Sales At A Glance: Monday, March 31, 2008
Loobalee as Sales At A Glance
Mar|31|2008
Spring clearance and sales are in full swing. Merchants who introduce summer lines will introduce them soon. By May/June, merchants who introduce new lines and items regularly, such as Gymboree and GapKids, will start to offer “tween”, smaller lines. And, believe it or not….we’ll start to see Fall merchandise in stores no later than July 1.
Review the list below for a quick glance at what’s on sale right now in kids wear and children’s fashion.
Don’t Miss These Offers on New Spring/Summer Merchandise: Lands End $3.00 Shipping - No minimum; Final opportunities to grab great Winter Clearance deals.
- American Girl
- Limited selection of Clearance and Monthly Sale Items
- Check the new Monthly Sale items, which should be posted on April 1
- Abercrombie Kids
- Winter Clearance - almost gone
- Spring Sales - Save 30%. Selection of tanks and shorts for Summer too.
- For fun, log on to see the revisions to the website in the Sale section (all black background).
- Baby Gap & Gap Kids
- Randomly mailed codes for 15% off in stores and 20% off on-line
- Spring Kids and Baby Clothing Sale - Now marked down 40 - 50% off
- Crazy 8
- 50% off Spring Clearance continues
- $5 Graphic Tee sale
- Garnet Hill
- A Friends and Family e-mail is circulating for $20 off purchase of $100.
- Coupon sites, such as Retail Me Not, have codes for $10 off $50, $20 off $100, and $50 off $250
- March Clearance Event continues on Winter & Spring Items. If you like Garnet Hill, keep track of free shipping codes.
- The Sale of the Day today is the Garnet Hill exclusive, Ruffled Bottom Scooter for Little Girls (43% off)
- Gymboree
- April 2 - last day to earn Gymbucks online
- April 6 - last day to earn Gymbucks in stores
- April 7 - Gymbucks redemption period begins
- New Monday markdowns added to Spring Sale & Clearance
- Spring Breaks $10 and $15 Items (for a “limited” time)
- Spend $25 or more on “Brand New Baby” and get 20% off coupon good through September.
- 20% off coupons available in current issues of: “Cookie” Magazine, “Plum” Magazine, and “You and Me” Magazine
- Hanna Andersson
- Pre-Season Swim Sale - Save approx 20% (ends soon!)
- Spring Celebration Sale continues - Save 20-50%
- Selected baby items - 50% off
- Janie and Jack
- Spring Clearance in progress - up to 50% off
- Lands End Kids
- $3.00 shipping, no minimum, thru April 1
- Lots of Overstocks remaining - save up to 65%. Several summer items, such as bathing suits and sandals are included - mainly items from last summer’s catalog.
- Limited Too
- Redeem “Too Bucks” Now
- Spring Deals on select items, now save an extra 50%
- LL Bean Kids
- $10 Gift Card with $50 purchase (good time to shop the Clearance!)
- Save 60% or more on Winter Clearance
- Naartjie
- Online Sale thru April 8: Take 30% off all regular-priced Newborn Girls & Boys fashions
- Spring Clearance continues: 30% off and more
- Nordstrom
- 30-70% off Winter Clearance continues
- Mini Boden
- Spring Coupon: 10% off and Free Shipping/FreeReturns (access through Coupon Code sites)
- Save $20 on $100 purchase or Save $15 on $75 purchase through April 4th. These appear to be a private sale, and either will work. You need a catalog code or have to click through an e-mail to get the deduction in your cart. Free Shipping/Free Returns does not apply.
- SALE TIPS:
- The 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns will net you a better deal, especially considering the Free Returns if needed.
- eBates/UPromise Tip: The 5% cash back can’t be applied to the 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns deal, but it can be applied with the $20 off $100/$15 off $75 or more offers. This nets you roughly the same offer as 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns — but, you won’t get the Free Return if you need it.
- Old Navy
- Spring Clearance - 50% off and more
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- Are you signed up for Old Navy e-mail? If not, join the list to receive a $10 of $50 Thank You code.
- Pumpkin Patch
- The “Bigger Big Patch Sale” - save up to 70% on Winter Clearance
- Select Spring Clearance - 30% off
- Spring Baby and Kids fashions on sale for 30% off.
- Strasburg Children
- Spring Sale - Save up to 40%. (note: Clearance items are not returnable)
- Talbots Kids
- Up to 50% off Spring lines
- Many of my original picks in my “Talbots Closing Doors” post are already 50% off
- Buy 1 New spring/summer item (regular price) and get another 1/2 off (for total of 25% savings)
- The Children’s Place
- The Spring Sale has finally “really: started. Lots of new items added this week. 33-50% off. Many items for $7.99 and under. All spring/Easter dresses included.
- 20% off and Free shipping codes available on-line or via mail — look for one before you buy.
Mini Boden: More Matching Than Mixing?
Loobalee as Reviews
Mar|30|2008
One thing I always enjoy about the Mini Boden catalog is how Johnnie likes to mix things up. He has a way of pairing the unexpected into delightful, surprising outfits — that actually work! Unlike the stores we expect to match, such as Gymboree and Hanna Andersson, we can rely on Johnnie Boden to, not only, mix it up, but down right clash on occasion.
So, I was quite surprised by the latest display of featured outfits on their website. Was I seeing things? Johnnie is actually matching more than mixing! For example, shoes matching the tops and sweaters — exactly? Hmmm… I’m not sure what to think of it!
Take a look:
Johnnie Boden’s Outfit Ideas for Girls
Johnnie Boden’s Outfit Ideas for Boys
After some consideration, my feedback to Johnnie is “keep mixing it up”. Stay entertaining, unique, and playful — that’s the Boden I like best.
— Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
What is Loobalee?
Loobalee as Loobalee 'Philosphee'
Mar|29|2008
This is the introduction to a series of related articles defining Loobalee, entitled “Loobalee Inspiration”. Loobalee is unique. We are offering an on-line, niche marketplace to serve the exciting and unique designer children’s apparel and merchandise market.
Are You Our Customer?
- Loobalee’s target customers are primarily Moms, and especially busy Moms! It is for Moms who enjoy sharing with and helping one another, but is also a market for their friends and family. Anyone looking for quality kids clothing and merchandise at great prices.
- Additionally, we aim to attract off-line Children’s Boutiques, handmade artisan Moms who make specialty items for children, and ‘Mom’ authors of children’s books and music into the our on-line marketplace and community.
- And finally, we ultimately envision creating a direct channel between consumers and children’s charities — allowing charities, such as children’s shelters and others in need, to participate in Loobalee.
Already, You Must Sense That Loobalee Is Different!
And, we think it’s special.
When we set out to create Loobalee, I had a wishlist. I wished for a site that was fun, easy, profitable, transparent, required a limited amount of my time, and allowed me to connect with others.
I envision a site that was the:
- Best of the Auction Sites
- Best of Classified Ad Sites Best of Retail
- Best of the Resale Shops
- Best of the Loops
- Best of the Discount & Rebate Sites
- …And, more!
Saving The Best For Last…
We’re also inspired by a “Philophee” here at Loobalee – “Dress Your Kids for Virtually Free”. I’ve learned how to do this through my 9 years of experience dressing my children. By participating in Loobalee, you can learn how too!
Stay tuned for upcoming articles, where I will go into detail about Loobalee’s exciting features; how we’ve been inspired by the best; our “Dress for Free Philosphee” and how we’re putting it all together to create a unique, interactive experience – especially for You!
– Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Sales At A Glance: Thursday, March 27, 2008
Loobalee as Sales At A Glance
Mar|27|2008
It’s post-Easter clearance season, and much earlier this year than usual. Did you know that Easter won’t be this early again for another 137 years? I’ll be comparing this year’s sales to last year’s events, to see what the timing impact is (if any) to the Spring Clearance sales in children’s clothing.
Reminder: This week is the time to shop for 50-75% off all Easter merchandise. Stock up on stock up on Easter basket goodies and Easter Egg Hunt supplies for next year.
Review the list below for a quick glance at what’s on sale right now in kids wear and children’s fashion.
Don’t Miss These Offers on New Spring/Summer Merchandise: New Spring Clearance mark downs today at: Gap Kids, Baby Gap, Janie and Jack, Children’s Place, Crazy 8.
- American Girl
- Limited selection of Clearance and Monthly Sale Items
- Abercrombie Kids
- Winter Clearance - Save 50% - 66%.
- Spring Sales - Save 30%. Selection of tanks and shorts for Summer too.
- Baby Gap & Gap Kids
- Randomly mailed codes for 15% off in stores and 20% off on-line
- Spring Kids and Baby Clothing Sale - Now marked down up to 50% off
- $6 Shipping
- Crazy 8
- 50% off Spring Clearance continues
- Try current “SAVE20″ code for 20% off and free shipping through March 30.
- $5 Graphic Tee sale
- Garnet Hill
- A Friends and Family e-mail is circulating for $20 off purchase of $100.
- Coupon sites, such as Retail Me Not, have codes for $10 off $50, $20 off $100, and $50 off $250
- March Clearance Event continues on Winter & Spring Items. If you like Garnet Hill, keep track of free shipping codes.
- The Sale of the Day today is the Garnet Hill exclusive, ribbon-trimmed sweater for toddler girls (if you buy, look for free shipping code!)
- Gymboree
- Spring and Easter styles now 40% off.
- Spring Breaks $10 and $15 Items (for a “limited” time)
- Spend $25 or more on “Brand New Baby” and get 20% off coupon good through September.
- 20% off coupons available in current issues of: “Cookie” Magazine, “Plum” Magazine, and “You and Me” Magazine
- Hanna Andersson
- Pre-Season Swim Sale - Save approx 20% (limited time and while supplies last)
- Spring Celebration Sale continues - Save 20-50%
- Janie and Jack
- New Spring added to clearance - 50% off
- Lands End Kids
- Lots of Overstocks remaining - save up to 65%. Several summer items, such as bathing suits and sandals are included - mainly items from last summer’s catalog.
- Limited Too
- Spring Deals on select items, now save an extra 50%
- LL Bean Kids
- $10 Gift Card with $50 purchase (good time to shop the Clearance!)
- Save 60% or more on Winter Clearance
- Naartjie
- Save an additional 25% on Spring Clearance - today through March 30
- Warning: Inventory is lower than it appears. I found it very time-consuming to find anything available. But…you might get lucky!
- Nordstrom
- 70% off Winter Clearance
- Mini Boden
- Today’s Lucky Dip is for kids! Get the Girls Toweling Zip-Thru - 20% off, today only.
- Browse Boden’s website today, and you can complete a survey before you leave for an opportunity to win $500 Boden gift certificate.
- Spring Coupon: 10% off and Free Shipping/FreeReturns (access through Coupon Code sites)
- Save $20 on $100 purchase or Save $15 on $75 purchase through April 4th. These appear to be a private sale, and either will work. You need a catalog code or have to click through an e-mail to get the deduction in your cart. Free Shipping/Free Returns does not apply.
- SALE TIPS:
- The 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns will net you a better deal, especially considering the Free Returns if needed.
- eBates/UPromise Tip: The 5% cash back can’t be applied to the 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns deal, but it can be applied with the $20 off $100/$15 off $75 or more offers. This nets you roughly the same offer as 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns — but, you won’t get the Free Return if you need it.
- Old Navy
- Spring Sale - now up to 50% off
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- Are you signed up for Old Navy e-mail? If not, join the list to receive a $10 of $50 Thank You code.
- Pumpkin Patch
- The “Bigger Big Patch Sale” - save up to 70%. Now take an additional 25% off Winter Clearance.
- Spring Baby and Kids fashions on sale for 30% off.
- Strasburg Children
- New Spring Sale: Announced today. Save up to 40%. (note: Clearance items are not returnable)
- Talbots Kids
- Up to 50% off Spring lines
- Many of my original picks in my “Talbots Closing Doors” post are already 50% off
- Buy 1 New spring/summer item (regular price) and get another 1/2 off (for total of 25% savings)
- The Children’s Place
- The Spring Sale has finally “really: started. Lots of new items added this week. 33-50% off. Many items for $7.99 and under. All spring/Easter dresses included.
- 20% off and Free shipping codes available on-line or via mail — look for one before you buy.
TCP Dreams Don’t Come True: The Children’s Place to Exit Disney
Loobalee as News & Trends
Mar|26|2008
Since taking over operations of the Disney Store retail chain in 2004, The Children’s Place has attempted to renew the brand via the new “Mickey Store” concept, which it began rolling out in 2005. But, after making a valiant attempt with the opening or re-modeling stores across North America, The Children’s Place (TCP) has decided to exit Disney Store retail chain and turn the business back over to Disney
The Reuters announcement last week, doesn’t come as a surprise. Afterall, TCP struggled throughout last year, announcing 4th quarter losses, and Chuck Corvitz (CEO), himself, stated “for the majority of the year, our merchandise assortments … did not resonate with the consumer”. I found an excellent article on the announcement in the New Jersey Record (click to read more details).
Interestingly, Ann Dinardo of New Retail Channel, posted an interesting analogy of the story to the Disney “Fantasia” movie (exactly 2 years ago), in which she predicted this potential outcome. In the movie, Mickey learns a painful lesson in messing with the natural order of things….hmmm.
For me, I agree. The new Disney Store concept is a bit “too” retail for me — too much like the Children’s Place, packed with trendy, varied-quality merchandise. And, whereas I can’t get Children’s Place merchandise elsewhere, I can buy Disney merchandise practically everywhere.
The experience of the Disney Store of “yester year” isn’t there anymore to draw me in. I liked the allure of the fine collectibles, the variety in merchandise - something for everyone, and the fairy-tale, majestic qualities of the stores.
And, although I realize every store can’t measure up to the New York City World of Disney store, maybe as Disney sets out to (again) renew The Disney Store chain, they can take some cues from it’s experiential, interactive qualities. For a fun, virtual tour of the NYC store, watch the embedded video below.
– Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Sales At A Glance: Monday, March 24, 2008
Loobalee as Sales At A Glance
Mar|24|2008
It’s post-Easter clearance season, and much earlier this year than usual. Did you know that Easter won’t be this early again for another 137 years? I’ll be comparing this year’s sales to last year’s events, to see what the timing impact is (if any) to the Spring Clearance sales in children’s clothing.
Reminder: Today and early this week is the time to shop for 50-75% off all Easter merchandise. Stock up on stock up on Easter basket goodies and Easter Egg Hunt supplies for next year.
Review the list below for a quick glance at what’s on sale right now in kids wear and children’s fashion.
Don’t Miss These Offers on New Spring/Summer Merchandise: New Spring Clearance mark downs today at: Gap Kids, Baby Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, and Strasburg Children.
- American Girl
- Limited selection of Clearance and Monthly Sale Items
- Abercrombie Kids
- Winter Clearance - Save 50% - 66%.
- Spring Sales - Save 30%. Selection of tanks and shorts for Summer too.
- Baby Gap & Gap Kids
- Randomly mailed codes for 15% off in stores and 20% off on-line
- Spring Kids and Baby Clothing Sale - Today marked down to 40% off
- Free shipping on orders over $100 (Pair this with the Spring Sale and stock up for Summer)
- Crazy 8
- 50% off Spring Clearance continues
- Try current “SAVE20″ code for 20% off and free shipping through March 30.
- Garnet Hill
- Back by popular demand: Spend $50 on Kids Home items, and get a $50 Garnet Hill Savings card (which can be used Kids clothes or anything in catalog) - through March 25 only.
- A Friends and Family e-mail is circulating for $20 off purchase of $100. Spend your $100 on Kids Home Items and try to double-up these two deals.
- Coupon sites, such as Retail Me Not, have codes for $10 off $50, $20 off $100, and $50 off $250
- March Clearance Event continues on Winter & Spring Items. If you like Garnet Hill, keep track of free shipping codes.
- The Sale of the Day today is the Garnet Hill exclusive, floral cargo skirt for girls (if you buy, look for free shipping code!)
- Gymboree
- Spring and Easter styles now 40% off.
- Spring Breaks $10 and $15 Items (for a “limited” time)
- Spend $25 or more on “Brand New Baby” and get 20% off coupon good through September.
- 20% off coupons available in current issues of: “Cookie” Magazine, “Plum” Magazine, and “You and Me” Magazine
- Hanna Andersson
- Pre-Season Swim Sale - Save approx 20% (limited time and while supplies last)
- Spring Celebration Sale continues - Save 20-50%
- Janie and Jack
- Early Spring items now up to 65% off
- Lands End Kids
- New Items added to Overstocks this week - save up to 65%. Several summer items, such as bathing suits and sandals are included - mainly items from last summer’s catalog. Nevertheless, good stock still remaining.
- Limited Too
- Spring Deals on select items, now save an extra 50%
- LL Bean Kids
- $10 Gift Card with $50 purchase (good time to shop the Clearance!)
- Save 60% or more on Winter Clearance
- Naartjie
- Save an additional 25% on Spring Clearance - today through March 30
- Warning: Inventory is lower than it appears. I found it very time-consuming to find anything available. But…you might get lucky!
- Nordstrom
- 70% off Winter Clearance
- Mini Boden
- Today’s Lucky Dip is for kids! Get the Applique T- Shirt for Girls - 20% off, today only.
- Spring Coupon: 10% off and Free Shipping/FreeReturns (access through Coupon Code sites)
- Save $20 on $100 purchase or Save $15 on $75 purchase through April 4th. These appear to be a private sale, and either will work. You need a catalog code or have to click through an e-mail to get the deduction in your cart. Free Shipping/Free Returns does not apply.
- SALE TIPS:
- The 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns will net you a better deal, especially considering the Free Returns if needed.
- eBates/UPromise Tip: The 5% cash back can’t be applied to the 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns deal, but it can be applied with the $20 off $100/$15 off $75 or more offers. This nets you roughly the same offer as 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns — but, you won’t get the Free Return if you need it.
- Old Navy
- Spring Sale - just announced: Save 40%
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- Are you signed up for Old Navy e-mail? If not, join the list to receive a $10 of $50 Thank You code.
- Pumpkin Patch
- The “Bigger Big Patch Sale” - save up to 70%. Now take an additional 25% off Winter Clearance.
- Spring Baby and Kids fashions on sale for 30% off.
- Strasburg Children
- New Spring Sale: Announced today. Save up to 40%. (note: Clearance items are not returnable)
- Talbots Kids
- Up to 50% off Spring lines
- Many of my original picks in my “Talbots Closing Doors” post are already 50% off
- The Children’s Place
- “Spring into Savings” up to 33% off
- “Dressy Sale” - 25% off on selected styles
- 20% off and Free shipping codes available on-line or via mail — look for one before you buy.
Sales At A Glance: Thursday, March 20, 2008
Loobalee as Sales At A Glance
Mar|20|2008
Happy Spring! Finally! The winters are sure long up here in the North. And, though it technically isn’t Winter any longer, you can’t tell by the weather. We are likely to have sporadic winter weather for another 4-6 weeks. But, by April 1, we should see at least some crocus peeking through the ground.
I have a lot of “Sale Mail” in my in-box today. Mainly, I’m seeing a big “Spring Sale” push now. Retailers are likely to be moving left-over winter items off the floors soon, if they haven’t already.
Review the list below for a quick glance at what’s on sale right now in kids wear and children’s fashion.
Don’t Miss These Offers on New Spring/Summer Merchandise: Mini Boden Offer: 10% off with Free Shipping and Free Returns ** Pumpkin Patch “Bigger” Big Patch Sale ** New Summer Items in Lands End Overstocks Sale ** Garnet Hill Spend $50/Save $50 ** Talbots Spring Clearance ** Children’s Place 25% off Dressy Sale (if in a pinch for an Easter Outfit).
- American Girl
- Limited selection of Clearance and Monthly Sale Items
- Abercrombie Kids
- Winter Clearance - Save 50% - 66%. Spring Sales - Save 30%
- Baby Gap & Gap Kids
- Randomly mailed codes for 15% off in stores and 20% off on-line
- New additions to Spring Sale this week
- If you are a GapCard Member or Silver Member get Double or Triple rewards March 19 - 23.
- Crazy 8
- 50% off Spring Clearance, announced today. Check for new additions to sale merchandise and further mark downs on previously clearanced items.
- Try current “SAVE20″ code for 20% off and free shipping.
- Garnet Hill
- Back by popular demand: Spend $50 on Kids Home items, and get a $50 Garnet Hill Savings card (which can be used Kids clothes or anything in catalog) - through March 25 only.
- A Friends and Family e-mail is circulating for $20 off purchase of $100. Spend your $100 on Kids Home Items and try to double-up these two deals.
- March Clearance Event continues on Winter & Spring Items. If you like Garnet Hill, keep track of free shipping codes. I love the Deal of the Day today (halter bathing suit for girls), but look for free shipping code!
- Gymboree
- 20% off select Easter Styles
- Additional 20% off announced this week on “Select” styles
- Spring Breaks $10 and $15 Items (for a “limited” time)
- Spend $25 or more on “Brand New Baby” and get 20% off coupon good through September.
- 20% off coupon available in current issues of: “Cookie” Magazine, “Plum” Magazine, and “You and Me” Magazine
- Hanna Andersson
- Pre-Season Swim Sale - Save approx 20%
- Spring Celebration Sale - Save 20-50%. New Items added this week.
- Janie and Jack
- Winter Clearance continues
- Early Spring items now up to 50% off - newly discounted this week
- Lands End Kids
- New Items added to Overstocks this week - save up to 65%. Several summer items, such as bathing suits and sandals are included.
- Limited Too
- Winter Clearance in Progress - almost gone
- Spring Deals on select items, now save an extra 50%
- LL Bean Kids
- $10 Gift Card with $50 purchase (good time to shop the Clearance!)
- Save 60% or more on Winter Clearance
- Naartjie
- Don’t forget to redeem Kids Kash through Saturday, March 22. ($20 off $50 purchase per coupon).
- Spring lines now on sale.
- Nordstrom
- 70% off Winter Clearance
- Mini Boden
- 10% off and Free Shipping/FreeReturns (access through Coupon Code sites)
- Save $20 on $100 purchase or Save $15 on $75 purchase through April 4th. These appear to be a private sale, and either will work. You need a catalog code or have to click through an e-mail to get the deduction in your cart. Free Shipping/Free Returns does not apply.
- SALE TIPS:
- The 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns will net you a better deal, especially considering the Free Returns if needed.
- eBates/UPromise Tip: The 5% cash back can’t be applied to the 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns deal, but it can be applied with the $20 off $100/$15 off $75 or more offers. This nets you roughly the same offer as 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns — but, you won’t get the Free Return if you need it.
- Old Navy
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- Are you signed up for Old Navy e-mail? If not, join the list to receive a $10 of $50 Thank You code.
- Pumpkin Patch
- The “Bigger Big Patch Sale” - save up to 70%. New this week - take an additional 25% off Winter Clearance.
- And Spring fashions on sale for 30% off.
- Strasburg Children
- 50% off Winter Clearance in progress (note: Clearance items are not returnable)
- Talbots Kids
- Up to 50% off Spring lines
- Many of my original picks in my “Talbots Closing Doors” post are already 50% off
- The Children’s Place
- “Spring into Savings” up to 33% off
- New “Dressy Sale” - 25% off on selected styles
- 20% off and Free shipping codes available on-line or via mail — look for one before you buy.
Easter Dresses and Outfits: To Do or Not To Do?
Loobalee as Shopping Tips
Mar|19|2008
For me, Easter is such a happy time of year. I live in a cold, snowy climate, and once we reach Easter and the equinox of Spring, we know flowers and sunshine will soon (finally) be on their way.
But, in our northern climate, Easter is always snowy, or at least very muddy and damp. Easter Egg hunts require winter coats, gloves, and snow boots — not frilly dresses and fancy shorts.
So, while the beautiful spring Easter dresses and suits can be very tempting, they simply aren’t practical.
In Cold Climates – I recommend waiting until after Easter and buying ahead for special summer occasions or for upcoming portrait & photography plans — when all the Spring and Easter merchandise is on sale at significant discounts.
Shopping Tip: Find great Dress-up accessories for little girls at 75% off immediately after Easter: e.g. Easter Bonnets, gloves, fancy purses, spring jewelry.
In Warm Climates — I can appreciate the benefit and joy of wearing special Easter clothing. The photo opportunities for little ones seem magical.
There is such a wide range to select from:
• For $25 or less, try the “Perfectly Dressed” brand from Target, shown at left. Not on sale yet, but a nice option – particularly for a one-time wear.
• Check for 60-70% off dresses at Kohl’s, JCPenney, Sears. Only buy at deep discounts as these typically have very low resale values.
• Check for 30-60% off at your local, major department store, such as Macy’s, Lord & Taylor.
• Favorite kids clothing brands such as Gymboree and Hanna Andersson have Easter/Spring formalwear at 20% off. In particular, try the Snappy Dresser, Aviator, and Ice Cream Social lines at Gymboree.
• For high-end and gorgeous looks (but likely not on sale) for boys and girls, find these designer brands at your local boutique, high-end department store, or on-line. An excellent on-line source is bestdressedkids.com.
- Anavini
- Bailey Boys
- Biscotti
- Crayon Kids
- Frankie
- Good Lad
- Halabaloo
- Helena (shown above, available at Nieman Marcus)
- Jack & Teddy
- Jaedyn B.
- Le Pink
- Lily Pulitzer
- Luli & Me
- Malley Too
- Rosetta Millington
- Us Angels
- Vangogh
If you have thoughts to share on your Easter dressing preferences for children, please comment! And remember, soon you can shop for your favorites at resale and bargain prices on Loobalee.com.
Happy Easter!
– Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Sales At A Glance: Monday, March 17, 2008
Loobalee as Sales At A Glance
Mar|17|2008
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’ve been watching my mail for St. Patrick’s Day kids clothing sales and offers. So, far no such luck! The department stores ran varied sales over the weekend, but nothing special that you can’t get on most days.
Mainly, we are seeing ongoing sales. For a quick glance at what’s on sale this week in kids wear and children’s fashion. You will continue to find deeply discounted Winter Clearance items everywhere, and even Spring items on sale now too.
Don’t Miss These Offers on New Spring/Summer Merchandise
Mini Boden Offer: 10% off with Free Shipping and Free Returns — Hanna Andersson Swim Sale — LL Bean $10 gift card on $50 purchase.
- American Girl
- Limited selection of Clearance and Monthly Sale Items
- Abercrombie Kids
- Winter Clearance - Save 50% - 66%. Spring Sales - Save 30%
- Baby Gap & Gap Kids
- Stock up and Save when you Buy 2 or More
- Crazy 8
- Continued Clearance. Nothing special yet this week. Be careful — we find that sizing varies and return shipping is not free.
- Garnet Hill
- March Clearance Event continues on Winter & Spring Items. If you like Garnet Hill, keep track of free shipping codes. I like the Deal of the Day today (for girls, and offered Toddler Sizes only), but would only jump if I could get free shipping.
- Gymboree
- 20% off select Easter Styles
- Spring Breaks $10 and $15 Items
- Hanna Andersson
- Pre-Season Swim Sale - Save approx 20%
- Janie and Jack
- Winter Clearance in Progress
- Lands End Kids
- Up to 75% off on Overstocks - still a good selection
- Limited Too
- Winter Clearance in Progress - almost gone
- Spring Deals on select items, save approximately 20%
- LL Bean Kids
- $10 Gift Card with $50 purchase (good time to shop the Clearance!)
- Save 60% or more on Winter Clearance
- Naartjie
- Redeem Kids Kash coupons March 13 - March 22 for $20 off $50 purchase per coupon.
- Winter clearance in progress.
- Nordstrom
- 70% off Winter Clearance
- Mini Boden
- 10% off and Free Shipping/FreeReturns (access through Coupon Code sites)
- Save $20 on $100 purchase or Save $15 on $75 purchase through April 4th. These appear to be a private sale, and either will work. You need a catalog code or have to click through an e-mail to get the deduction in your cart. Free Shipping/Free Returns does not apply.
- SALE TIPS:
- The 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns will net you a better deal, especially considering the Free Returns if needed.
- eBates/UPromise Tip: The 5% cash back can’t be applied to the 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns deal, but it can be applied with the $20 off $100/$15 off $75 or more offers. This nets you roughly the same offer as 10% off and Free Shipping/Free Returns — but, you won’t get the Free Return if you need it.
- Old Navy
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- Pumpkin Patch
- The Big Patch sale in stores and online - at least 60% off Winter Clearance.
- Strasburg Children
- 50% off Winter Clearance in progress (note: Clearance items are not returnable)
- Talbots Kids
- Up to 50% off Spring lines
- The Children’s Place
- “Spring into Savings” up to 33% off
Garanimals Stages Comeback: Can They Really Come Back?
Loobalee as News & Trends
Mar|15|2008
Of course! Doesn’t Everything? The Garanimals brand was originally introduced in 1972 by the Garan Inc. Since the 80’s, Garan Inc. has not actively advertised the brand. But, in February, they announced a comeback campaign.
Who is Garan? Garan Inc. was aquired in 2002 by conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, of which Warren Buffet is Chairman and CEO and Bill Gates sits on the Board. No wonder they can make a comeback!
What are Garanimals? Garanimals is a mix and match clothing line aimed to build self-confidence in young kids by teaching them to dress themselves. To make an outfit kids simply matched the friendly animals on the clothing tags. When the brand was big Dr. Joyce Brothers was even the main spokesperson and is still quoted on the Garanimals website today.
Making the Comeback - For the comeback, Garan continues to leverage their long-time relationship with Walmart. They have revamped ad campaign, website and, as expected, inexpensive price point. The matching idea still exists with updated styles, colors and animal characters.
Watch the Video - The new advertising compaign “Garanimals - Lets Kids Be Kids” is a clever reminder that adults occasionally go over board in dressing their children in stereotypes of themselves — for which I tend to agree. Real-life, quality, designer kids clothing sits happily between bland and stereotypical.
Can I Find it on Loobalee? With Garanmials price point (at just $2.88 - $3.50 retail), it won’t re-sell well enough on-line to justify overhead shipping costs and therefore won’t be a sponsored brand on Loobalee.
Should I Buy Garanimals New? All kids needs some play basics, and even some of the Garanimals will work within my “Dress for (practically) Free Philosphee” One of Garanimals slogans for kids is “Pick a pair you can wear”. As a Mom, on the other hand, I would say “Pick a spare you can wear”. These can be great items to keep in the diaper bag (take along coordinating pieces you can wear in a pinch) and are good for messy play.
I went to my local Walmart to check out the Spring 2008 line - try these shopping tips:
- FOR GIRLS - I like the twill gingham and denim shorts — believe it or not, the color is pretty good, and they will coordinate with your Hanna Andersson, Gymboree, and other designer favorites. The solid color skorts are o.k. in a pinch too.
- FOR BOYS - Again try the twill and denim shorts. I’d also try a couple solid color and stripe t-shirt’s. Again, the colors are quite good, and they will work for rough play and emergency spares.
- IN GENERAL - I recommend avoiding the prints and screen-printed items — as the look like they only cost $3.00.
Learn more about the history of Garan and Garanimals at eNotes.
– Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
