By RANDALL NEWSOME
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
The Whale of a Sale children’s consignment event has returned to Westfield’s Grand Park Events Center after being postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The sale, originally set for March 17, is taking place now through July 12.
It’s the largest sale of its kind in the state of Indiana featuring hot items for parents, including baby to teen size clothing, toys, strollers, furniture and more. Organizers say it’s all available at a fraction of what it would cost in the retail stores.
“We tried to kind of take the whole March week and drop it into July to keep the schedule pretty similar, although there’s a lot of things different of course, as you can imagine with the coronavirus requirements,” co-founder Courtney O’Neil said. “We are having shopping appointments required so we can control the numbers in the building. We’ll only have about 100 to 125 shoppers an hour.”
O’Neil says in the sale’s 11th year, even though there are new safety rules due to the pandemic, it may actually be a smoother experience for shoppers.
“In this nice huge space, it’s going to be really easy shopping,” she said. “I think people are going to enjoy having it be a little quieter and they can run for what they want.”
With 750 consignors bringing items to Grand Park, O’Neil has some advice for would-be shoppers at the first ever summertime Whale of a Sale.
“Bring your list and know your kids’ sizes,” she said. “Run first to what’s highest on your list and then make your way around the sale.”
Shoppers can expect to find upscale items fit for the spring and summer from popular brands like Ralph Lauren and Gymboree.
Admission is free. Many items are half-price on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
Sale Hours
- Friday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here for more information and to schedule shopping appointments.