Kid to Kid lets parents sell back kids’ outgrown clothes

At Kid to Kid, parents enter through the regular doors, but children get preferential treatment — they enter through the pint-sized pink door.

"It's a (standard) for all the stores, part of our appeal," said Fumiko MacPherson, owner/operator of the resale store at 9326 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 2. "Little girls love using it."

Kid to Kid focuses on clothes and items for babies and young children. It is one of more than 100 stores and the only location in Nevada. It opened in Village Square in April, having moved from its original space at 8450 W. Sahara Ave., which was half the size.

"It's a perfect solution for parents," MacPherson said of why she was drawn to run a resale store. "I have children, and I know how quickly they outgrow things. And I liked that it has a recycling (aspect). Some people buy new things and then throw them away so they go into landfills. That's not good."

The Las Vegas Kid to Kid store was selected as Store of the Month for April from more than 100 franchisees across the U.S. and Portugal for its 85 percent increase in sales during its first month in the new 4,000-square-foot space.

"Fumiko is like the little engine that could," said Shauna Sloan, president and founder of Kid to Kid in a recent release. "She has been plugging away for 10 years in a small, 2,600-square-foot space, posting impressive sales and profits despite repeated challenges and setbacks that stemmed from how hard Las Vegas was hit by the recession."

Step inside to find a plethora of items to remind one of their childhood: books, toys, clothes and shoes.

Apparel items are arranged not just by size but by color. Toward the back are the oversized items: bassinets, changing tables, high chairs and baby carriers. One corner is a parking lot of strollers.

View visited Kid to Kid mid-week. Adults shopped while their children pulled toys off the shelves.

"So many stars," one child said with wonder, eyeing a sparkling ball.

An elementary school-aged boy squeezed himself into a Cozy Cruiser, grinning and barely able to move his knees to work the pedals.

Not everything is for children. Mothers-to-be will find a maternity clothes section as well.

A young father was there to sell clothing and toys.

What's it like to have a store like this in the area?

"As far as selling, it's great," said Eugene, a Summerlin-area resident who asked that his last name not be used. "I've sold a couple items before on Craigslist, and I like this better, way better. It's safer, more convenient and just easier."

Shopper Cathy Mahan brought her niece, Rainha, 9 months, whose parents suggested she check it out.

"They sent me here to get baby gates and a push toy for when she starts walking," Mahan said. "They love this store. They bring the baby stuff in and get a decent amount for trade-in. Almost all her things are from here."

MacPherson said she's heard many stories like that and seen many parents trade in clothes as their child grows.

"What we do is a little bit different than a typical consignment shop," MacPherson said. "We actually buy the items outright and pay cash on the spot, or they can choose to take store credit, which is 20 percent more. That way, busy parents don't have to hassle with waiting on items to sell or worry about picking up their items or cash on time."

The store may be just outside Summerlin, but MacPherson said that people come in from all over the valley, even as far as Pahrump. Some patrons bring along gently used, washed items for resale each time they shop.

"We tell them to bring in two laundry baskets at a time. If it's organized, the process is faster," MacPherson said. "I've had this store for 11 years almost, so I've had customers since they were pregnant. Their kids come here now, and they play and run around and ... there are a couple of them going into high school, and they're (taller) than me. It's like the kids are growing with the store. That's a really nice feeling."

Kid to Kid is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Visit kidtokid.com/summerlin or call 702-240-4783.

— To reach Summerlin Area View reporter Jan Hogan, email jhogan@viewnews.com or call 702-387-2949.