By Kelly Miller
In these tough economic times, there’s no reason to pay full price for children’s clothes and kids “gear” when you can buy them in like-new condition for half the cost at a boutique-style consignment shop like 360 Kids Boutique.
Long-time Lutz resident Bentley Nyman, is celebrating her one-year anniversary as the new owner of the kid’s consignment shop found in the Grand Oaks Square shopping plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd., just north of S.R. 56.
The shop’s previous owner was a friend of Nyman’s and when the opportunity to buy the store presented itself, Nyman jumped at the chance.
“I’ve always wanted to own my own business and I love kids,” Nyman says. “It seemed like the right combination for success.”
After purchasing the location, Nyman changed the name from 360 Kids Consignment to 360 Kids Boutique. She says that she still wanted people to recognize the original name, but wanted the shop to have more of a boutique feel.
The “360” refers to the seemingly never-ending cycle of clothes that are brought in to 360 Kids and sold to a happy new owner, hopefully bringing a smile to another child’s face.
An Upscale Boutique ‘Feel’
What makes 360 Kids Boutique stand out in a community full of kids consignment shops? It has an upscale children’s boutique feel with its well-lit, airy space and soothing scents that surround shoppers while they browse.
“We care about every single item that comes through the store,” says Lori Fisher, Nyman’s mom, who regularly helps out in this family-run business. “Everything we offer has that ‘like new’ look you’d expect to find in a regular retail clothing store.”
The owners make sure every item is laundered and clean, including breaking out the Clorox wipes to keep the toys and accessories as sanitary as possible. The variety of items the shop offers is staggering. Sure 360 Kids has fantastic kid’s clothes and wonderful larger items like strollers and nursery furniture, but the store also sells maternity clothes and outfits for picky teenagers.
“People are surprised at the range of clothing sizes we sell,” Nyman says. “From infant all the way up to size 18 (boys and girls), as well as clothes for moms-to-be.”
On a Personal Note . . .
I have a twelve-year-old daughter and it’s difficult to find appropriately styled clothing for a reasonable price. I was impressed with the boutique’s selection, as I found a variety of items — with name brands my daughter loves, like Aeropostale and Abercrombie & Fitch. My daughter and I will definitely be back so she can pick out what she likes and try on her favorites.
The staff at 360 Kids Boutique prides itself on the special services offered to the store’s clientele. For current consignors, 360 Kids has a “Drop & Run” program, so those in a hurry can fill out an online form, attach it to their resale items, and Nyman will sort through everything, while busy moms go about their day.
Alyssa N., who works at Salon Tré Anne, a hair salon in the same shopping plaza, regularly consigns her three-year-old son’s clothes and shoes at the boutique.
“I love how personable Bentley and Lori are and really appreciate how easy it is to drop off my things for consignment,” she says.
When bringing in items for resale, clients can choose to have the boutique buy their pieces outright or consign them with the store. Taking the “purchase” option gets the client immediate cash, while consigning gets them a higher percentage of the sales, 40 percent. Nyman asks that all consigned clothing items be laundered and folded and in excellent condition — with no rips, stains, or missing buttons.
Once a client’s items are sold, the money is available immediately. If your items don’t sell within 90 days, you can either take them back or donate them. And, if the chooses not to buy any of your items, don’t worry — all unsold items find a good home. 360 Kids regularly donates to The Spring, a domestic abuse sanctuary, the AmVets (American Veterans) organization and even to individuals who send the unwanted items to foreign countries.
Bestselling Baby Gear
“Our best-selling baby gear items are walkers, high chairs, safety gates, activity saucers and jumperoos,” explains Nyman. “Those items are rarely in the store for longer than a week.”
If shoppers don’t find what they’re looking for when they come in, they can fill out a “Wish List Request.” Then, when the boutique acquires the requested item, they’ll receive a call from Nyman. Shoppers can be sure that all items purchased at the resale store are safe, as Nyman checks each one against an online U.S. government list to make sure they haven’t been recalled.
Quail Hallow resident Tiffany B. visits the boutique once a week.
“My son loves to come in and see what new toys are out,” she says. Tiffany’s five-year-old son and twelve-year-old stepdaughter have their own accounts at the store.
“I tell my son that if he wants a new toy, he has to get rid of the ones he no longer plays with,” the second grade teacher explains. She also says that it’s a good way to clear out some of the stuff in his room, while teaching him counting and money handling skills.
Shoppers can be assured they’re getting the best deal at 360 Kids Boutique. Nyman goes the extra mile by listing the retail price alongside the store’s sales price on every tagged item (excluding clothes). As an example, the store’s display window showcases a beautiful wooden Pottery Barn Stove Play Set, which retails for $260, but at the boutique, it’s only $80.
Check out the 360 Kids Boutique for yourself, located in the Grand Oaks Square shopping center at 26230 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz. 360 Kids is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and noon – 6 p.m. on Saturdays. For more info, call 994-2500 or visit 360KidsConsignment.com.
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