Consignment Stores Seek Answers from CPSC

¶ Jeri Lynn Cunningham is gearing up for Kidsignments, the twice a year children's consignment sale she holds at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. The sale that she started years ago in her garage now features 1000 consignors and draws crowds that line up before dawn. "We carry a great variety of maternity clothes, clothes from infants all the way to juniors and everything a kid could need: books, games, DVD's, toys and furniture," said Cunningham.

But also next month, a new law designed to protect children from lead poisoning takes effect. It requires all items designed for children under 12 for sale in the US to first be tested for lead. Under the law, anything that has not been tested and found to have lead levels below 600 parts per million can not be sold.
Many thrift and resale owners fear they will have to shut down. Some have even dubbed February 10th, the day the law takes effect as National Bankruptcy Day. A spokeswoman for the National Association of Resale and Thrift store owners said the Association is in talks with attorneys, congress members and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to determine whether any items would be exempt.
Cunningham is waiting for clarification but says she's optimistic Kidsignments won't be affected. "We do not have the economic means to do testing on every single individual item and we think because of the small business impact we will exempt," she said.

Kidsignmnets will be held February 17th through the 21st from 9am to 7pm. Because of the large crowds no children or strollers are allowed on the 17th before 2pm. For more information go to www.kidsignments.com