Kids' consignment stores experience peak shopping period

| PHILIP A. DWYER | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

"This is the time of year when everything works for the consignment business," McCrady said. "People are cleaning out their closets, so we get a lot of inventory at a time when there is a lot of demand for school clothes."

Why there are more new customers may have something to do with the slowing economy, along with the increasing acceptance of consignment stores, said Mollie Pike, owner of Full Circle Family Consignment in Everson.

Full Circle recently celebrated its first year in business, during which it already expanded to 1,700 square feet on the second floor of a building. Pike hopes to expand again in the fall, taking over some first-floor space.

"I think everyone is taking a step back, trying to figure out ways to save money," said Pike, who has increased the number of consigners from 100 to 500. "People are also into recycling more and are finding they can get some trendy, quality clothes."

Even the longtime consignment stores are noticing the changes. Jill Reimers, who last weekend celebrated the 20th anniversary of Half Pints ,her business on Meridian Street, said she's noticed customers making fewer trips but buying more to save on fuel.

"The economy definitely plays a role," Reimers said. "This is the busiest time of year for buying, then in December it gets busy again as consigners get their cash (from previous sales) to do some holiday shopping."

Reimers said consignment shopping has always been popular in the Fountain district and the surrounding Columbia neighborhood.

"Recycling has been a big part of this neighborhood since we first started," Reimers said. "What's fun is seeing people who came here as kids come in with their own kids."

For children's clothes, keeping up with the trends is key, and consignment stores get plenty of clothes that originally came from the mall, McCrady said. She said a couple of years ago there was a trend switch to longer shirts and distressed denim.

"At first we had trouble keeping those clothes in stock, but that trend has stuck around, so we get a lot of those clothes coming in and going out," McCrady said.

The strangest trend for McCrady? Used pajamas.

"Everyone wants them these days, so that's something that's hard to keep in stock," she said.

Wee Ones, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in October and is currently at 1938 James St., is getting ready to move into its new space at the Sunnyland Square shopping center, near Trader Joe's. McCrady originally had hoped to be in the new spot by early September, but is now shooting for mid-September. That's probably a good thing, since Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year for her store.

"It's busy enough right now, even when we're not thinking about the move," McCrady said. "We're probably better off putting off the move while people are doing their back-to-school shopping."

OTHER TIDBITS

Carol's Hallmark in Lynden has reopened in its old space with completely new inventory. Carol Preston's store was damaged June 9 when a fire gutted nearby Delft Square. ... A building permit has been issued for a new drive-through coffee shop on the corner of Meridian Street and Stuart Road, in the new retail center under construction. Starbucks was announced as a tenant earlier this year. Other announced tenants for the center are United Furniture Warehouse and Big 5 Sporting Goods. ... A building permit has been submitted for a new retail nursery outlet at 4481 Meridian St., north of Wal-Mart. The owners, Gary Pike and Xiao Rong Zhang, have submitted plans for a new office and sales area.

Retail Tip Sheet runs each Monday. Reach Dave Gallagher at 715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com. Visit his business blog online at TheBellinghamHerald.com/blogs.