TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — When it was time for the "Just Between Friends" pop-up shop to open their doors, Leaanne Weigel was first in line.
"I am fostering three grandchildren. One of them is starting a school where he needs uniforms. I came here to see if I could get some of next year's clothes," said Weigel.
Rows of clothes, shoes, backpacks, books and other essentials fill the store set up inside the former Stein Mart at 4881 N Stone Ave. The event comes to Tucson just twice every year.
"It's no fun to tell your kid no. Here at Just Between Friends you can say 'yes' to their needs and their wants," said Just Between Friends Tucson Co-Owner, Shawna Wilfert.
The shop sells items at 50-90% below retail price. It's a deal Wilfert said many families need. According to the Labor Department, consumer prices have risen over 5% in just the last year.
"It's really about helping families. We really want to help families sell with us so they can make money back because it is expensive to raise kids. We also want to help families who are shopping for that next stage of life because, again, it's expensive to raise kids," said Wilfert.
The back-to-school sale runs from Thursday, July 29 through Saturday, July 31. Around 3,000 shoppers are expected to stop by. To limit big crowds, customers can sign up to join a virtual line and will be notified when it's their turn to come inside.
"It's a great resource. They have good quality things. Kids grow so fast. You can still get good quality for a better rate," said Weigel.
Any items that don't sell are donated to local foster families in Southern Arizona.
Tickets to the sale are available now at eventbrite.com.
Here's the full schedule:
Thursday, July 29th | Opening Day |10am - 8pm
** Back by popular demand - Early bird entry at 9am opening day - $5 entry with limited tickets available.
Friday, July 30th | 10am-4pm
** Back by popular demand First Dibs - Half Price Sale 6pm - 9pm on Friday 7/29- Group 1 - $7 at 6pm, Group 2 at 7pm - $5 entry with limited tickets available
Saturday, July 31st | Half Price Day! |8am-4pm
**Everyone shopping during Early Bird or First Dibs over 5 years of age requires a ticket
