All parents know the frustration of spending hard-earned money on new clothes for their children, only to hand the garments down to friends, or better yet donate them, after just a few wearings simply because they no longer fit. Let’s face it, growth spurts are a serious drain on the wallet.

But they don’t have to be. Consignment stores can be a lifesaver, especially during those early years when it seems like the kids are growing inches each month. If the prices of new clothes for kids leave you gasping for breath, you can think of Dana James as your own personal lifeguard.

For the past 23 years, Dana’s consignment and retail boutique, Karrousel Kids, has operated in historic Matthews (just a stone’s throw from the train), offering fantastic prices on gently used clothing and shoes ranging in size from newborns to juniors. They also carry gift items like Ty beanie babies (check out their line of animals from The Secret Life of Pets!), and other plush toys.

There are always screaming good deals to be had at Karrousel Kids. With a constantly rotating stock of reasonably-priced, brand-name merchandise, Karrousel Kids also has their famous ‘color tag sales’ going on at all times.

These are items that have been marked down 25-50%, and some as low as $1, according to the color on their tag. The discount that coordinates with the color always changes, though, so don’t try to memorize the chart for your next trip.

If you’ve visited Karrousel Kids before, you’ll know that they have two buildings of clothing, shoes, and toys encompassing around 2,000 square feet. What you might not know is that Dana is in the process of turning one of the buildings into a space that will house only junior girls’ clothing (size 00 to junior size 9), giving teens and preteens a separate and inviting place to shop.

Dana’s store is a must-stop location for back-to-school shopping; you never know what kind of sale will be going on. Unless, that is, you like them on Facebook or get on their email list – then you’ll find out about exclusive pricing that won’t be otherwise advertised to the public. And that special deal will give you a discount on top of their already publicized deals. Which means you’ll leave the store without emptying your bank account or struggling to breathe from sticker shock. Because, let’s face it, it’s hard enough to breathe in this summer humidity anyway.

Karrousel Kids is located at 120 E Charles Street and serves Matthews, Mint Hill, and surrounding areas. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9am until 5pm and select Sundays from 1pm until 4:30. If you are interested in consigning items, please call Dana James to schedule your first appointment.