REUSE & RECYCLE
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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The first Mommy Swap Meet held in Kapolei this past April was so successful that event coordinator Poni Askew is organizing an encore effort with even more woman-power and excitement. This weekend, Mommy Swap Meet partners with Cupcake Boutique to host its second consignment sale event at Ward Warehouse’s upper level on August 7, 8, and 9.
When Poni moved back to Hawaii several years ago, she was disappointed to learn that consignment fever had not hit the islands. As a new mother, Poni had found the consignment circuit in Tennessee not only a useful resource but also a fun way to meet and socialize with other mothers.
With a background in event planning, Poni decided to start the Mommy Swap Meet here. Though a full-time working parent herself, she manages to coordinate three sales a year with her husband and a team of volunteer moms.
Mothers can consign, volunteer, or do both. Consignors who work shifts receive added benefits such as sneak preview shopping time and an additional 5% profit on their sold items. And it definitely pays to clear out the closets and garage: consignors get up to 75% of their sales, a generous cut as far as consignment goes.
Attracting a mix of stay-at-home mothers to working executives, Mommy Swap Meet events are becoming a savvy expression of community. Mothers connect to do more than swap merchandise; they swap stories and ideas while working together or standing in line. Mommy Swap Meets are definitely a fun way to be budget-conscious, green-sensitive, and even a do-gooder as unsold items are often donated to local charities and non-profit organizations.
The first Mommy Swap Meet debuted with 35 consignors; this weekend, the event brings together over 100 consignors. With a presence at Ward Warehouse, Poni is expecting more buyers as well. As Mommy Swap Meet events grow, Poni envisions larger venues, more inventory, and even on-site childcare for volunteers.
To shop and save this weekend, or to get involved with future Mommy Swap Meets visit :
By Lani Lee