JBF Fort Worth $15 giveaway!

Just Between Friends (JBF) is my favorite place to buy clothes, shoes, books, and even toys for my kids.  The majority of what my kids wear is from JBF.  Each JBF sale location throughout America has two sales each year--spring and fall.  This post is sponsored by JBF Fort Worth, which is the largest JBF sale in the nation and is coming up soon!  Since attending JBF sales for the last nearly six years, I've figured out a few tips that make my shopping experience even better.  

Here are my top tips for shopping at JBF:

1. Search through your child's clothes ahead of time & make a list so you know exactly what you need

JBF Fort Worth is huge!  

It's held at the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in downtown Fort Worth.  Being able to attend a sale this huge is a good thing, since there's a lot of selection.  But, it can also be overwhelming.  My very best tip is to go through all your child's clothes and shoes for the upcoming season before the sale and see what you really need.  You may think you'll remember, but it really helps to make a list.  Since sizing varies so much between brands, I have even measured the waistlines of pants or the outline of a shoe before going to the sale.  Then, I can use my measurements to check items at the sale to make sure they'll work. 

2.  Plan ahead to have childcare

You'll be able to shop much more efficiently if you don't have your child with you.  When my son was two years old, I took him to the sale in a wagon.  It took much longer since he needed snacks and was interested in all the toys.  :)  Trust me--you'll get more done and enjoy yourself much more if you are alone.  

3. Bring cash

Since there are so many items at a JBF sale (tutus! DVDs! costumes! books! toys!), you'll focus on your most-needed items if you bring and only spend cash.  There have been some sales where I've been so excited by all the deals that I've bought too much.  Not only do I not need more unnecessary stuff in my home, it's also not a blessing to my family if I overspend.  

Another benefit to bringing cash is that you may be able to get through the checkout line more quickly--sometimes there is one register open just for cash-paying customers.  That's usually the fastest-moving register!

4.  Bring snacks and water

It really does help to have some snacks and bottled water with you as you shop.  You're likely to be at a JBF sale for at least a few hours, and shopping when you're hungry or thirsty isn't much fun.  

5.  Bring a wagon, stroller, or rolling laundry basket

You'll need somewhere to stash all your great finds!  I have found that a wagon or a stroller works best for hauling all my items around the sale until I check out.  Since all the clothes are on hangars, I like to place the hangars on the stroller handle as I shop.  

There's also a secure area where you can check larger items (potty chairs, pack & plays, large toys) at the sale so you don't also have to carry those around the entire time you shop.

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The JBF Fort Worth sale is open to the public Thursday, September 3 through Saturday, September 13, 2015.  See the full schedule here.  But, if you are a first-time parent or grandparent, you can register to shop before the sale opens to the public.  Even if you're not a first-time parent or grandparent, you can still get in early by volunteering or consigning (more details here).  I've had a lot of fun volunteering with a group of friends before...we made it a Mom's Night Out and even went to IHop after our shift was completed.  

Even if you're not able to volunteer with friends, I promise that you'll meet new friends by volunteering at the sale.  :)

If you are interested in winning a $15 JBF Fort Worth gift card, comment on this blog post by answering this question:  "What's at the top of your list for the JBF sale?" and then login to Rafflecopter below so that your entry is counted.  Halloween costumes for my kiddos are at the top of my list for this sale!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Giveaway details:  You may enter by commenting one time.  The contest will close at midnight on August 22, 2015.  The winner will be announced on August 23, 2015.  The winner must pick up the gift card at the JBF Fort Worth sale at time of shopping trip.  The winner may not be another JBF blogger and can only win once per sale.)  

Also, here's a coupon to get in free to the sale on Sunday, September 6, 2015.  You are welcome to print this as many times as you need--print for yourself, grandparents, and friends!

Happy Shopping!