The Parker Chronicle (Circulation 21,000) has an article highlighting Parker store owners Kenya Huppert and Betsy Schutte and their customers.
‘It’s painfully apparent that times are tough for small businesses in Parker, but one sector has experienced upward sales trends and is reporting large increases in the number of shoppers.’
‘Resale shops are prospering in a time of uncertainty for many locally-owned stores, and owners in the industry point directly to the poor economy as the primary reason. Budget-cutting consumers are turning to resale stores to buy lightly used children’s clothes, toys, books and strollers on the cheap.’
The article quotes Children’s Orchard customers who say the stores offer “tremendous value” and that they feel they are “finding a treasure” when they find low priced high quality items for their kids.
‘Resale shops have a dual positive impact because they support struggling families by offering inexpensive items and buying back old clothes.’
‘Saving money on necessities can make a major difference for those struggling to make ends meet.’
“I know some moms whose husbands recently lost their jobs and they’ve been really stressed out on how they are going to afford things, and they had never heard of Children’s Orchard…. Our prices across the board are lower than what you would find at a typical retail stores,” Huppert said, adding the store is selective when buying back used clothes and toys.
You can read the entire article here.