Shop gives kids items second chance

Gently used children’s clothing fills the racks at Baby Blue Consignment Boutique, a new store in Ottawa, at 413 E. Seventh St.

Owner Becky Caylor said she’s been pleased with the response she’s had from consignees and retail customers.

“Saturday was our first day open, and we had about 20 customers and I have people on a waiting list to consign things,” she said.

Currently the shop has 650 items, which Caylor believes is about the maximum she can handle in the space that also houses her other business, Vintage Hair & Company.

Along with a wide variety of children’s clothing, newborn to size 10, the offerings include pak-n-plays, shoes, Halloween costumes, bottles without nipples, toys and strollers.

Such new mother accessories as breast pumps, bottle warmers and hot slings also are for sale.

A recent new mom herself, Caylor said she knows what things sell for new and prices the consigned items about 50 percent below that.

Some items, like collegiate wear and pro ball team logo items are priced slightly higher because they generally retail higher.

“We also have gently used maternity clothing,” Caylor said. “There’s not any place in town to buy it, so it seemed like a natural fit.”

Caylor accepts only items in “like new” condition. Nothing with missing manufacturer’s tags or clothing with stains is accepted. Items should be freshly laundered.

Items are accepted on a 60-day consignment contract. At the end of 60 days, consignees receive 50 percent of what the items sold for.

Items not sold are welcome to remain for another 60 days if Caylor has the room.

“I have a lot of folks waiting to bring their stuff in, so I’m probably going to have to stick with seasonal items from now on,” she said.

Baby Blue is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of each month.