To Expand, or To Not Expand, That is THE Question...

Recently, you may have noticed a hole in the wall.

Well, not literally, but figuratively, there is a hole in the wall. Or, rather, a space. An empty space. A space that once was the Candy Bouquet. When Jack moved his store to another location, we started getting a lot of questions about whether or not we knew if anyone was moving in... then we started getting questions like, "Are you going to move in?

The truth is, we have been thinking for a while about expanding into the space next door. Jack told us last Fall that they would be moving to a new location at the end of the year. And in the interim, we've talked to some of our regular customers about what they'd like to see or, rather, if they'd like to see us expand. The overwhelming response has been "yes!"

So, at once, we are excited and daunted by the possibilities. If we do this thing, what exactly will we do? More kids clothes? More maternity? Used baby gear? What about used toys? And once we decide, how will we do it? Many, many questions to be answered.

Meanwhile, we are working diligently to figure out how to support this endeavor because, although the desire and opportunity has presented itself, the wherewithal to do it has not. So as we peruse our options as to how to get this thing done we appreciate all the feedback we can get! Let us know your thoughts via email from our "Contact Us" link from our website or at the bottom of this blog!

Reduce, Reuse, Resale!

A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to stop into the newest addition to the Resale/Consignment Community in Berkeley. Urbanity Style Sharing at the top of Solano Avenue in North Berkeley is a fabulous new place for women to buy new and gently used clothing at very reasonable prices. Not unlike GROVE STREET kids (I've been told), Urbanity has a unique presentation that gives the impression of a more expensive, higher end boutique. The attention to detail, the organization and the aesthetic all lend themselves to one thinking, upon first glance, "Should I go in there? It looks really expensive..."

Well, the sale rack in front seems to answer that question. "Everything $15." While perusing the goods on the outside, from the inside Angela, the owner waved to me. So friendly. I like this place. Once inside, I got to take a really good look. Not unlike GSK, they use wooden hangers to display their garments, and clothing is arranged by color in each size group. (And the prices are extremely reasonable.) It's these subtleties that really make the difference in a presentation. In a review I read somewhere, the author wrote that Urbanity reminded them of an upscale New York Boutique. I would agree, it is urban, but what is missing from this place is the pretentious attitude that usually comes with the boutiques in NYC (after living there for 5 years myself, I have had a few experiences with this). Angela and, the manager, Rebecca are both warm, welcoming, lovely women.

If you read the reviews about this store, and one of my other favorite women's consignment stores, Sola Lucy, those that don't like them (and there aren't many) usually refer to these stores as catering to an older clientele. My guess is that these reviewers, whom usually have a couple hundred reviews under their profile, are young ladies that neither have children or families and have not yet learned the value of time and precious resources. I like to think that both places cater to a mature customer (of any age really) that appreciates women's style, needs, and a good deal.

I have a limited amount of time to shop for myself these days and, with that I know I'm going to go to places like Urbanity and Sola Lucy that appreciate the kind of customer I am.