Author Archives: Kelly

Don’t miss our 12th Annual Mama Goose Coat Sale Extravaganza!

Saturday, September 24th 10am-6pm

430 W. State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
In the Seneca street parking lot just behind Mimi’s Attic.
Just look for the big tents!

We buy quality children’s winter coats, snow pants, snow boots, winter accessories & Halloween costumes all year long, and stow them away for this fun-filled, annual event. We will continue to have winter outerwear for purchase throughout the winter, but this is always our best selection of the year. So save the date and plan to attend!

FUN FACT! 5% of all Coat Sale Extravaganza 2016 sales will be donated to the Southside Community Center Youth Programs. One of the Youth Programs upcoming goals is to beautify and maintain their new Pride Van which they use for the kids’ field trips.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the sale (Coat Sale veterans, note the answers marked NEW):

Q: Why have a Coat Sale Extravaganza in the first place?
A: The Coat Sale tradition began when we had a tiny, ginger-bread house-like store at the corner of Seneca St. and Plain St. (2004). It was impossible to fit all of our winter outerwear on the sales floor, and our customers needed to stop in daily to find the right size snow gear for each of their kids. We realized that if we put all of our winter outerwear in our parking lot on one day, our customers would know what day to come to have the best chance at finding what they needed. And so the Extravaganza was born! The coat sale also allows us to buy great winter outerwear year-round, regardless of sales floor space, which means a better selection for you

Q:How much will the outerwear be discounted?
A:When you get to the register, you will be asked to draw a lucky marble for 10, 15 or 20% OFF your total purchase of winter outerwear and Halloween costumes. You’ve heard the song “Luck be a lady” … we say “Luck be a Mama at the Extravaganza!”

Q:Will there be other savings on the day of the event?
NEW A:Why, yes – great question! Everything inside Mama Goose will be 10% off on the day of the Extravaganza! And, yes, that includes new products such as our Ergo Carriers, Ring Slings, Cloth Diapers and Shoes. If something is already marked down, like our clearance shoes, you will receive an additional 10% off on the day of the Extravaganza. Plus, after you make your Coat Sale purchases, you will be given a couple of coupons including a 10% off coupon to our sister store, Mimi’s Attic.

Q: How long are the checkout lines going to be?
NEW A: We’re changing it up completely this year, with only ONE line! All shoppers will enter the same line, just off the parking lot, into the Mimi’s Attic loading area, where we will have four registers with eager cashiers waiting to check you out with lightning speed. When the line is long it will zig zag through the loading area. Note to mamas and papas – this may be the hard part for kiddos who don’t like to wait and stand still. We will have a coloring station set up nearby.

Q: What forms of payment will you accept?
A: All four registers will accept Mama Goose Store Credit, VISA, Mastercard , Discover and of course, CASH! Cash is definitely the swiftest form of payment, so if possible, stop at an ATM!

Q: Is it worth coming if I can’t get there until the afternoon?
A: Definitely! The sale lasts all day, from 10am-6pm and there is plenty to choose from all day long. Just come and have fun whenever you can make it!

Q: Can I use my frequent customer stamp card?
NEW A: In order to keep the lines moving, we do not stamp frequent customer cards at the Coat Sale registers. However, this year we will be giving stamps for regular, non-coat sale purchases made inside Mama Goose. You are also welcome to redeem full stamp cards at any register.

Q: What if I want to shop inside Mama Goose for non-Coat Sale items like school clothes, books, shoes, toys, diapering supplies, etc.?
NEW A: It will be business as usual for shoppers inside Mama Goose, except we will have an extra register, light refreshments and 10% off everything inside the store! We think our 2016 plan to checkout all Coat Sale purchases in the Mimi’s Loading area, will make your shopping experience inside Mama Goose easier and more fun. You might choose to shop inside Mama Goose after your Coat Sale purchases or “divide and conquer” with one person from your party shopping inside and the other person shopping outside at the same time. You choose your strategy!  Note: We will NOT be buying on the day of the Extravaganza.

Q: What if I want to shop or browse in Mimi’s Attic?
NEW A: We suggest making your Coat Sale purchases first and then go shop at Mimi’s. You will be receiving a Mimi’s coupon for 10% off your total purchase that you can use any time before October 31st.

Q: What if it rains?
A: We have three twenty-foot tents, and several 10×10 foot tents in addition to our shipping and receiving area. We will also direct and manage the checkout lines to keep you sheltered and dry. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you have any unanswered questions, feel free call us at 607-269-0600.

Q: Can I bring used items to sell on the day of the Coat Sale?
A: We apologize for any inconvenience, but we will not be buying on the day of the Coat Sale.
Normal buying will resume on Monday the 26^th

Q: I’m not familiar with the area, where can I park?
A: Mama Goose Ithaca is located in Ithaca’s West End, which is easy to get to  from route 13. Here is a handy MAP for your convenience. If you are coming from the north, simply take a left off of route 13 South onto Buffalo Street and proceed two blocks, and look for parking on Buffalo Street. Then simply walk down Corn St (across from the park) and you will be right next to the sale. Parking is free on weekends. Parking can also be found on Corn, State or Seneca Street. Note: Though our address is 430 West State Street, the coat sale takes place around the back of the building on Seneca Street in our parking lot.

We hope to see you at the Extravaganza! Don’t forget to bring a friend and making a day of it! You are sure not to walk away empty handed.

Join our Coat Sale Extravanganza Facebook event HERE and stay in the loop!

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of a pretty great sale down at the Goose — all gently used clothes are buy 2 get 1 free, and so are all gently used books and toys.   I thought this would be a good time to remind you that even if your wee ones aren’t as wee as they used to be, you can still stock up at the end of summer sale.   Our big kid racks go all the way up to size 14. Check out Rayshan below for proof! Full disclosure: Ray is this writer’s son and I’ll try to be non-biased as I can. But can I just say … how handsome is he?!

Ray is rocking some Zara skinny jeans (size 14, $10.95) with a Zara jacket (size 14, $5.50) and an Abercrombie t-shirt (size XL/14, $4.95.)  The shoes pictured are his own because Ray’s feet are freakishly large and, sadly, have outgrown Mama Goose (imagine my mournful face here). If it were physically possible, I would definitely squeeze his feet into these size 4 Nikes ($14.95.)

Of course, no matter how great our selection of tween clothes, we don’t have anything in stock that will put a stop to the burgeoning pre-teen angst Ray is showing off in these pics.  My strategy for that is to just keep buying cute clothes to layer on top of the ‘tude — my kids may drive me up the wall, but at least they look good doing it.

Remember, we’re always looking for Look of the Month models!  If you know a kid who’s got what it takes (i.e. the ability to wear clothes and put up with me for an hour), sign ’em up at the front register.

Now get to the Goose!   Buy 2 get 1 free ends at 6PM on August 6th!

Mamas, meet Comfy Joey Ring Slings!

Linen ring slings are incredibly versatile, and can be used from the newborn stage through the toddler years. They also easily transition from one caregiver to the next as they are a one-size-fits all option.

We love these slings because linen is a natural and strong, yet super lightweight, breathable fabric. Perfect for these humid Ithaca summers and beyond! These slings are easy to care for; hand wash or machine delicate cold; hang dry. Priced at $87.50. Come by Mama Goose to try one out!

This is Emilyn. Like any woman of a certain (very young) age, she enjoys the finer things in life: a well-timed nap, a snuggly bunny, and a summer sale! Mama Goose is celebrating summer with a series of exciting sales throughout the month. Check out the deets and Emilyn’s looks below:

July 5th – July 17th:   All Shorts are BOGO 50%   

You could pick up two pair (or more!) of shorts like the ones Emilyn is rocking below.

Chartreuse Gap shorts (size 12 months, $2.95); Old Navy tank top (size 12 months, $1.50); Old Navy vest (size 12 months, $2.50); Huggalugs leg warmers ($2.95)

Gymboree collared onesie (size 12 months, $3.95), Gymboree shorts (size 12 months, $4.50), Tom’s canvas mary janes (size 5, $6.95)

July 18-24:  All Dresses* BOGO 50% off!

Day dresses! Night dresses!  Party dresses!  Sun dresses!  Emilyn is so excited she can barely stand it.

Muneca party dress and bloomers, new with tags (size 18 months, $9.95), sandals and barrette (model’s own)

Gap dress (size 12 months, $10.25), See Kai Run mary janes, like-new condition (size 4, $24.95), bunny and barrette (models own)

And that’s not all!  July 25-31, all books and toys (like the wooden shape-sorter pictured above, $5.95) are BOGO 50%  All month long, baby clothes (sizes newborn -6 months) are BOGO 50%, and then, August 1-6, it’s Emilyn’s favorite sale of all:  the storewide Buy 2, Get the 3rd free!

It’s a series of summer sales to make anyone swoon — and if you don’t believe me, ask Emilyn!

Don’t Forget: Models and their families get 10% OFF all purchases on the day of the photo shoot. Email, Facebook message, or sign up at the register to be our next Look of the Month!

NEW Salt Water sandals are now 25% off

Our children’s Salt Water Sandals have just been reduced to a mere $25.13/pair!  Available in sizes sizes 4 toddler through 3 youth and in three great colors! At this price, you could buy a pair for this summer and a pair for next summer. While supplies last!

Plus, you should definitely plan on taking advantage of our month-long, and weekly sales on our gently-used children’s merchandise throughout July and August. Read on, savvy shopping mamas!

3 Days only! (July 1-3) Enjoy 20% off new iPlay sunhats & swim diapers

Stock up for this summer and next with these great, NEW swim diapers and sun hats by iPlay. Currently in stock, we have both wide-brim and flap style sun hats, with UPF protection in sizes NB – 4T. Swim diapers come in a variety of styles, available in sizes 3mth – 4T.

All Month Long (July 1 – July 31)  BOGO 1/2 off   NB – 6mth

Buy one, get one 1/2 off all gently-used baby clothes! Sale applies to sizes Newborn – 6 months only. This includes bargain bin items as well!

Weekly Sale #1: (July 5 – July 17)  BOGO 1/2 off SHORTS

Buy one, get one 1/2 off all gently-used shorts in the store! We carry shorts in sizes Newborn all the way up to size 14, and we’re BRIMMING with inventory. If you can’t find the size you’re looking for, ask an associate- we probably have more in the back!

Weekly Sale #2: (July 18 – July 24)  BOGO 1/2 off DRESSES*

Buy one, get one 1/2 off all gently-used dresses in the store! We have a huge inventory in dresses sizes Newborn – 14.
*this sale is does not apply to Maternity dresses

Weekly Sale #3: (July 25  – July 31)  BOGO 1/2 off TOYS & BOOKS

Buy one, get one 1/2 off all gently-used toys and books in the store! This sale does not apply to baby equipment such as swings, exersaucers, etc. Questions? Just ask!

Weekly Super Sale #4: (August 1 – August 6) Storewide Summer Clothing Sale!

Buy 2, get 3rd FREE all gently-used clothing and shoes. Mix and match any gently-used clothing (NB-14 & maternity wear) and shoes in the store. This is our week to make room for fall stock and your week to load up on bargains!

Summer has finally arrived!  In addition to being the season of sunshine, summer is also the season of celebrating — summer weddings, picnics, festivals, parades, pre-parade porch parties… it seems like every other day someone you know is having some kind of shindig.  How on earth is anyone expected to stay stylish through all of that hullaboo?  Let’s look to our Look of the Month model, Avi, for some guidance.

Look! Summer fun on the horizon!

Oh, Facebook. Every time we start thinking we might want to date some other social media,  you lure us back in with  some nifty new feature that reminds us how much you mean to us. Take your “On This Day” App for example. Without it, we may have forgotten that Mama Goose used to have a super fun blog (you know, when blogging was the new cool thing) and that on that blog was an amazing feature called Look of the Week, which showcased adorable outfits modeled by real life Mama Goose customers and their goslings. After seeing all the throwback photos on Facebook, our Look of the Week nostalgia became so intense that we’ve decided to bring back a modified version: Look of the Month!

Some of you may remember these adorable toddlers from Look Of The Week version 1.0:

That’s Corrina and Owen, circa 2010, rocking some adorable toddler sized duds.  Flash forward six years, and those crazy kids went and did something outlandish:  they grew up!   Check it:

These kids are so grown they have their own coffee dates, and they do it in some serious seven-year-old style.

Corrina and Owen  (Hollywood couple name …. Cowen?  Owena?) are dressed in head-to-toe Goosewear.  Corrina’s Mini Boden cardigan (size 7/8, $8.95) is layered over a Crewcuts tee (size 8, $2.25) and paired with Tractor jeggings (size 8, $6.95.)  She accessories with an apricot belt ($1.00) and those incredible red cowgirl boots (size 2, $9.50.)

Owen’s classic look begins with a pair of Gap jeans (size 8 slim, $7.95) and navy canvas belt ($1.00.)   His checkered button-down is also Gap (size 8, $7.50) and he’s staying dry in an Abercrombie windbreaker (size 10, $14.95.)  Because you’re never fully dressed without some quality footwear, Owen pulls his look together with some classic Sperry loafers (size 3.5, $17.95).

Like any hipster duo worth their salt, Cowena (right?!?! that’s the winner) finish their Gimme! beverages and (after a wardrobe change) head over to do some light furniture browsing at Mimi’s Attic.

Owen’s furniture-perusing ensemble pairs the same classic Gap jeans (size 8 slim, $7,95) with a Hanna Andersson striped t-shirt (size 120, $4.95,) a Two Turtles by Sweet Potatoes vest (size 7, $2.95) and Supra sneakers (size 3, $7.95.)  Corrina is channeling her inner Angela Chase in a Mudd floral dress (size 7/8, a total steal at $3.50), a Cherokee denim jacket (size 7/8, $5.95,) hot pink tights ($1.95) and kidlet-size Danskos (size 13, $16.50.)

Tuckered out from all those big kid activities, Cowena head back to where a kid can be a phenomenally dressed kid, Mama Goose, for one more wardrobe change.

Owen slipped into something more comfortable (an entirely Goose-source outfit that he now calls his own, featuring  Andy & Evan pants, an OPPA shirt, and a Junk Store vest.)

Corrina took the opportunity to remind us that it is completely reasonable to wear a cape with an every day ensemble.

She’s wearing a Sewingmommy Batman cape (ages 3 and up, $27.00) with a Target tank (size 9/10, $2.95,) DKNY satin pants (size 8, $4.95) and Nine West flats (size 13.5, $7.95.)  And because you can’t look a girl this cool directly in the eyes, Corrina covers her baby blues with a pair of Mama Goose women’s sunglasses (a total steal at $7.00!)

If any of these items tickled your fancy, get thee to the Goose and make them your very own!   And if you know any tiny humans who might be interested in being a Look of the Month model in the future, sign ’em up at the front counter next time you stop in the store.  We’ve got so many more memories to make (so that Facebook can continue to hold on to them for all eternity.)

XOXO,

Meryl for the Goose

Ithaca’s beloved summer shoe, Tevas, are BACK by popular demand! Tevas are durable, waterproof, and easy to put on. This spring/summer season, we are carrying four cute styles in sizes 4 toddler – 3 youth. Priced at $30-38.

We also now carry Salt Water Sandals!  Don’t be fooled by the delicate look of these sandals; they are sturdy! We like to suggest that you let the kids get their Salt Waters wet right away so they form to their feet, which makes these sandals a great choice for both narrow and wide feet. We also think they are a great style that works for both toddlers and big kids. Can your toddler boy wear them? We say YES, definitely! We are currently carrying Salt Waters in navy, fuchsia, and red in sizes 4 toddler – 3 youth. Priced at $33.50.

For our tiniest customers, we are now carrying Bobux Soft Soled Shoes which are perfect for infants, crawlers and new walkers. Bobux shoes are made from a special leather we call “Eco-leather” because it is tanned with a Chrome (VI)-free tanning process that is safer for the environment and for babies. It also produces a very soft leather that doesn’t need to be lined, making it more breathable. We carry Bobux in sizes 3 months – 21 month. Price at $28.50.

Take a gander at our new products page here and see other great new products we have in stock. Remember, your store credit can be used to purchase anything in our store, even our new products!

If summer shoe shopping is not on your docket just yet, Mama Goose also carries Western Chief Rain Boots. Stop in for a pair of these PVC-Free puddle jumpers today! Sizes 5 toddler – 4 youth. Retail: $28

Remember, you can use your store credit to purchase anything in the store, including our new products! Next time you bring in your gently used clothing to sell back, you could get paid 10% more by choosing store credit. Put that store credit towards a brand new pair of sandals or rain boots and have it made in the shade!