The children’s consignment-sale industry is booming as families seek to stretch their dollars by reusing and recycling what’s in their closets.

Children’s consignment sales have grown considerably across the United States in recent years, and consignors are cashing in on the public’s eagerness to buy and sell quality, gently used items.

“Today’s economy has forced parents to seek ways to provide for their family in a more economical way,” said Cindy Arnold, co-organizer of Wee Kid Exchange, a children’s consignment event coming to the Hampton Inn in Washington Aug. 19-21.

“Our sale will offer new and gently used children’s clothing, furniture, bedding, baby equipment/gear, toys, games and electronics. Maternity wear and other items for the expecting mother will also be available,” Arnold said.

Wee Kid Exchange has a website, www.weekidexchange.com, that allows consignors to register online and print barcoded tags, which increases speed and accuracy for sellers and shoppers.

“When you sign up as a consignor, whenever your items are scanned, you can check it online and find out how much you’ve made,” Arnold said.

Wee Kid Exchange also maintains an active Facebook page.

Organizers anticipate this sale, which is free and open to the public, to be well-attended.

“There’s a huge economic range of customers, including parents shopping for the more economical brands to those looking to snatch a great deal on boutique clothing at a fraction of the original cost. I would tell people that if they come one time, they’d figure out what all the hoopla is about. They’d be pleasantly surprised,” said Arnold.

Wee Kid Exchange consignors set their own prices and receive 70 percent of the profits from the sale of their items (less a $10 consignor fee) in the form of a check, which arrives in the mail within a week after the sale ends. If their items do not sell, consignors are invited to donate them to local charities to help aid the community.

In addition to earning cash for their sold items, consignors receive a perk in the form of early shopping. Along with volunteers, consignors are given the opportunity to hunt for bargains before the sale opens to the general public.