Kids’ resale clothing store aims for high-end inventory

Most parents are well aware that children grow like weeds.

They can buy their child a new outfit for $20 only to have him outgrow it a month later. To remedy the financial pressure, Marivel Sosa acquired Children's Orchard, 7035 W. Ann Road, No. 140, in 2005.

"I used to shop a lot at this store when my son was 2 years old because he grew so fast," Sosa said. "Though we see ourselves as a high-end children's resale store, this store is all about recycling."

The shop sells resale merchandise at 70 to 90 percent below retail prices and buys children's clothes, toys, books, maternity items and other equipment in good condition for on-the-spot store credit.

Sosa said clothing sizes range from newborn to size 16 and includes outerwear, play clothes, shoes and accessories.

"Our store can't handle inventory for cash, so in exchange for their items, we give people a reloadable gift card that doesn't expire," Sosa said. "We have so much stuff because we buy everything — all seasons, year-round — and we pay the same."

The store focuses on quality upscale resale merchandise in good condition with popular brands such as Gymboree, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Old Navy, H&M, OshKosh B'Gosh, Children's Place, Justice and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Furniture and equipment includes cribs and cradles, changing tables, bassinets, strollers, baby swings and high chairs with brands such as Graco, Combi, Chicco and Kolcraft.

Parents are invited to bring gently used clothes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

"We try not to purchase clothes that's older than five years, and it can't have stains on it or be too worn-out or faded," Sosa said. "We check for tears, stains and missing buttons. When it comes to the equipment, we check to make sure it hasn't been recalled. We don't buy recalled items, and we test everything to make sure it's in good condition."

Each month, a different colored tag marks what is on sale. In December, Sosa said yellow tags would indicate an item is 50 percent off.

"Most of our customers are returning customers," Sosa said. "Customers have watched my kids grow up, and I've seen their kids grow up. It's become a family-friendly environment."

Sosa plans to host her bi-annual fill-a-bag sale Dec. 5, when customers will be able to fill a bag with clothes for $5.

Next month, she also plans to have Santa Claus in the store to take photos for $10 with children.

She encourages people to sign up for the store's email list for event information and a $5 off coupon.

In addition to the secondhand items, the store also sells new accessories, such as bows, crocheted hats and children's jewelry from local sellers.

With all of the promotions and little competition in the area, the shop seems to have firmly planted roots in Centennial Hills. In retrospect, Sosa believes that being friendly and providing good customer service has helped her business thrive.

"The benefit to coming here is that people have variety," said store manager Wanely "Jenny" Gonzalez. "They're not just stuck with one store or one brand. They can shop around."

There are 32 Children's Orchard stores nationwide, with Sosa's being the only one in Nevada.

"It's like a hidden gem to the people who don't know it's here," said former customer-turned-employee Michelle Farley. "Once you find it, you'll definitely come back. You can't go wrong buying stuff here."

Children's Orchard is open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Call 702-839-1991 or visit childrensorchard.com/stores/las-vegas-nv.

— To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.