Recycling Wearable Wares for Children

Newborns, sadly, arrive unclothed. But if Mom and Dad are lucky, a supply of hand-me-down baby duds soon pour in from relatives and friends.

If the supply is still lacking, however, a Los Angeles store stands prepared to fill the void. Baby Deja-Vu specializes in cute, cuddly hand-me-downs at bargain prices.

The shop’s ever-changing selection of merchandise includes an assortment of used baby clothing, maternity wear, furniture, toys, books and accessories. Sizes are available in newborn to children’s size 10.

“Any age is a good age to come in here,” Nan Ellin, a mother and Park La Brea resident, said last week during a visit to the store. “You don’t want to invest a lot because they grow so quickly.”

Store owners Jon and Veronique Weisbart take items on consignment and sell them, giving the consignor--often parents--a percentage of the sale price. Consignment goods are accepted during business hours and must be in good condition, free of stains, freshly cleaned and ironed.

Baby Deja-Vu helps consignors because they feel that they are recycling something useful, not simply throwing it in the trash.

The buyers of the consigned goods are not limited to parents. Grandparents, aunts and uncles buy car seats, cradles and other items to accommodate visiting children.

When Baby Deja-Vu opened six months ago, there were only 200 items. Today, there are more than 5,000. Though some of the merchandise is new, the vast majority is collected through consignments. Prices range from 50 cents to $70, depending on the item.

“The prices are better and there are more interesting clothes in terms of selection,” said Jon Weisbart.

The store is also child-friendly, with a play area that has a table, chairs and crayons so parents can shop in peace.

Baby Deja-Vu, 8311 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (213) 653-2181. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.