Chatham Moms Open New Sports Consignment Business

Three local moms have staretd a new business, USEDTOBE Sports, which provides parents with a way to get rid of their extra sports gear and defray the high costs of sports equipment.           

“We want to give every kid a chance to play whichever sport may interest them with the high-end retail cost of the equipment,” said Chatham resident Ann Ciccarelli, who has two sons playing a variety of sports.

Ciccarelli and her partners, Sally Kelly of Chatham and Cinda Carnevale, of Summit, came up with the idea to help parents defray some of the costs associated with playing competitive sports as a child.

“Sports programs are requiring so much equipment at such a young age,” Ciccarelli said.

For instance, second-grade lacrosse players are required to have full pads and a helmet costing close to $500, according to Ciccarelli.

“No matter what financial stage you’re in, no one wants to put up so much money for a kid who might try a sport just once,” she said. “I think it will be great for everyone involved for everyone involved.”

The first drop-off day was Sunday and again Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 33 Ruthven Place in Summit. There will be additional dates for drop-offs in July and August.

Seasonal “trunk shows” will be held in advance of every sports season. The first show will be held in early September. The consigner receives 40 percent of the sale price.

Items will be placed in two shows and if they do not sell after 90 days, the sports gear will be donated to a local charity.

“We will donate leftover gear to a local children’s charity to give inner city kids who want to try some of these sports but can’t afford it an opportunity to participate,” said Ciccarelli.

USEDTOBE Sports encourages parents to “go green” and recycle second-hand gear. Anything non-apparel is accepted including hockey gear, tennis racquets, skateboards, scooters, baseball equipment and much more. For a list of accepted items and to receive a consignor agreement, send an email to: usedtobesports@gmail.com

If kids names are on the gear, it is not a problem. “We will put USEDTOBE Sports stickers over the names—it’s our way of branding,” says Ciccarelli.

The new business is trying to work with a local organization to allow them to have the sale at their facility. If they do find a “retail location” they will donate five percent of the proceeds to a nonprofit.

In addition, the group will be launching a website to match buyers with sellers and offering online shopping so people can purchase gear in between the trunk shows.