With colder weather on its way, Eagle Eye is spotlighting the Consignment Shop on Main Campus. We spoke with Jo Cranford Hodges ’96, Woodward parent, Consignment Shop Manager, and Governing Board Member, for tips on shopping and consigning.

 

Tell us about the history of the Consignment Shop and how it’s run.

The Consignment Shop was started in 1976 by a group of parent volunteers to help families purchase used books and uniform items. It was initially called the “Parent Thrift Store” and has always been run by parent volunteers. Fun fact: Up until the last 12 years, all of the sales tickets were written by hand! Now, the shop is still managed and run by parent volunteers, but we thankfully no longer write tags by hand! We use a great consignment shop platform called Liberty React. In 2017, we relocated to the Parent Community Corner and shared space with the Parent Lounge. 

The shop sells used (and sometimes new) uniform items and books that are being consigned by Woodward families. When items are brought in for consignment, they are placed on a family account and the item has one year to sell. If it sells within the year, the family receives a percentage of the sale price and another percentage goes to the WA Parent Community to support its programs, such as Super Goober Day, parent events and speakers, and student engagement such as breakfast during exams. Any items the shop is unable to consign are donated or recycled, which helps with our sustainability efforts as a school. 

 

What is the background behind the mid-year switch in uniform providers and what are the plans going forward?

When Dennis shut down operations in October, it came as a significant surprise to Woodward and many of Dennis’s other school clients. Thankfully Woodward had already been in the process of exploring bringing new uniform sales in-house through our Campus Store. This immediate closure of Dennis has created a more escalated timeframe to help meet student and parent new uniform needs. We anticipate offering uniforms for sale online through the Campus Store in January.

 

In the short term, how should families handle the change to cooler weather? Are there exceptions to uniform policy to accommodate the transition

The Consignment Shop has plenty of outerwear and navy blue crew sweatshirts available.

Unfortunately, some of the popular items—such as uniform hoodie sweatshirts—may not be in stock until January. To accommodate the transition, all students may wear Woodward spirit wear hoodies through the end of this calendar year.

 

What adjustments to Consignment Shop hours have been made to accommodate families?

We have added several shopping mornings since learning about the closure of Dennis, and parents have appreciated these additional hours. In December, we have added five extra shopping mornings (dates and times are available in the Parent Portal) as well as extended our Wednesday hours an extra hour to accommodate families coming to campus for after school activities. 

 

Are there any other tips you’d like to share with parents regarding uniforms and the Consignment Shop? 

Visit us and consign your items! It is very easy to consign. You can learn more on the Parent Portal, but we provide drop-offs in the Parent Lounge when the lounge is open. Now is the time to bring in your outgrown items because there is significant demand for other families, especially items such as jackets, blazers, and sweatshirts. 

 

What should parents do if they are unable to get to campus when the Consignment Shop is open?

Parents can always email the Consignment Shop at consignmentshop@woodward.edu to inquire about items you need. In some cases, we are able to purchase an item for a family over the phone or by email and leave the item in the Parent Lounge for pick-up. However, because we are a Consignment Shop, no two items are the same! We highly recommend coming to the shop during our extended hours, or for Middle and Upper School students, suggesting they visit the shop after school or during lunch (for Upper School students only). 

 

How can parents get involved in volunteering with the Consignment Shop?

Stop in and sign up! You also can email us at consignmentshop@woodward.edu to join our volunteer list. We’re always in need of parent volunteers, and it’s a great way to meet fellow parents!