Next weekend will be, I think, my 11th Pomba sale. I went to my first one with my best friend when she was pregnant. We didn’t know what to expect, but since some would call us shopaholics, we were so excited to see what all the fuss was about.
We were not disappointed! I haven’t missed a sale yet and I use it as my primary source for clothing my kids for each season. It can be a bit overwhelming though so I have come up with some strategic planning to make the most out of the trip there.
🛍 Tip #1- Make a list of what you need or are looking for. Depending on what is on your list, could change my advice for you. So go through your kids clothes, shoes, toys, outerwear, etc. and make your wish list for the sale. Sometimes I get really specific with my list and have been even know to specify the colours of shirts that I am looking for (I do have some issues where I prefer when my kids pants and shirts somewhat match). I have always been successful in getting most of the list I go with.
🛍Tip #2- GO EARLY If you are looking for bigger items like outdoor toys, bikes, strollers, snowsuits etc. Like early early. My friend and I often lined up at 7/7:30 when doors didn’t open until 9 for the public. They also do a draw for early entry so you might be lucky and get to go in at 8 with the POMBA members. We’ve been lucky a couple times, and it is amazing! If you win, you have in the past been able to choose one other person to go in with you. If you’re not a lucky winner, they also do many door prize draws for the people waiting to get in at 9. We have met some great people in line, so don’t be scared to go line up by yourself either.
🛍Tip#3- Or wait, if the only things on your list are clothes, you don’t like crowds, the pictures of the sale overwhelm you, or you have heard crazy stories about it, just wait until 11. The amount of clothing, especially for girls, is out of this world! There always seems to be lots, so if that was my main reason for going, I would take my time getting there. Even girls clothes up to size 12/14 had some really amazing pieces! Boys clothing, under 2T is usually pretty well stocked as well. Once you get to the age of boys running around outside and ripping the knees of their pants, the selection is not as big, still great, but I would suggest a little earlier if you are shopping for preschool boy clothes. OR if you want to save even more, wait for the power hour between 1 and 2pm when many items are 50% off!
🛍Tip #4- Bring your own basket, bag, laundry hamper on wheels etc. They have some, but they run out quick. You don’t want to miss good items just because you can’t carry anymore. If you bring your own ikea bag they will put a sticker or ribbon on it to identify that it is yours, since those are the main shopping bags that they provide for shoppers. Even if you are not going for much, I would always err on the side of bigger, just in case you find that “can’t pass up” christmas gift or outfit. Just FYI, the bag will only be used for shopping purposes. When you go through cash they have to put your items in their bags for loss prevention purposes.
🛍Tip #5- Bring a Friend. If you’re going for lots of things including large items and clothing, bring someone with you if you can. That way you could get your big things first, send them through the line and out to the car with them, while you still shop. Even if you aren’t going for big items, having a friend there is beneficial for when you get to the change your mind area. You can help each other out when deciding on those items that you want, but aren’t sure you should purchase. My friends have always been able to help me reason out some purchases, and I hopefully for them.
🛍Tip #6- if you’re lining up early:
- If you have something specific on your list that is your top priority, check out the map before you go so you know where you’re headed when the flood gates open.
- Dress warm for lining up, it can get chilly, but hopefully you’re not alone or someone really nice behind you will save your spot so you can run any bulky items to the car right before the doors open. Inside gets warm.
- Dress comfy. This sale is not the time for uncomfortable shoes, restrictive clothing, or clutches. The sale will probably be more productive for you if you wear comfortable shoes, free moving clothing, and a hands free purse.
- Bring money for the early entry draw and a toonie to get in. You don’t want to be waiting for change when the doors open!
🛍Tip #8- Going for shoes? Take an insole from one of their current shoes with you. I usually just slip one in my bag so I can compare it to the shoes I want to buy there and have a better idea of they will fit.
🛍Tip #9- Kids or no kids? I always go with friends, so we made it a bit of a girls day out and left the kids at home. However, there are lots of families there with the kids. When the sale committee says to use umbrella strollers or baby wear, they aren’t saying that to be mean. It can get really busy! Especially if you’re going there for 9 when it opens. I’ve seen many rockstar mommas baby wearing two kiddos there and still getting some amazing finds. Totally in awe of them!
🛍Tip #10 - Next Sale. When you’re there or leaving, make sure you take notice of the date for the next sale. They usually have it posted. I always take notice so that when I get home I put it right on the calendar so I don’t plan something else for the day and so hubby can have lots of prior notice.
🛍Tip #11- Volunteer and Sell. When you fall in love with this sale, like I have, look into volunteering (hello, even earlier shopping times) and selling (make back some of the money that you spend!). The support and communication for volunteering and selling is really great, which explains why the positions and seller numbers fill up so quickly. So get on the list ASAP.
The whole committee does a great job with the sale in general and it’s one of my Favorite shopping days of the year! The kids love seeing me come home with garbage bags of “new” stuff for them. Some of the best deals I’ve snagged here have been:
A bike with training wheels
Camping chairs
Shopping cart
Paw patrol toys
Hatley raincoats
Skates
Cleats
Family picture outfits
Baby gates
Lots of rain boots, sandals, crocs, and dress shoes.
And way too many cute, clean, great condition clothes to mention.
This sale works for me because I am happy to buy second hand things and I love saving money!
Have you been to the sale before? If so what was your best find? Would you add any other tips?
Never been? Is there anything you’re wondering about that I didn’t mention?
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