Stuff-A-Bag Sale Event

The Winter Stuff-A-Bag Sale Event is happening Saturday, February 4th... I love this time of year!

If you've never participated in one of our Stuff-A-Bag Sale Events this is your chance! You get to stuff a bag full of winter items for just $20/bag. There will be something for every Born Again customer:

Infant

Toddler

Teen/Junior

Misses

Shoes & Accessories

...and maybe some other surprises, too!

Come early as there is always a line. Watch for our traffic directors when you pull into the lot to help you find a safe parking spot. Heck, make it a Ladies' Day Out; carpool and then go have lunch afterwards and gloat about the fabulous bargains you scored!

We open at 10am. You'll start in the Stuffing Room, which is located in our Dress Shop (two doors down in the same building). We will have the sale items neatly organized and ready for you. A Stuffing Assistant will hand you a bag when you walk in the door. Stuff that baby FULL of all the good stuff you find. Ask for another bag if you need it; there's no limit to the number of bags you can stuff!

Our Stuffing Assistants are experts at fitting huge amounts of stuff in your bag, so ask for help to fit that extra piece you just HAVE to have. In fact, we do training to learn how to stuff the bags fuller. We have to be able to tie the handles of the bags but we WANT these items to find new homes so we will help you fit more in!

When you're done stuffing, hand your bag to a Stuffing Assistant. She will stash it for you so you can finish shopping hands-free, and hand you a voucher. Hold tight to that voucher because it serves TWO purposes in helping you;

First, it allows you to retrieve your stuffed bag(s) and...

Second...this is the best one...It's also a same-day coupon for $5 off in the main store where all the newly arrived clothing and accessories are making their debut!!!

Can you see why this is such a fun day?! You can score some serious swag and outfit the little ones, the teenagers AND yourself for, literally, pennies on the dollar!

Shop. Stuff. Save.

Oh yeah, baby.

Needles & Feces & Rats, Oh My! (a true story)

Dead rat.

Feces. (both animal and human)

Dead bird.

Steak knife.

Broken glass.

Urine.

Hypodermic needle.

What kind of list is this?! you may wonder. Read on, dear friends:

What's the deal with the "no-bag" rule? (click to read the extended version)

It's true. This is a very abbreviated list of the strange and scary things that have surprised us in the first eighteen months of Born Again's existence, hidden in bags of "just washed" and "clean" clothes and toys. (It's amazing what can get into bags which are stored for even a short time) I realize that this is shocking (imagine OUR surprise!!), and I'm sure you can understand why we simply cannot expose our staff or our customers to such dangers.

We want to offer the absolute best service to every one of our customers and suppliers on every visit. In fact, part of our employee manual goes into detail about how to make a person feel great during their visit to Born Again. It's our goal and it's what we LOVE to do!

Our "no-bag" rule has had the unfortunate consequence of upsetting people, even to the point of...well, never mind. The point of this blog entry is to share some ideas. We have the no-bag information on our website, blog, Facebook, in-store brochures, phone scripts and, of course, we share it with every supplier who visits us. Still, we need to further our reach! We need to get this information into the hands of those planning to bring us stuff for the first time, so we can help them have a great first experience AND bring more great products to you!

We've been brainstorming and, so far, have come up with a whooping ONE grand idea! The best part of this idea, though, is that our customers (that's YOU) are already great at this! We know you already tell your friends about us, sharing your bargain finds and how much extra money you made by bringing your underloved items to us. Could you also tell your friends and family planning to bring us items for the first time about our no-bag safety rule, to save them the frustration of a wasted trip?

A simple explanation like this would do the trick:

"It's easy! As long as your items are in a hard-sided container they'll look at 'em right then!"

-or-

"Take your stuff to Born Again and turn it into cash! Just make sure your stuff is in anything but a bag they'll look through them while you wait!"

It's a win-win! Your friends and family will thank you for helping them make money on their underloved stuff, and we'll have even more great stuff for you!

Dress For Your Figure - the Pants Edition

There are so many choices out there! How's a girl to know what style will work for her, downplaying imperfections and accentuating the best features? Here's the skinny (excuse the pun):

For a straight figure of any size...

Lucky you! You can pull off just about any waist rise and style of leg. Avoid contoured waists. Look for pants that have a belt or pockets that will appear to add curviness.

If your bum needs filling out, try jeans or pants with pockets that have lots going on.

If you have a tummy...

Look for a wide waistband with at least a mid-rise. Straight-cut pants and jeans will lessen any contrast between a thicker middle and a slimmer bottom half. Avoid low-rise, pleats, belts and wide-leg pants.

(All of this fabulous info comes from the March 2011 issue of Real Simple)

The Story of the Jeans

The most common question we are asked: What does "consignment" mean and how does it work?


The dictionary definition of consignment, according to dictionary.com, is "goods sent to an agent for sale, with title being held by the consignor until a sale is made." Well, that was...informative.


I think what our potential new consignors really want to know is what will happen to their items and how will they get paid, right?! Instead of a dry and wordy explanation, we've put together a little slide show for your amusement and information...

The Story of the Jeans...A Consignment Love Story

Don't Bust Your Back-To-School Budget

So...your parental units have given you $300 to spend on back-to-school clothes. You want the hot brands but you also want to get lots of different pieces to mix and match. What do you do?

Here are some options:
-Drive to Spokane and buy the brands you love at Abercrombie, Hollister & American Eagle:

• Abercrombie jeans $40 (cuz they're on sale)


• American Eagle jeans $30 (cuz they're on sale)


• Hollister jeans $30 (cuz they're on sale)


• 2 American Eagle tshirts $40


• Hollister hoodie $70 (definitely NOT on sale)


• Abercrombie tshirts $24


• 2 Abercrombie long-sleeve shirts $76

...the last $30 you'll spend on gas and lunch. You got 9 fabulous pieces and will look trendy in hot labels for the first day of school!

-Or...you could stay right here in town and find "step down" labels at JC Penney's & Macy's:

• Arizona boot-cut jeans $28 (on sale)


• Levis superlow skinny jeans $35 (on sale)


• American Rag sweater $49


• Hoodie Buddie hoodie $27


• Olsenboye skirt $25 (on sale)


• Jolt khaki flare pants $48


• Sugar & Spice ruffled tank $15 (on sale)


• Olsenboye peasant top $25 (on sale)


• Self Esteem short-sleeve top $18 (on sale)


• Junk Food v-neck tshirt $22 (on sale)

...the last $8 could buy you a fast food lunch here in town! This nets you 10 pieces that are cute and you didn't have to drive two hours and waste precious clothes money on gas!

-OR...you can shop at Born Again Resale & Consignment and skip the long drive and the high prices:

• Abercrombie hoodie $15


• Extra Abercrombie hoodie $8 (on sale)


• Hollister jeans $20


• Abercrombie jeans $20


• American Eagle jeans $10 (on sale)


• Silvers jeans $25


• 3 Hollister tshirts $24


• 2 Abercrombie tshirts $16


• 3 American Eagle tshirts $20 (one on sale)


• American Eagle long-sleeve top $12


• Arizona khakis $11


• Hollister long-sleeve sweater $15


• 2 Abercrombie long-sleeve sweaters $23 (one on sale)


• American Rag short-sleeve sweater $8


• Aeropostale denim skirt $8


• Abercrombie denim jacket $20


• American Eagle windbreaker $12


• Hollister lined zip-up vest $12

...the last $21 will buy a sit-down lunch! At Born Again you get 24 items AND they are those brands you LOVE!!!

Smart teens & their moms shop at Born Again because it's...well, smart!!!

And all those clothes from last year that you DID buy at Hollister, Abercrombie, and American Eagle (and even JC Penneys & Macys) that are too small this year? CONSIGN THEM NOW to turn them into back-to-school shopping cash!

"Made in America"

It pleases me to hear so many people talking about only buying items that are proudly "Made in America." It's a good thing to support our national economy, American workers, and "Joe Six-Pack" from "Main Street, America."

Now there's the new push to "Shop Local" which is an even more directed campaign to not only keep American dollars in the United States but to keep your dollars in your own community.

What does "Made in America" really mean these days? What qualifies a product to wear that banner? Some items are "made" by American companies but assembled in a foreign manufacturing plant. Others are made partially from foreign parts but assembled in an American plant. Still others may be made wholly from American-made parts and processed into a final product in a U.S. plant but still be made by a foreign-owned company.

The Federal Trade Commission has laws that govern what can be officially (or implied to be) "Made in America" but one wonders how many slide by under the radar or squeak through unsubstantiated claims.

*For a more detailed (i.e. verbose and tedious) explanation you can read the question-answer-example format put forth on the Bureau of Consumer Protection's website.

I submit to you that one of the few transactions you can participate in that satisfies all these qualifiers is shopping resale and consignment. Though the original manufacturing of an item may be foreign, that original transaction is long over. Now the item is transformed! It is 100% American-owned, has been used and cared for by that citizen, and now has been put up for sale in an American-owned small business (probably on Main Street).

Who benefits? The consignor/owner of the item (your neighbor), the American small-business owner (your neighbor), employees of the business (yep, you guessed it; your neighbors), local economy, national economy, and YOU, the new owner of this freshly transformed new-to-you-and-now-fully-Americanized item. Is there anything more American than that?

Financial Focus

This article was provided by Stephanie Johnson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. (Read through to the end for your chance to WIN!)

Here's Your Tax Season "Checklist"

Tax season is here. You've got until April 18, 2011, to file your taxes, so it is a good time to think about some moves to help improve your situation. With these thoughts in mind, here are some "tax-smart" moves to consider:

• Boost your 401(k) contributions.

By making pre-tax contributions to your 401(k), you can lower your adjusted gross income. And if your employer offers a "Roth" 401(k), you may want to take advantage of it. Your Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so you won't lower your adjusted gross income, but your account has the opportunity to grow tax-free, and any withdrawals you make during retirement won't be subject to income tax, provided you're at least 59-1/2 and you've held the account for at least five years.

• "Max out" on your IRA.

If you have a traditional IRA, your contributions may be tax deductible, and your earnings are always tax deferred, which means your money has the opportunity to grow faster than if it were placed in an investment on which you paid taxes every year. Taxes are due upon withdrawal and withdrawals prior to age 59-1/2 may be subject to a 10 percent IRA penalty. If you have a Roth IRA, the rules are similar to those governing a Roth 401(k): Your contributions aren't deductible, but your money has the opportunity to grow tax free, provided you've had your account at least five years and don't start taking withdrawals until you're 59-1/2. (You'll have to meet certain income guidelines to qualify for a Roth IRA.) You've got until the tax-filing deadline to contribute to your IRA for the 2010 tax year, for which the maximum contribution amount is $5,000, or $6,000 if you're 50 or older. And once you've "maxed out" on your IRA for 2010, you can start contributing for the 2011 tax year.

• Increase your 529 contributions.

By putting money into a 529 plan, you can help your children, or grandchildren, save for college. Earnings on a 529 plan have the opporunity to grow free of federal income tax, and withdrawals, if used for qualified higher education expenses, are also federally tax-free. Contributions may be eligible for a state income tax deduction or credit in certain states for residents who participate. Plus, by using the 529 plan to provide financial resources for your child, grandchild or other beneficiary, all or a portion of the gift may be removed from your taxable estate.

• Be charitable.

By contributing to a qualified charity, you can claim a deduction on your taxes, assuming, of course, that you itemize. And if you donate stocks or other assets, you can avoid paying capital gaines taxes, because it will be the charity, not you, that eventually sells the asset.

• Take advantage of favorable rates on capital gains and dividiends.

Recent tax legislation included a two-year extension on the maximum 15 percent tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. As a result, you still have incentives to be a "buy-and-hold" investor and to seek out quality companies that can potentially pay dividends.

Although tax season may end in April, you can make tax-smart moves throughout the year. So keep your eyes open for these opportunities, and take full advantage of them.

(Edward Jones disclaimer: Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your qualified legal professional or tax advisor regarding your particular situation.)

Now for the good stuff: How to win & what you win!

Post a blog comment below telling us about some aspect of your "Tax Season Checklist": how you organize for tax time, whether you file yourself or have it done by someone else and why, what things you itemize, or simply what you got back and how you plan to spend it!

All comments received by midnight on March 31st will be entered into a random drawing to receive a FREE personal consultation with Stephanie Johnson of Edward Jones for your choice of a "Portfolio Review" OR "Planning for Your Child's Future." (She really is a fantastic, down-to-earth, common sense kind of gal, with real-world suggestions for all household income levels!)

Some things to remember:

• All comments are moderated. Your comment will not appear immediatly after you send it. Check back the next day to be sure. If your comment does not appear within 24 hours then it was NOT submitted properly. Please try again.
• Anonymous comments will be posted but will not be entered for the drawing. If you don't have a gmail, LiveJournal, AIM, OpenID, or TypePad account you can sign up for one so your comment will not be anonymous OR you can comment with the Name/URL option and include your email address in the body of the comment OR you can simply include your first and last name and email address in the BODY of your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. If I can't contact you, your comment will not be included in the drawing.

Let the commenting begin! I'm interested in hearing from YOU! Tax time can be a stressful event and we can all use tips and advice to make it easier.