Big City Idea – New Small Town Store
NEW CHILDREN’S STORE JUST IN TIME FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
by Karina Hunter
Lisa Schut with a growing mountain of children's items in her basement.
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Mom, Wife, Ski Instructor, Entrepreneur? This is the latest title Lisa Schut can add to her name. The Manitouwadge Mom noted the popularity of ‘Gently Used’ children’s clothing and toy stores during trips to larger centres and felt there was sufficient demand in her own community for a similar enterprise. How does it work? Owners of children’s items no longer in use will bring these to Schut who buys them to re-sell at a fraction of the original retail price. Stores like Just Kids are a popular way for parents to purchase quality brand name items without big brand name price tags.
Since announcing her endeavor publicly via posters throughout her community and a Facebook page created July 15th, Schut has been receiving gently used children’s clothing, toys and accessories from local parents, thrilled to finally have a solution to de-cluttering their homes without adding unnecessarily to the municipal landfill site. Schut is using her basement as a storage area until she is ready to transfer everything to her new storefront downtown, at 54 Huron Walk, in Manitouwadge.
The Grand Opening of Just Kids is scheduled for August 9th, just in time to kick off the back-to-school shopping season. Schut emphasized that items must be gently used; items which are damaged, stained, or missing parts will not be accepted. Also on Schut’s list of unwanted items are car seats, booster seats and cribs, she explained that the safety regulations accompanying these items change so frequently she did not feel comfortable being part of their resale; she has however assured that she can assist in the sale of these by connecting those in need of the items with sellers. Congratulations to Schut, OntarioNewsNorth.com wishes you much success with your new business!
