A Whale of a Sale, central Indiana’s largest children’s consignment event, is kicking off its fourth year this Thursday through Saturday. Founders Courtney O’Neil and Jennifer Hare are moms, entrepreneurs, friends and sorority sisters.
O’Neil has a background in marketing and public relations in the sports and non-profit industries. Hare’s prior experience came from meeting planning, logistics and administration for Genentech in Chicago.
It didn’t take long for both O’Neil and Hare to start noticing how quickly their children were outgrowing their nice clothing and toys. The idea of Whale of a Sale came about when the women realized they could provide a service to help mothers like themselves make and save money.
“We love meeting so many awesome moms and helping their families save money on quality kid’s stuff,” O’Neil said. For O’Neil, a mother of two, and Hare, a mother of three, it has been a treat to be able to stay at home with their children and run the event three times a year.
“It’s a mom-to-mom business, and it’s ideal for this time in our lives with young children,” O’Neil said.
Whale of a Sale has been voted the No. 1 consignment sale in Indianapolis by “Indy’s Child” readers. Its number of consignors has grown from 100 at the very first sale to 500 consignors this year.
“It’s a learning process, and we’re continually fine-tuning to make each sale better than the last,” O’Neil said. Whale of a Sale specializes in name-brand, upscale merchandise.
“From day one, it’s been important to us to focus on quality and upscale name brands,” O’Neil said. “This isn’t a garage sale experience.”
Unsold apparel is donated to Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County and Jordan’s Place for foster children.
O’Neil and Hare find that most women with young children feel good about “recycling” unwanted items to new families. Moms can make more money by selling their items at Whale of a Sale without the work of a garage sale.
“We market directly to the right buyers and take the hassle out of the process. “They prepare it, drop it off and receive a check,” O’Neil said.
The shopping event will be Thursday through Saturday at Meridian Village Plaza, 13672 N. Meridian St. A new and expecting mom’s pre-sale will be on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m.
A Whale of a Sale
What: Central Indiana’s largest children’s consignment event
When: Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Meridian Village Plaza, 13672 North Meridian St.
More info: visit www.whale-sale.com
