Mom's children's shop focuses on brand-named used

CHESAPEAKE

Jessica Maul admits she had an obsession with children's clothing that was overtaking her home.

That's when it occurred to her that she could turn her passion into a business.

Maul and her husband, Casi, opened Tiaras and Toads, a completely kid-friendly baby and children's resale shop in Greenbrier last October.

A connoisseur of name-brand designer children's fashions and mother of four: Chevi, 5 months, Cobi, 2, Cayla, 6 and Isaac, 7, Maul had accumulated quite a collection.

"I went into other consignment shops and I couldn't find name brands," said Maul. "Our goal is to carry all name brands with no digging. They'll just have to find their size."

Tiaras and Toads specialize in carrying the brands Maul loves: Gymboree, Baby Gap, Janie and Jack, Petit Ami, Children's Place and many others.

"A lot of clothes will sell as we're hanging them," said Maul, who notes most items have a 48-hour turnaround time. "Some customers come in three times a week."

In addition to clothing preemie sizes to 12 -14, Tiaras and Toads carries a variety of educational-based toys, baby gear and maternity clothes.

"We're 50 to 60 percent off retail with new and tagged items and 60 to 70 percent with gently used items," said Maul.

No appointments are necessary to drop off items, and all seasons are accepted throughout the year. Maul guarantees cash or store credit within 24 hours. Flash sales are held twice a month with the entire store marked down to 50 percent off.

Terry Clemmons, 47, shops for her 8-month old grandson, Taylor Clemons, at Tiaras and Toads. "I find clean, pretty much like new items in great selections at a fair price," said Clemons who has purchased clothes, blankets, shoes, a highchair and walker.

Lisa Turner, 44, also finds bargains for her 1-year old grandson, Landon Taylor, at the shop. "It's way cheaper than buying it new, and I get excited because I like to see all of the new stuff coming in," said Turner.

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net