Psst… Back-to-School Denver Sales: Clothing & Shoes

Psst… We are launching a special Back-to-School Denver Sales Series this week, so you can find out secrets on where to get all your kids’ back-to-school needs locally and for great prices! Kicking off the series is guest blogger, Heather Garbo, Founder of Denver Dweller, who will give you all the secrets on clothing and shoes sales!

For the first time ever, I am about to participate in the annual parental tradition that is back-to-school shopping. My 4-year-old is transitioning this year from his private daycare/preschool to the big neighborhood public school down the street. He and I both have mixed feelings about the transition. He is tentatively excited, definitely nervous. I may have bribed him a bit with the promise of a new backpack.

I am also excited, but the enormity of this transition, which marks the beginning of his elementary school years, has overwhelmed me a bit, too. I got teary-eyed when I read the long list of school supplies. Who knew I could feel so emotional about glue sticks?

So, we’re starting in an easier place…shoes and clothes. Okay, shoes and clothes shopping for a 4-year-old isn’t exactly easier. But right now it feels emotionally simpler because he has always needed shoes and clothes. Glue sticks? That’s brand new territory. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to get better acquainted with the local, independent kids’ stores while checking out the Denver back-to-school sales.

Little Feet

201 University Boulevard (Plaza at Cherry Creek), Denver, (303) 388-9535, Hours: Mon to Sat, 10am to 6pm; Sun, 12pm to 4pm

Located in Cherry Creek, Little Feet has been a family-owned and operated business for more than 20 years. The store carries high quality and durable children’s shoes including brands like Merrell, Saucony, Stride Rite, Keen, and See Kai Run. The store also holds a free shoe-tying class, which actually fills up rather quickly. How cute is that?

What to buy: Boys’ and girls’ shoes up to size 6 for girls and size 7 for boys. (They also carry crib shoes for baby.)

On sale now: Currently Little Feet is holding a store-wide sale through the end of July with 15% off everything in the store plus $20 and $30 sale tables. And, these weren’t cast-off pairs – these were really cute shoes!

Back on the Rack Children’s Consignment Boutique

600 S. Holly Street, Denver, (303) 355-0191, Hours: Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm; Sat: 10am to 4pm

Kids go through clothes so quickly that there is definitely no shame in picking up gently used apparel at a local resale shop. Back on the Rack carries a wide selection of previously loved clothes in very good condition, with higher-end brands like Tea, Janie and Jack, and Mini Boden alongside Carter’s, Children’s Place and Gymboree.

What to buy: Boys’ and girls’ clothing up to size 12. Boys’ and girls’ shoes up to youth size 4.

On sale now: The shop just completed their summer blowout sale, but their everyday prices are kept low enough that you’ll feel like you’ve scored a sale item. Also, grandparents get 10% off when shopping on Wednesdays.

Heloise

300 University Boulevard, Denver, (303) 997-5261, Hours: Mon to Sat, 10am to 6pm; Closed Sun.

With its striped awnings and cheerful display window, Heloise beckons parents inside and once you’re in, say goodbye to the little ones for a bit because they’re sure to disappear to play in the indoor treehouse. The shop carries beautiful everyday clothes, as well as fancier clothes, though it leans more heavily toward the latter. Popular brands include Pink Rooster, Nellystella, and Johnnie-O.

What to buy: Boys’ and girls’ clothes sizes newborn to 14.

On sale now: 20% off girls’ clothes and 15% off Johnnie-O boys’ clothes through end of July.

Hollyhocks

2817 E 3rd Avenue, Denver (formerly 3rd and Holly), (303) 388-8001, Hours: Mon to Sat, 10am to 6pm; Closed Sun.

Tucked into an unassuming shopping plaza, this little shop has been the Crestmoor neighborhood’s best-kept secret for 20 years. But just this week Hollyhocks temporarily closed their doors to prepare for a big move to Cherry Creek, where they will re-open on August 1st. The store seems to cater more to younger kids, but there were some cute finds for pre-teens.

What to buy: Boys’ clothing from newborn to size 14, and girls’ clothing from newborn to size 16.

On sale now: Once doors re-open at their new location, Hollyhock will continue their sale offering 50% off much of their fall and winter apparel through the end of August.

Nest

2940 East 6th Avenue, Denver, (720) 287-1372; 2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, (720) 524-7676, Hours: Mon to Sat, 9 am to 6pm; Sun 11am to 5pm.

Nest, is a locally grown kids’ clothing store, that has two locations, plus two sister shops, Hatched by Nest for tween girls (see below) and Firebird Books and Toys. The store has a wide selection of everyday clothes perfect for school wear. You’ll also find some awesome vintage-looking t-shirts featuring mom and dads’ favorite bands. Popular brands include Tea and Johnnie-O.

What to buy: Boys’ and girls’ clothing from newborn to size 8. (See Hatched by Nest below for girls’ clothing sizes 8 to 14.)

On sale now: Their blue dot sale includes a huge amount of inventory now 50% off through the end of July.

Hatched by Nest

585 Milwaukee Street, Denver (attached to Denver Nest location), (720) 287-1372, Hours: Mon to Sat, 9am to 6pm; Sun 11am to 5pm.

The big sister of Nest, Hatched by Nest sells clothing and accessories targeting tween and younger teen girls. It’s not as large of a selection as Nest, but the clothes are stylish and sure to appeal to the discerning tweenster.

What to buy: Girls’ clothing sizes 8 to 14.

On sale now: No sales currently, but possibly before end of summer.

Talulah Jones

1122 E. 17th Avenue, Denver, (303) 832-1230. Hours: Mon to Fri, 10am to 6pm, Sat, 10am to 5pm, and Sun, 11am to 4pm

Perhaps best known as a gift boutique, Talulah Jones is also overflowing with children’s toys, clothes and shoes, as well as women’s clothes, greeting cards, and home accessories. And, you can do a lot of fun back-to-school shopping here. The clothing selection, though small and more targeted to girls, features adorable basics, and includes t-shirts, shorts and pants for boys, plus sweet dresses for girls. You can also find some great kids’ shoes. But I was most excited to discover the colorful backpacks and lunchtime bento boxes.

What to buy: Boys’ clothes to size 8, girls’ clothes to size 14, boys’ and girls’ shoes, kids’ and teen (and even adult) backpacks, lunch bento boxes, and fun school supplies.

On sale now: Much of the clothing is on sale now for 40% off through mid-August.

I love how these local shops have made the back-to-school shopping easier and even fun. But if you see a misty-eyed mama in the school supply aisle who is getting a little too emotional over a bunch of No. 2 pencils, that’s probably me.