Pumpkin Patch

Its two locations have changed addresses a few times but have settled at South Lamar Boulevard and West Anderson Lane.

Alexander said her customers love being able to buy what they need without spending a fortune.

Grandparents are some of the store's most enthusiastic customers, she said, because so much has changed since they were parents.

Alexander said the resale concept appeals to parents who don't like to see good items go to waste because a child has grown out of them.

Many customers appreciate that the resale shops are eco-friendly by finding new homes for barely used and still-useable clothes and toys, she said.

Sellers can bring in items to the buying counter where staffers assess their value and check the store's inventory.

If the store wants to buy the item, staff will make two offers: one in cash and a slightly larger one in store credit.

With customers buying and selling six days a week, the store never stays the same for long, Alexander said.

"We get toys and clothes from all over the world," she said. "It's basically a new store every day."

Clothes selling 101

Pumpkin Patch buys new and like-new children's clothes from newborn to size 8 as well as maternity clothes.

All clothes must be clean, in season and currently in style, store owner Michelle Alexander said.

Clothes should be neatly folded in a laundry basket, not a grocery bag, according to the store.

The most common items sellers bring in are newborn clothes, according to the store. As a result, staffers can be more choosy about what they buy up to size 18 months, Alexander said.

The store's receiving hours are Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Toys galore

Pumpkin Patch has an entire area of the store dedicated to toys. Children must be accompanied by an adult when browsing it.

Pumpkin Patch stocks everything from stuffed animals for babies to rideable toys for older children.

Just like the store's policy about clothes, all toys being considered for sale should be gently used or new and have all of their parts and pieces intact. The store also buys books, puzzles and DVDs.

Furniture and larger items

Many larger items are always in high demand, according to Pumpkin Patch.

Those items include: jogging strollers, strollers, car seats, changing tables, cradles, toddler beds, Pack 'n Plays, high chairs and twin beds.

For the seller's convenience, Alexander recommended that sellers of larger items call Pumpkin Patch beforehand to gauge the store's interest in buying the items.

Pumpkin Patch monitors all recalls and will not purchase recalled items.

Pumpkin Patch, 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., 512-804-2008, www.pumpkinpatchresale.com, Hours: Mon–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m.