Goodrich – With the launch of a new children’s store, downtown Goodrich is a mecca of family activity, says Dawn Toms of The Kids Klothes Line.
‘People don’t have to go to the mall,? said Toms, of Goodrich, who joined longtime Goodrich resident Kari Zmich in opening The Kids Klothes Line in December.
The boutique offers reasonably-priced children’s clothing, both new and used, in sizes newborn to 12.
Shoppers will find brands like Hilfiger, Gap, Polo, and Gymboree, says Zmich.
The Kids Klothes Line, located in the former Village of Goodrich office building, is a convenient way for families to shop locally, Toms says.
Along with buying’and selling? children’s gear, customers have access to two downtown food establishments, a library with children’s programs, haircuts, scrapbooking, and a ceramics studio.
‘All family geared,? she said.
Zmich is a former patrol officer.
And a mom.
A frequent resale shopper, she was looking for a partner to help open the store after being laid off, she said.
Toms, who gave up her job as a local pharmaceutical representative to be a stay-at-home mom, has known Zmich only a few months.
‘I mentioned to a neighbor, ‘Goodrich needs a resale shop?, and they said, ‘Hey, I know someone who’s looking for a partner.??
The two made an instant connection.
‘It’s really weird,’Toms said, ‘I feel like we’ve known each other our whole lives.?
Although the boutique was ‘always Kari’s ambition?, they’ve made a smooth transition into business partnership, tending the store on alternate days, even taking each other’s children home for naps.
Today Paige Toms turns 2. Smiling and chattering, she seems at home as she toddles in patent leather shoes between the kids? room and her mother.
‘Teletubbies,? she says, grinning.
Watching their children through a window to the shop’s well-stocked playroom painted by local students, parents comfortably shop with kids in tow.
The store has an ’emergency? stash of diapers and wipes. Zmich also plans to add a changing table to the store restroom, she said.
Beneath a bright border, picture-perfect hand-knit hats line the walls of the store, along with racks of coats, snowsuits, skirts, pajamas, pants, sweaters, bodysuits, dresses, baby bomber jackets, jeans, jumpers, shirts, one-piece outfits, and dress clothing.
Play shoes, winter boots, baby booties, and hiking boots, along with socks and mittens also attract interest to browsers.
Store merchandise doesn’t stop at the front room.
Wander down the hall to find a room filled with baby equipment: Boppy nursing pillows, blankets, strollers, swings, monitors, Pottery Barn flannel sheets, room decorations, photo frames, books, cradles, a diaper disposal system, and crib bumpers.
For the one-stop birthday or shower shopper, gift bags are also available.
‘We’re trying to make it as mom-and-kid-friendly as possible,? Toms said.
The Kids Klothes Line is located at 10242 Hegel Road in downtown Goodrich. Look for winter clearance sales later this month.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (810) 636-6001.