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By: Jen Russon

Back for an encore in 2021, Just Between Friends, or JBF, returns this month to the Coral Springs Gymnasium, with 18,000 square feet of gently used clothes, toys, and baby items.

In its fourth year, owner Fort Lauderdale resident, Lauren Maring, said she is excited to have such a large venue with room for thousands of low-priced items for babies through teens.

Though billed on Yelp and online parenting groups as one of the best places for new parents to find deals on needful childcare items, grandparents of infants are also raving.

“Everything has been inspected, checked for recalls, and the store is always clean and well organized,” said Debbie, a resident of Coral Springs.

A mother of a 5-year-old girl, Angela C., praised the educational toy selection.

“Emily’s going to turn five this year, and we are all about Montessori style materials, so we look forward to this event,” she said.

Store owner Lauren Maring said the popular brands her customers across South Florida have come to expect — like Melissa & Doug— will be waiting and that it’s also not too late to offer up items for consignment.

“It’s definitely not too late to create an account with us, print your selling tags, and head over for drop off Tuesday,” she said.

Maring’s consignment offers brands so popular, they are household names and usually offered 20 to 30 percent lower than retail.

Other items like furniture, bikes, and maternity clothes save customers between 50 to 90 percent, had they bought it new.

Expectant and new parents will especially find a treasure trove of trusted brands in car seats, diaper bags, baby carriers and blankets, nursery accents, and Blockbuster Disney and Pixar DVDs.

“All around the country, other consignments are selling out of baby equipment and gear, like strollers, pack n plays, cribs, swings, and infant toys, but not us,” said Maring.

The events are a win-win for the community. JBF’s proceeds benefit not only Broward and West Palm Beach families but local charities with their own items on consignment.

Last year, JBF helped around 200 local families financially by making it possible to sell items on consignment.

Said Coral Springs mom, April M., “it’s a chance to make some cash and also come home with high-quality children’s clothes, toys, and books.”

Games, media, and clothes for teens are a big part of the inventory at this year’s shopping extravaganza, and reason enough to bring your older children with you this time around.

“The more you tell, the more you sell,” said Maring, adding safety protocols are in place in the ongoing pandemic, including masks and timed shopping tickets on the consignment shop’s busiest days.

She reminded her customers the JBF Facebook page is a great place to hear about upcoming events and giveaways, such as Early Bird tickets for two.

The 2021 JBF Spring Sale dates and hours are:

Wednesday, April 21: 1 p.m.- 8 p.m., ticket required

Thursday, April 22: 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., get a free ticket or $5 at the door

Friday, April 23: 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., no ticket, free entry

Saturday, April 24: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 25% off most items, no ticket, free entry 4 p.m.- 9 p.m., 50% off Presale, $3 at door

Sunday, April 25: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., 50% off most items, no ticket, free entry

Tickets can be purchased online at Linktree and Eventbrite, as well as JBF’s official website. The Coral Springs Gymnasium is located at 2501 Coral Springs Drive.

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