Consignment Shops Worry About Toy Recalls

By: Steve Nicoles, Reporter

Tools

By Steve Nicoles

Story Created: Sep 12, 2007 at 2:53 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2008 at 1:25 PM CST

CORALVILLE – It is not just new stores where customers need to be aware of recalled toys. Consignment shops are also trying to keep up with what is safe and what is not.
Some second-hand stores are having a difficult time. Places like Stuff Etc. have to keep up on the recalls just like everyone else and they do not always have handy serial numbers to help.

Do you feel like you need a boat to stay afloat after the rain of recent recalls? You are not alone. Consignment stores are constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the recall game. The owner of Stuff Etc. Mary Sundblad said, “Resale or retail it's hitting us both pretty hard as they are happening so often."

Store owners are just as nervous about stocking unsafe toys as parents are of buying them. A Cedar Rapids mother Lorie Strottman said, “We did have to wrap up one and throw a Dora doll away because she was listed there."

Toys only make up five percent of sales at Stuff Etc., but they cause more than their fair share of headaches. Sundblad said, “It's happening so fast that it's hard to keep up with and be current."

Sundblad does not cover her eyes if a toy is sold and then recalled. She acts just like a retail store and refunds the money. She also asks the consignor to take it back or she will throw it away. You cannot be too careful with this generation of kids. It is not like previous generations. Strottman said, “Back then they made toys to make toys. Now it seems like it's all about the bottom line. How cheap can you make it?"

Answer that question and you might just solve the mystery of the recalls. Stuff Etc. goes online to stay current on recalls. They visit the website www.cpsc.gov. You can check it out and stay in touch, too.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com

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