I've been coming to this place six years. And it's not changed much. This place is packed is like sardines in a can. However, if you're willing to sift through out the items might find a few gems. The prices are fair, but to tend to run on the high side. There is definitely an array of goods to rummage through. And through appointment and hand selection of items the store accepts, it makes for quality picked used merchandise. Finally -- it's nice to see that they have a phone number posted now. This business didn't have one connected to anything for awhile. I believe this happened around the time the new owner, Lupee bought Growing Pains. Once I had an appointment and brought some gently used baby items in I was given the option of store credit or money. The store credit being higher. I don't remember if this was before Lupee bought the store. When the phone number for the business went dark I wasn't sure how to make an appointment for bringing my baby things and kids things in. So I started just dropping them off to create space in my home. I realize this isn't the most ideal situation since the items could go to a non profit so I've stopped this. If you're looking to make a little extra cash or store credit this is an ideal place to take your items. read more

Growing Pains - Growing Pains at Night. They close at 6:00 p.m. - Toy Stores Near Me - Concord, California

I don't know how this store has so many great reviews. It is far from impressive. The clothes and baby gear they are selling is outdated and overpriced. read more

I really feel that if something is directly stated to a customer -- especially over the phone -- it should be honored. Three days ago I did the same thing they had an hours of 10 to 8 both days prior called to confirm details before wanting to waste gas and so forth and lugging that items that I had all the way out to Vacaville and arranging my schedule I get out there at one only to be told that they don't take any more buys today and they send me away. I complain on yelp I get a message stating that they want to allow another chance to redeem themselves basically and so call yesterday figure OK, I'll give it another shot. Yesterday, I was told to be there by 9:30 to bring in my items. I made the effort to get everything ready and drove 40 minutes to your shop. I even called from outside just before arriving (10mins ago) 9:50 to check in, only to be told you're not accepting buys today. That kind of inconsistency is really frustrating -- especially when customers are planning around what your team tells them. If there's any chance buys won't be accepted on a given day, that needs to be clearly communicated upfront and then if anything changes from what it told to a customer, it should be honored as much as possible. What's even more frustrating is that there was no acknowledgment or empathy about the miscommunication -- just a flat "we're not taking buys," with no regard for the time, gas, or effort I spent based on your staff's directions. If there's any chance that buys won't be accepted on a certain day, that should be made extremely clear when customers call in. When I called yesterday at 10:30 I spoke with the same girl who I spoke to just now she told me they were no longer accepting pies for the day directed me precisely on how to come tomorrow in the timeframe. I did exactly what she stated and just called to confirm prior to arriving and she said today they're not taking any buys. She said they had 30 drop offs. Now if they ended drop off time prior to my call yesterday. Mind you I spoke with the same girl on the phone. Why is there different information being told to me right now? People plan their schedules and travel based on the info you give them. Please consider tightening up communication and honoring what is shared with customers over the phone. It would save a lot of time and frustration. read more

Only came for maternity clothes, and I was able to find a few things. Not a huge selection, but it did seem like they had lots of other stuff. Good pricing. read more

Of all the secondhand stores I've visited in the Concord/Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill area, Growing Pains has the largest selection of children's clothing I've discovered so far. I love that it's organized by size and category. There was a smaller selection of shoes but I understand the store is limited to the items they receive. Everything seemed to be in good to excellent condition. There is a decent selection of toys and miscellaneous baby items if you're willing to dig a bit. To update what past reviews have mentioned, there is no longer a space where kids can play and they only purchase items for store-credit at this time. Appointments are not necessary. It's a bit cramped and toasty in the store but I had just enough room to maneuver with a stroller. A website and/or phone number to ask about inventory would attract more frequent customers but, overall, I think I'll still be popping in regularly knowing there's lots to look through. read more

Growing Pains - Large clothing selection organized by size - Toy Stores Near Me - Concord, California

I have been coming here for two years now, and I love it! It is a small store that is very dense with clothes and baby items, I'm sure the owner wishes she could move a few walls to get some space but she's clearly doing the best she can with the square footage she has.yes it's tight in there, yes, it can seem unorganized, but it's totally worth it. You can find some great gems at very affordable prices! plus I personally feel good buying used clothes for my baby who grows fast. I highly recommend them. read more

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO GROWING PAINS! Thank you each one of you for serving the greater Bay Area Community. The baby bassinet by NUNA is my favorite from Neiman Marcus. This friendly woman is so honest, and hard working for customer satisfaction- The ambience is looking pretty nice with the past Merry Maids "big buzz" for jobs next door to her store front. Of course my x-husband worked as a merry maid too. Growing Pains business is a lifetime story for customer affairs! For the Spring and Summer customers this past baby season is really cute! The lady from El Salvador is so smart and so intelligent and so tame to tricks by the other bad business owners. She has the real vision of family stuff you need for your career. This is my favorite place on earth to spend time relaxing and enjoying good looking women's clothes and maternity. Shopping made easy for residents and their families and so many small settlements for parents trying to salvage or sale for store credit that they don't use anymore nor care about. If it's clean and functional and is acceptable she'll do so much to work with you to make yourself happier for what is needed. Barnes & Noble books on her shelves for sale that may have no value anymore to readers. She also helps pregnant women to grow and rapidly increasing demand for the wish list so you can beat prices everywhere that wealthier or weaker people can't afford to miss. I found this wardrobe a good way to go that she furnished me after changing my mind a couple times. She has a small dressing room in her bathroom for anyone including children when they are ready to go to try on clothes. The full grown mothers or young women look great and this baby store fits for all. I love these white maternity shorts because Lindsay Bolland wore maternity stuff because she was my hippie friend from Champagne, Illinois and the Rainbow Gathering. My teacher, from Portland, Oregon has a daughter visiting El Salvador too. So I thought it was especially ironic when she mentioned El Salvador as her home country as meaningful fluent Spanish language is my cousin's popular favorite and he is brilliant! It's like visiting Santa Cruz velvety dresses for Knights & Princesses. The maidens guests or other costumes! I just wanted my daughter to look at this place for her wardrobe and new stuff ! The baby backpacks are really outrageously cute and clearly not enough of them for a whole community. The Facebook page was extremely up to date because I checked. I knew she meant well by affirming me in her shop as a historical insight into the nature of shopping for "BABY"! Intriguing woman and her knowledge of history and the world of women and fashion and the women's body language! Don't forget to check everything out the next time you need to sale your baby stroller! read more

I did a search for Children's consignment store in Contra Costa county and Growing Pains popped up. I have exhausted my search for a telephone number to call to schedule an appointment; the number that was listed (925/687-7280) is out of service. Please, what is your business's telephone number? I do not subscribe to Facebook. Thank you read more

First of all, I am grateful that stores like this exist. As other reviewers said it is a bit chaotic in there, but there is a rhyme and reason to how everything is organized. Although the selection is small, they do have every size for both boys and girls and the condition of everything I've seen from clothes, to shoes, toys, gear, and books has always been good to great. I've never left without finding something wonderful. I think the prices are very fair, maybe a dollar or two above thrift stores, sometimes on par with thrift stores. I have both purchased things for my son, and sold baby gear (clothes, swings, a pack n play) that he's outgrown. She is currently only giving store credit, which again I totally understand as I imagine retail is rough right now. A phone number would be helpful as I always want to check before loading up bigger items, but she's always been open during store hours and I have never regretted a trip down. Also it would be great if you could share what you're currently in need of, so regulars could more regularly pop in with new inventory. read more

I think this store is lucky they are one of the only kids consignment store in the Concord area cause how they have 4 stars.. I don't understand. I was indecisive about coming here too cause everytime I've been here I've been disappointed but I am just so pregnant I can't drive too far but this visit was so bad that I'm literally writing in the parking lot outside the store. 1. Prices are high. A single swaddle was $7. 2. Store is not organized at all. 3. At the time of this review, she only took store credit and accepted clothes only. 4. Brought in 3 full big bags of clothes - she literally took 4 items. All in which we're maternity clothes that just didn't fit so basically brand new. You are better off driving further to another consignment store. To the owner: I understand this is your business and I respect that but you need to lower your prices.. I know you are overstocked too cause that's why the store is so disorganized. You won't sell as much as you want with your prices. Bring them down a little cause if I wanted that single swaddle, I could go on Amazon and get a pack for $7. read more

I went here when to buy items for my Grand Daughter Cheyenne. THEY ALWAYS had the nicest selection. Lots of them brand new.. with org tags. The service was great. Always friendly, she would remember us, like a family. Cheyenne is expecting her first baby girl, and I have sent her info on this store. I am sure we can carry on the family tradition. The best store EVER read more

I received credits for my 2year old son's old clothes and toys which I have used to trade for age appropriate toys for him, as well as a baby chair for my newborn. This place has an excellent selection of second hand stuff for kids and babies. I love that I can declutter and downsize, and also bring home a couple things that I don't need to buy new and don't want to buy on Amazon or from Target. Also, with 2 small children I don't have the time or energy to try to resell their stuff on marketplace or Nextdoor. The prices are reasonable and the owner is friendly. I feel lucky to have discovered a business like this, and so close to home! read more

I returned to the store intending to utilize my available store credit from a year ago. Upon entering, I inquired with the employee if they were still purchasing clothing and she indicated they were only accepting donations. I then asked if I could use my store credit, and she confirmed. After browsing and selecting items, she rang me up, and I requested to apply my store credit. She referred to her binder but couldn't locate my name, she hands over the binder for assistance but We both failed to find it. When I estimated it had been maybe longer than 1 year she stated it had expired. I questioned the expiration policy, feeling misled. I mentioned recalling her writing my name on paper during my last visit, prompting her to review other lists without success. I paid for the items and I resolved not to return to this business. read more

I walked in during my lunch break, I enjoy finding these little gems in the Bay Area! Great selection of clothing and for a discounted price- you can't go wrong! The worker was very friendly and I was able to pick up a few items for my kiddos. Can't wait until my next visit. read more

Love this place!!! They have a great selection and great prices. And with price increase at goodwill this place is my #1 go to for buying and selling for store credit. They even took all my donations, including adult and Christmas, which was really nice! read more

Where you can always afford to say "Yes" Love this as an affordable grandparent option, teaching good money lessons too read more

I used to shop here all the time! I got some Amazing used Clothing for a great deal. BUT, they recently changed to having mostly new "boutique" items that are similar to Ali Express. I would love to see more quality used clothing items!! read more

The woman behind the counter was so sweet. Me and my daughter came in on an outing recently to pick out some clothes for her soon to get here little brother. I had maybe 5 items in hand while still browsing and she insisted i set them down so i wasnt carrying to much at once. Was super friendly. Very sweet to my daughter. And they also had great prices and a lot of discounted stuff. I love buying second hand. read more

Ah, regrets. In my case, regrets that I discovered Growing Pains after I could have used it a LOT. There are a lot of clothes crammed into this storefront. Like most used childrens clothing stores, most of it is for preschool and younger. But they do have an okay selection of school-age kids clothing. Boys clothes, too, which is unusual. Prices are higher than Goodwill, lower than Tarjay. And they have headbands for 0.95 cents!!! Like all stores like it, they can sell only what they get in. They'll buy your clothes from you, and then resell it. Other Yelpers have written this part, too: they are picky, and it's likely they won't take a lot of your clothing (we had two tubs full of girls clothes in great condition and they took four items!). When we set the appointment to come in, I asked "What do you need now? What don't you need now?" The girl said "Just bring it all in!" Well, mommy did, and now they're buying winter clothing . . . They weren't being deceptive, but I wish I would have had my questions answered so that I knew what to expect. They're almost begging for books and DVDs. Bonus: Bring your kid, there's a place for kids to play while you do your business. Worth a stop in, even if your boy is older than 6. read more

They didn't have a phone number listed, which was frustrating. I decided to drive over with both summer and fall items to hopefully sell since I couldn't speak to anyone. The employee told me the phone has been broken. Additionally, they were only accepting items for store credit or as donations. I left with all my items even more frustrated because I made the drive...my fault, should have opted for a different consignment store. read more

prices were to high. They were selling many carseats which I believe is a safety issue. As well as some items tat have been recalled

Who likes to pay full price for kids clothes?! I don't! I love growing pains and have been buying here since my kids were babies. Always a good selection of clothes and shoes. There's always a bit less for boys, but that seems typical of every second hand children's stores. The prices here are awesome, especially compared to a few other second hand stores in the area. This one beats all their prices. Great play area for the kids to play while you shop, too. I've only sold to this store once, but it was very simple. The owner and employees are always very sweet! read more

Stopped in here this weekend while my sister in law was in labor. We were trying to kill time (during a 34 hour labor) and had gone to play pinball at Phoenix Games a couple doors down. We found some adorabe 0-3 months outfits, including a santa hat ($0.95) and Christmas booties ($2.95 for 4 sets). Everything was reasonably priced. Their selection included new and used items. Bought a bib with a turkey on it for a dollar or two with the brand new Carter's tag still attached. What a great price a week before Thanksgiving! Our favorite item was a used "bear" outfit. Okay, so it's not a costume but it's this giant, fuzzy, brown outfit with a zipper front. Definitely to wrap baby in the snow!! And take amazing pictures!! ($7.00) We'll definitely be back in to shop four our new nephew!! And hopefully sis will save all these cute items for me! read more

I used to love this place but since the change of ownership it has sadly gone down hill. 1. They disconnected their phone. This is problematic when trying to inquire about merchandise or inquire about being able to sell them things. 2. The owner is never there. I've been there over a dozen times and it's always someone else. 3. They are not on a regular buying schedule and yet when I go to see if they have any baby boys pjs they don't have any. They clearly are not stocked with basic things but are also not planning to buy anything for months according to the one employee who is always there. 4. There is not a good selection of holiday or season clothes prior to the season/holiday. They wait until the last minute to put it out. Ex: looking for Halloween things in august, do not have out- told to come back in September go back in September and told sorry it's not out yet. 5. They are accepting donations for store credit. This is extremely one sided. 6. In the summer it is extremely stuffy and hot in this store every single time I go. It does not make for a pleasant shopping experience and instead of browsing around I just want to get the heck out of there. I understand air conditioning is expensive but when temps are as high as they are in our area being cheap on utilities is going to cost you sales if it's too uncomfortable to shop. I really hope the new owner wakes up and starts running the business how the old owner did or I see this place not making it for very long which is sad because it's a convenient place to shop and sometimes there are good finds here. read more

So wonderful to have a local consignment store to buy and sell all things kids! We need more of these!

I have bought and sold things and I've had such a great experience the owner and workers there are always so friendly. I definitely recommend checking the store out. read more

Growing Pains has been a part of my and my kids' lives for the past 20+ years. They have everything baby and kid related plus more! The quality has always been impecable and the price has always been buyer-friendly. I have found so many treasures at this place, even Montessori materials! Lori (the owner) has been involved in the community since forever and this makes the store even more special because that's how it should be from all business owners! Ana (new owner) will be taking over and she has been at the shop learning the way Lori runs the store. I am very excited that the store will continue on. We have a little gem in our own backyard, It's a must if you are looking for gently used baby items at a good price. Everything is always clean and complete. You will not be disappointed. read more

Much more than a store.. this place sells memories! everyone who work there is super nice and happy to be there. I'm very sad to see Lori go but I'm sure Anna will continue to carry on the legacy of this place. I'm very happy with all the items I've sold and purchase here (I always end up spending my credit on other toys lol) and I'm definitely coming back there to shop! read more

Been coming here for years. I'm always able to sell my kids things as they grow out of them and I'm able to get books and things that they can use! read more

excellent prices and value for items. they are well-stocked with all sizes of children's clothes. They buy items at fair value and increased when doing store credit. We shop here at least once a month and find great choices! read more

Had my first appt. With anna the owner of growing pains today. I have to say the trasition is very plesent shes doing a awesome job with her new business and the community as far as being very welcoming and choosing quality items to sell and buy. Thanks for a awesome experience today read more

As often as my wife and I come in here, one would expect that we have children, or perhaps that we are expecting, but neither is true. However, we do enjoy stopping in here and looking around. We have found several great gifts for my sister's sons, and also for our friend's kids. The store carries a good selection of clothing from premature sizes to older children. Right now they are fully stocked with costumes, some up to 70% off on the racks in front of their store. They also have games, shoes, and other home items. Nice cribs and strollers too. During our visit yesterday, my wife spotted a stroller for twins, and then commented how fun it would be to have twins. We immediately left the store before she could make any other suggestions about things that sounds like fun. read more

Such a great place to buy excellent used baby/toddler items. Great selection of toys, shoes, books, clothes, strollers and even maternity wear. She posts items on her Facebook page and give updates of whats going on in the store. She puts out a lot of new stuff so if you do find something buy it right away because it might be gone tomorrow. She is very good at choosing items that are still in new or very good used conditions. Which as a shopper is nice. I do agree that as your child gets older that there is less and less items. Now that my son is 2 years old I find it harder to find things in the store that I need or could use. read more

I've never felt compelled to write a Yelp review before, but this place deserves some praise! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this store! By far, the best re-sale children's products in this area! I had never been in before and popped in randomly about a week ago after brunch at a nearby restaurant. I needed to kill some time so just went in to browse, but walked out with a couple of cute items for my 2 1/2 year-old daughter. After finding out that they purchase outright instead of using the usual consignment process (which is rare and actually totally awesome), I decided that it was high time to purge my daughter's outgrown clothes and toys. I brought A TON of items in today (including maternity clothes) and walked away with 6 "newer" items for my daughter plus a nice sum of cash. The owner, Lori, is awesome, energetic, and super fun to chat with while you're there. She makes you feel comfortable and totally at home. The items in the store are of very high quality, very well organized and VERY reasonably priced - she purchases real quality items, and passes on great savings to her customers. I paid only about $15 for four tank tops, a T-shirt and a dress for my daughter. I will definitely keep this store in mind as my daughter grows and will most likely be back to purchase or trade items in the future. HIGHLY recommened! :) read more

I have been a loyal customer of growing pains for years now. I go there for all of my youngest sons clothes (I used to shop for all 3 of my boys, but as my two oldest got older I noticed they did not have too much clothing for the elementary school set.) For a children's consignment shop, Growing pains is very well maintained - nicely cleaned and organized. The gently used clothes look brand new and you'll find a good number of brand name clothes in the racks without having to rifle through it for hours. The owner is a sweet lady who is very informative about everything in her store (Not, everything is second-hand. Some stuff the owner personally selects from wholesalers) She is very nice and if not busy, is more then happy to have a nice chat with you about the products in her shop (or even just a nice chat with you, in general) The best part about the store is the prices. Nowhere else, can I think of, that you can buy old navy, ecko, roca wear, gap, children's place, etc, clothing for $10 and under. I say $10 just to give a figure, but I've personally never come across any clothing (save for, maybe jackets) that is more then $10 in Growing Pains. I've never bought any of the furniture or toys so when I do, I'll edit this review to include that. Lastly, I have to add that the cute little play area for kids to hang out in while you shop is great. It keeps my 3 noisy, rowdy, hyper boys preoccupied for pretty much my whole time in there (which, at times, can get rather lengthy) The one negative I would have to say (and it's what keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars) is that the shoe selection is pretty lacking. I would love to buy my son's shoes from here but there is really not that much of a choice, and the shoes they did have for boys aren't really my taste for kids' shoes. If I could, I'd give it more like 4 1/2 stars. lol. but really, I recommend this place to everyone I know and I highly recommend it to all you yelpers out there looking for quality kids' clothes at an extremely affordable price! read more

Growing Pains has a good location and lots of baby clothes to choose from. Smart that they also have a play area for small kids. The woman at the counter is very friendly and polite. As a consignor, I was disappointed in the owner's lack of professionalism. (I work in women's consignment in a nearby town.) She looked me up and down and asked me to wait a few minutes while I saw she made a Facebook post (to be fair, it might have been a very urgent post, what do I know). I brought the items neatly folded in a bin but as she went through them she tossed the unwanteds onto the counter. Guess I expected mutual courtesy from her. As a shopper, I rarely find what I need here. Toys and shoes selection are slim--I have a lot more luck at Goodwill on Clayton. Some of the top-shelf items are really dusty. It's also hard to shop because it's a bit narrow and easily crowded. read more

This is a good place to buy used clothes, but not to sell used clothes. Owner only lets you sell things one day a month and the process is inconvenient. You have to wait at the store and can't just drop off and come back later. If there is anyone ahead of you, you could be there quite a while. I have an infant and a toddler and couldn't wait that long for them to look through what I brought in. I bring my clothes to "Once Upon a Child". You can drop off and pick up later and they accept clothing everyday. read more

GREAT prices, the best around. Good selection of clothes - mostly small baby and girls stuff though. I have found a lot of nice clothes for my son here, all in great condition. She has a lot of gear and books too. I wish I had known about this place when I was pregnant, and hadn't bought so much of my gear new. GO HERE FOR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES. I got two adorable, barely used costumes for $5 each. Only suggestion - they need a better selection of boys clothes and shoes. read more

What a great place!! My sons daycare teacher told me about this place and I wish I would have known about it while I was pregnant. I came in today and bought 2 jeans, a shirt a pj set and shoes for $24! Their 18 mo boy selection was not very big but that's ok I look forward to coming back and seeing what new items they get in. Their little girl section is Huuuuge and they have soo many cute little tutus. I thought I wanted a little girl before now I REALLY want #2 to be a girl read more

I went here to see what I could find for the 9 month old boy twins I help with. The store is crowded to the point that I think the wouldn't pass a fire inspection. If there is a person standing in the "aisle" you have to wait until they move to another place in the store to get around. Their selection of boys clothing 12-18mos. was miserable and the shorts I eventually settled on could have been priced better. I don't think I will be returning. read more