If you can barely close the door on your children’s closets because it’s stuffed to the max with clothes they have grown out of, then making a stop at Luling’s Hopscotch Consignment shop could be well worth it.
Shop owners Amy Barrios and Kristie Lucky say that it’s not surprising to see consignment shops in larger areas like Baton Rouge and Metairie, so they thought it would be a great opportunity to bring one to St. Charles Parish.
“Kristie moved here from Florida three years ago and missed shopping consignment,” said Barrios. “She had lots of experience with retail and I already own two businesses. So, we put our heads together and made it happen.”
And it did. The concept of helping people turn their kids cluttered closets into cash came to fruition on April 1 when the doors to Hopscotch Consignment opened.
“We started the process in February,” Barrios said. “With the help of our husbands we remodeled the building and ordered racks. The word got out quickly and the store was filled with items by the time we opened.”
So, just how does a consignment shop work you ask? It’s quite simple actually.
You bring in your children’s clothing on hangers ready to be sold. The consignment shop will sell your items over a 90-day period. It’s a 50/50 split and checks are issued once a month.
At the end of the 90-day period, you can pick up any items that didn’t sell or the consignment shop can donate them to charity for you.
Barrios says that they’re currently accepting spring and summer items, and points out that name brands sell the best and all items are thoroughly examined.
“We pride ourselves on quality children’s clothing for a lot less,” Barrios said. “We carefully inspect each item to make sure that it is free from stains, holes, odor and that it is in like-new condition.”
Hopscotch Consignment sells children’s clothing from newborn to a size 14/16 in girls and boys. They even have maternity clothes for expecting mothers.
“We also carry baby equipment such as strollers, cribs, bedding, toys, highchairs, walkers and so much more,” said Barrios. “And some of our hot sellers have been our ribbon flip-flops and monogrammed hair bows.”
The shop also carries personalized hand-painted barrettes with your child’s name or their school’s name on it, and special birthday gifts for under $10. Gift wrapping is also available.
Barrios says that it’s their dedication to customer satisfaction that makes her business special.
“We try our hardest to go that extra mile for our customers,” said Barrios.
“If we don’t have something they need then we can usually get it for them within a couple of days. Not only can you find great deals on clothing and other items, we can make money for you.”
And the response has been phenomenal. Lucky says that the community is definitely supporting their new business.
“We already have 100 consignors and we’ve only been open for six weeks,” she said. “And we have many returning customers that stop by weekly to see what bargains they can find.”
Other local business owners have also stopped by to congratulate them and wish them luck.
“We have lots of support around us and that makes our job easier,” Lucky said. “We’re both having a lot of fun interacting with customers and meeting new people.”
To encourage residents to shop locally, the shop keeps their prices low and stocks up on those in-demand items.
“Hopefully our prices will encourage our residents to shop in the parish,” Barrios said. “With the rising cost of gasoline and food, a lot of customers are hoping to find what they need right here in St. Charles Parish. We get customers coming in everyday who are trying to avoid that trip to the mall.”
While it’s business – good business – as usual at Hopscotch Consignment, Barrios and Lucky hope to expand their inventory to include a wider variety of items.
“We plan on carrying seasonal items like Halloween costumes, dance wear, prom dresses and school uniforms,” Lucky said.
Hopscotch Consignment is located at 103 Oak Lane in Luling and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 to 4, Friday from 10 to 5 and Saturday from 10 to 4.
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