Carter's Babies & Kids in Chattanooga: New and Resale Children's Clothing and Gear
Carter's Babies & Kids is a children's clothing retailer carrying new merchandise from the Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh brands, alongside a resale section with gently used items at roughly 40 to 60 percent below retail. The store occupies a single location in Chattanooga and functions as both a clearance outlet for overstocked inventory and a secondhand option for families rotating through sizes quickly.
What Carter's Babies & Kids actually is
The store splits into two distinct shopping zones: a full-price section stocking new Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh clothing, basics, and accessories for infants through size 14, and a resale area where consigned and returned items are priced for rapid turnover. This dual model appeals to budget-conscious shoppers and parents buying in bulk for seasonal needs, but it is not a boutique or specialty children's store with curated or independent brands.
Merchandise, pricing, and what to expect
New merchandise prices range from $8 to $35 for basics like bodysuits and t-shirts, with outfits and layering pieces reaching $40 to $60. Seasonal sales and clearance racks appear regularly, particularly at the end of each season. Resale items start at $3 to $5 for basics and max out around $15 to $20 for rarely worn pieces or specialty items. Stock varies week to week; popular sizes and current-season items sell quickly, while off-season resale finds may linger. The store does not take special orders or do custom work.
How it compares to other Chattanooga options
Chattanooga has no other dedicated Carter's location, though Carter's and OshKosh merchandise appears at Target (Hamilton Place area and other locations) and Walmart. Those big-box retailers carry the same brands at full retail price with less resale selection. Local independent children's boutiques like those in North Shore focus on higher-end and designer brands at premium price points. Carter's appeals to parents seeking affordability and bulk basics, not differentiated style or specialty sizing. Target's children's section offers more speed and convenience if you're shopping for one or two items; Carter's rewards a dedicated trip for resale browsing or seasonal clearance.
Who this store suits and who it does not
This location works best for families with multiple young children, those on tight budgets, and parents who don't mind hunting through resale racks for bargains. It suits rotation shopping, where you buy basics in the next two sizes up and sell or consign items your child has outgrown. It does not suit parents looking for trendy, independent, or character-driven brands, or those who value a curated, small-shop experience. It's also not the place for specialized gear like adaptive clothing or hard-to-find sizes.
What the first visit involves
The store is small enough to scan in one trip. New merchandise is organized by size and type; resale items sit in a separate section, often less neatly arranged. No appointment or registration is needed. If you are selling items, the store accepts consignments; bring clean, undamaged pieces and expect a brief assessment on the spot. Fitting rooms are available. Checkout is straightforward; the store does not process alterations or special requests.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Verify current hours before visiting, as retail hours shift seasonally. Parking is available in the shopping center lot; no special access or fees apply. The store is compact and wheelchair accessible. Returns typically follow standard retail policy; bring a receipt and unworn items with tags attached.
Carter's fills a practical gap for Chattanooga parents buying children's basics in volume and those hunting resale deals, making it a logical stop for budget-conscious seasonal shopping rather than a destination for fashion-forward or specialty children's wear.
