529 Kids Consign — Local services in Alexandria

I've been buying my boys' clothes from 529 Kids Consign for the past 10 years. I started off buying online on their Instagram and have been amazed at the high quality, name brand items that I can get for a great price, plus love the environmental impact of buying secondhand. The owner, Megan Podolsky only accepts the best stuff, so the shoes and clothes you purchase at her store are in pristine quality and recent styles. As a #boymom and experienced corporate retail veteran, Megan knows how the market for boys' clothes is often overlooked and her carefully curated selection from top consignors with style allows me to keep my boys dressed in the brands like Burberry, Boden, Tea, Vineyard Vines, Hunter, Native and Sperry. I love the selection of dress shoes, winter boots, and water shoes. This store also has cute new items that I often buy for kids' birthday parties, holiday gifts or baby gifts. When I was pregnant and nursing, this was the place to get a professional work wardrobe that was functional and comfortable, but also stylish. Not only does the owner know her customers by name, but she is the best at recommending other small, local businesses and supporting other entrepreneurs. It's no easy feat managing multiple small businesses in a pandemic and tough economy. Definitely recommend following on Instagram--they can ship to you or hold for pickup...

This used to be one of my favorite kids shops in the area. I would always come in when I was in town, and started following them on instagram, as well as recommending them to all my mom friends.

I purchased a pair of baby shoes for my sister online, and even though I entered the correct address on the invoice (my sister who has the newborn’s address) they sent it to the address they had on file for me, somewhere I don’t live anymore. They acknowledged their mistake and we waited to see if the shoes came back to the store.

And did they? I have no idea. Because I’m still waiting, 6 weeks later, to hear any response from them. I’ve messaged them 4 times and called the store twice, and haven’t heard anything.

I guess they just decided to keep my sister’s money, instead of owning up to their mistake and fixing the problem. I won’t be shopping with them anymore.

UPDATE: They did refund my sister’s money a few days ago, they just didn’t inform me...

Disappointing Experience

On Friday November 12th I visited 529 Kids Consign store in old town. My daughter played with the lid to the lollipop jar and the toys in front of the checkout area. I was completely caught off guard when the clerk (or owner?) ask my 1 year old child (and not me) to not touch the toys as she needed to complete inventory. Following up her statement with kids have been playing with them all day. I reminded her that 1) my child doesn’t understand the request 2) is a child and will play AND 3) i would be more keen to purchase the item as result of her interest. Disappointed at the treatment, we decided to leave. Sadly, my little one cried having to leave the toy and the store behind. I heard the clerk clearly say “goodbye and thanks for leaving things behind” with a sarcastic tone. I consider that statement offensive and inline with terms...