Slow economy sparks opening of resale shop
The troubling economy and Rachel Newby's personal shopping experience drove her to launch a resale shop in Wauconda.
Kinder Closet Resale operates at 551 W. Liberty, near the Jewel Food Store. The shop features clothes for toddlers, youth, teens and moms-to-be. Toys, books, cribs and strollers can also be found at the shop. "Just about everything that has to do with children, we have," Newby said.
The economy has sparked an interest in resale shopping nationwide as consumers attempt to save money. Newby, who has a master's degree in marketing, researched the resale concept when she grew frustrated while shopping at resale shops for her children.
"I found that about 77 percent of this area is blue collar," she said. She has also found that the unemployment rates in Wauconda and the surrounding communities are high. "This includes my husband, an unemployed carpenter," Newby said.
"The economy and our community needs this store," she said. A tagline at the business is "If only our budgets grew as fast as our kids."
Snow suits, mittens and boots fill a portion of the store that features clothing originally purchased from "mall-type stores." Gap, Gymboree, Ralph Lauren, Children's Place and Old Navy are some of the lines shoppers will find. Abercrombie, Hollister and Nike are other options available. Clothing is priced 75 percent to 80 percent less than original prices. A pair of Gap jeans sells for between $5.50 and $6.50. A three-piece Gymboree outfit has a $15 price tag.
Newby pays customers on the spot when they bring in their clothes for the shop. She stresses that items must be in good shape and clean.
A portion of the store is dedicated to maternity clothes as well. "I have so many brand new maternity outfits," said Newby, who focuses on keeping the store organized.
An area is also available for children to play while their mom shops. "I know how it is to shop with kids," said Newby, who has two children, Logan, 4, and Derek, 2. It was when Newby was pregnant with her daughter that the idea first developed for a resale store. Growing up in Glen Ellyn, she said her parents often took her to flea markets and antique shows.
Living in Lakemoor, she had a hard time finding maternity clothes at resale shops.
She had an even rougher time with finding baby clothes once her children were born. "I didn't want to pay $50 for a new Christmas dress for my daughter that she would only wear for two hours," Newby said.
Newby's husband, Chad, who grew up in Lake Zurich, now assists with the business.
The couple say that they give customers the option to donate the clothes that they are not able to purchase.
"We donate clothing to WINGS, Women in Need Growing Stronger, said Newby, 38. She donates toys and toy parts to the Wauconda chapter of Living Legacy.
For more information, call (847) 526-6160 or check out kinderclosetresale.com.