What started as a few moms trying to stretch their budgets during a recession has grown into a seasonal staple for Inland Empire families.
Savvy Chic Kids Consignment — founded in Riverside in 2008 by Lisa Walcker, Yolanda Merklin and Sara Gillespie — is celebrating its 18th anniversary this spring, with a sale scheduled for March 19, 20, 22 and 23.
"What started as a few moms helping each other during a difficult time has grown into a community where thousands of families reconnect every season," Walcker and Merklin said.
The semiannual sale began as a pop-up resale event for children's clothing and gear. Organizers spent years explaining to shoppers and property owners that Savvy Chic wasn't a garage sale — it was a large, organized resale event featuring thousands of inspected and carefully displayed items.
The event has expanded well beyond kids' clothing. As consignors' children aged out of the original inventory, organizers added women's clothing and shoes, home décor, furniture, menswear and even goods for pets. Today, Walcker and Merklin describe Savvy Chic as a "true family resale event where shoppers can find something for nearly everyone."
Savvy Chic Kids Consignment has called many Riverside spaces home over its 18 years, from a church hall to a former sporting goods store. (Courtesy of Savvy Chic Kids Consignment)
Shoppers now come from across the Inland Empire and from San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The sale has also weathered significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. When in-person events shut down, organizers pivoted to two virtual sales with curbside pickup to ensure families could still participate and earn income. In 18 years, the sale has not missed a single event.
Shoppers line up, volunteers sort and families shop at Savvy Chic Kids Consignment, which kept its doors open — virtually — even during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Savvy Chic Kids Consignment)
Walcker has worked full-time in child welfare for all 18 years of the sale, using vacation time to run the event. Merklin has balanced the sale alongside full-time work while also being a full-time student — at the most recent sale, she traveled back and forth to Northern California twice to take final exams while the event was underway.
Community giving has become a cornerstone of the sale. After each event, organizers donate unsold items to local social service organizations, foster family agencies, homeless shelters, hospitals, schools and community programs. The sale also hosts a special shopping night for teens from a local shelter, where they can select items for free.
"If you lead with community and goodwill, the business side tends to take care of itself," Walcker and Merklin said.
Looking ahead, the founders say their hope is simple: that Savvy Chic continues to be a place where families connect, save money and support one another.
More information: The Savvy Chic Kids Consignment Sale runs March 19-20 and 22-23 at Mission Grove Shopping Center, 375 E. Alessandro Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Visit the event listing for details.
