When Memrie Lolley moved back to Ruston two decades ago, she brought with her an idea she had seen and participated in while living in Memphis.
Kool Kids.
Now all these years later, Memrie, daughter Morgan, and really the entire Lolley clan, are preparing for the 20th anniversary of Kool Kids which will be March 4 through March 7.
“I used to go to these when I had young children when I lived in (Tennessee),” said Memrie. “Kool Kids is basically a seasonal children’s consignment sale that we hold twice a year. We have consignors where people bring in their items, they tag their own items, and then we organize all of the items to sell them for them.
“When we moved back (to Ruston) there wasn’t anything like this around. I thought Ruston needed this. It’s really a great service to our community. We are dedicated to keeping down the cost of growing up.”
So Memrie teamed up with her sister and sister-in-law way back in 2005 to hold the inaugural Kool Kids in Ruston in what she termed “the hottest August ever.”
Year No. 1 was held in her sister-in-law’s carport with 30 consigners. Fast forward 20 years and now Kool Kids usually boasts merchandise from 400-plus consignors and is held at the Ruston Civic Center (401 North Trenton Street).
For four days (three days are free admission and open to the public: March 5-7) interested moms, dads, grandparents, and parents-to-be can shop merchandise that is usually priced at around one-third of its normal retail price, including upscale name brand kids clothes, toys, baby items, juniors, furniture, and much more.
The first day of Kool Kids (Wednesday, March 4) is a presale only open to special subsets of customers, including Kool Kids volunteers, Kool Kids consignors, new (first time) mothers (pregnant or first child is 12-months or younger), grandparents, heroes (first responders, school employees, healthcare personnel), and guests (consignors are provided with two guest passes).
“Just before our granddaughter was born two years ago, we went to Kool Kids to see what all the fuss was about,” said Susan Yepson. “Now we are absolutely hooked! Everything we needed to get prepared for our baby girl was there, at phenomenal prices.
“This year we are excited to get to shop for our new baby boy. Prices, quality of merchandise, and organization are all outstanding. I can honestly say this well-organized event is easier to shop than some of our chain stores. It is truly my favorite place to shop for our grandchildren.”
Each subset of customers has beginning time slots (see below) where they are allowed to enter the Civic Center on that presale Wednesday. Due to limited space, no children are allowed in during the presale.
The cutoff to register for the presale is Wednesday, March 4 at noon (see specific registration links below).
“The presale basically gives people a chance to come in and shop for everything you need in one place,” said Memrie. “It can be a little overwhelming, especially being a new mom. The new moms get to bring a guest which is nice. A lot of them are coming for the first time.
“It’s such a great concept that allows shopping in one weekend in one place at great discounts.”
Memrie said the consignors receive 70 percent of the proceeds of the sale of their items during the four-day stretch. Any remaining items can either be donated to a local charity, or the consignors can pick them back up.
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PRESALE (Wednesday, March 4)
Volunteers: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Consignors: 12 to 9 p.m.
New Moms: 1:30 to 9 p.m.
Gran’s: 3:30 to 9 p.m.
Heroes: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Guests Presale: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Registration for Presale closes Wednesday at noon
- Due to limited space, no children or babies are allowed at the Presale.
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New Mom Presale (Wednesday, March 4 from 1:30 to 9 p.m.)
Register here: https://www.consignkoolkids.com/new-moms-sale.php
If you are a first time mom with a child under 12 months, expecting for the first time, or adopting for the first time, register for this special presale.
You may bring one guest! Admission Cost is $5 each. (One lifetime registration)
We want you to experience what Kool Kids has to offer. Baby supplies, clothes, and equipment … so much that new moms need. It can be overwhelming so hang in there!
Due to limited space, no children or babies are allowed at the Presale.
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Gran’s Presale (Wednesday, March 4 from 3:30 to 9 p.m.)
Register here: https://www.consignkoolkids.com/gran-presale.php
Whether you are expecting a new grandbaby or have many grandchildren, welcome to our sale. We have baby supplies, pack ‘n plays, clothes, toys and equipment you need at your house! (Or send to their house!)
You may bring one guest.
Cost is $5 each.
Grandparents can register every time to shop this special presale!
Due to limited space, no children or babies are allowed at the Presale.
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Heroes Presale (Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.)
Register here: ://www.consignkoolkids.com/heroes-presale.php
If you are a school employee, healthcare worker, first responder, or military (active duty or retired), register now. We appreciate you!
Share this Event with a HERO friend!
This invitation is for the hero and/or their spouse. The hero does not have to be present to shop. Come experience the best deals around!
You may bring one guest.
Cost is $5 each plus the Heroes Presale Pass to enter. Heroes can register every time to shop this special presale!
Due to limited space, no children or babies are allowed at the Presale.
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Guest Presale (Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.)
Register here: https://www.consignkoolkids.com/guest-presale.php
You are invited to shop our Guests Presale
Cost is $5.
Shop before the public Thursday- Saturday.
You don’t want to miss this!!!
Due to limited space, no children or babies are allowed at the Presale.
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Kool Kids Public Sale (Thursday, March 5 to Saturday, March 7)
Thursday, March 5: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, March 6: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 7: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Free admission
- Children welcome during the Public Sale!!!
- 50% off Saturday from 7:30 am – 5 pm on items written in red.
- NEW**75% off Saturday from 3 pm – 5 pm on many (but not all) items
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Benefits of Kool Kids
- NO hassle of Marketplace
- NO hassle of haggling prices
- NO running all over town
- NO “no shows”
- NO meeting strangers for a few dollars when you can sell it in one place and do it safely!
- Kool Kids takes care of organizing, advertising, and selling YOUR items for you!
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Shopping at Kool Kids
- Kool Kids has EVERYTHING to do with babies – clothes galore! Sleep sacks, infant toys, strollers, swings, activity mats, blankets, books, too much to list!!!
- Children’s Consignment is the BEST! 400+ families = HUGE sale! Great prices, unbelievable deals, and just fun to shop!
- Kool Kids is 100% committed to selling affordable high-quality items for your growing family. When shopping our event, you can expect to pay 40-90 percent less than retail on high-quality name brand and boutique merchandise. Whether it’s play clothes or Beaufort Bonnet – BEST DEALS AROUND! Gently used and in excellent condition!
