spring and fall, and that’s when I shop my favorite sale, Just Between Friends Lancaster. It’s close to home for me, it’s SO well-organized, I save a ton of money, and every season it grows bigger and bigger with more selection.
Just Between Friends Lancaster
Mark your calendar for the sale this year: JBF Lancaster will be at Spooky Nook LANCO (formerly LANCO Fieldhouse – same location as always, but the name changed with new ownership last spring), 1901 Miller Road in East Petersburg, from October 5-7.
While I wish I would have been consignment sale savvy when my kids were much younger (oh, the money I’d have saved on all the baby equipment), I am so happy that I have this all figured out now that they’re older. My daughter is 13, and my son is 9, and they’ve come to love sale season, too. With such huge savings, it’s easy to say YES and get them a bunch of stuff they love!
When to Shop
The public sale runs October 5-7, and that means anyone is welcome on any of those days. On October 5, opening day, there is a $3 admission fee but if you show this photo (below) on your phone, they’ll waive the fee! Children and strollers are welcome on all public sale days, and the last day of the sale, October 7, is half off day which is a great time to come back for a second shopping spree!
You might notice on the schedule above that the presale is on October 4. This is my favorite day to shop, and it’s open to consignor and team members that help at the sale. It’s also open to special guests like first time parents/grandparents, and teachers and homeschool parents. There is no fee for those special guest passes, but you must have a ticket because there is a cap.
Don’t fall into any of those categories but still want to shop the presale? For $10 you can grab a Prime Time pass that will get you in at 2pm to shop. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no children or strollers permitted at the presale until 7pm when family shop opens.
5 Things to Save Money on at a Fall Consignment Sale
I want to share with you the things I specifically look for at a fall consignment sale to save the most money. Read on and make your list!
Shoes and Winter Boots
In the summertime, we live in flip flops, but cold weather months require a bunch of shoes. If you’re shopping for older kids like I am, shoes aren’t exactly cheap in stores, so when you can buy them at great prices at JBF, it’s easy to let the kids grab a few pairs. And, ahem, the shoe sizes go up to a kids 6, which is an adult 8. So mamas, if you happen to find a pair for yourself, no judgment here. I might do this every single sale myself. These shoes are for ME!
Look for dress shoes for the holidays, winter boots, an extra pair of sneakers, and cozy slippers. TIP: Shoes at hot commodities at consignment sales. Shop here first!
Winter Coats and Accessories
JBF Lancaster will separate out the coats and snow pants at their sale, so it’s really easy to look for the kids’ winter coats. I just shopped at their sale in Reading, PA and paid $10 for a Columbia coat for my son, and $10 for an American Eagle puffer jacket for my daughter. This is NICE stuff and the prices are awesome.
You’ll also find winter hats, scarves, and gloves at JBF. When the first snow hits we are always digging for this stuff and I never seem to remember that at the end of last year, one of the kids lost a glove. So grab a few extra pairs at JBF while you can save. They’ll come in handy.
Sports Equipment and Cleats
Both of my kids play soccer and good LAWD, this is getting to be a pricey sport. My son just took up a goalie position and I had to get him gloves. $52!!! And those weren’t even the nicest ones. So if you have kids in sports, look for cleats and equipment like balls, bats, shin guards, and more at Just Between Friends.
Holiday Clothing
Of course we all shop for the everyday fall and winter outfits for the kids, but keep those special, I’ll-wear-this-once occasions in mind, too. My daughter has a winter concert every year and has to wear all black. She wears this dress ONCE, so that’s something I look for at JBF.
Don’t forget about Halloween costumes, too! Who wants to pay full price for something they wear 1-2 times? Get it at JBF! TIP: If the kids need winter jammies, this is a great time to shop for those, too!
Books
I’m sure most of your kids are required to read at home for 15-20 minutes per day. Both of mine have a reading log that has to get signed daily, so I have to keep interesting reading material available. I buy (and sell!) tons of books at JBF. The prices are so good here, it’s easy to stock their libraries. TIP: Come back on the last day, 50% off day, and check out the books again. There’s usually a lot left and many are half off so they’re super cheap!
Mark Your Calendar for JBF Lancaster
Now that you have a good plan of attack for making the most (and saving the most!) of this upcoming sale, make sure you’ve marked your calendar to shop at Just Between Friends Lancaster from October 5-7.
You can get all the sale details, including the location, the hours each day, and tickets for the presale, on the website. Happy shopping!
To stay up to speed with everything happening at the sale, be sure to follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for regular updates!
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