Kate Russell Hosein was browsing the racks of Children’s Orchard for a Halloween costume for her son when she found out the Newburyport store, the first Children’s Orchard location in the nation, was for sale. “My husband and I had been researching business opportunities, so when we found out Children’s Orchard was for sale, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Kate. “It gave us the chance to open our own business and fulfill a lifelong dream.”
Kate is a former consultant relations and marketing executive at an asset management firm in Boston and grew up in Newburyport. Kate’s husband, Shiraz, was working in pharmaceutical sales before being laid off in April. “For us, owning our own Children’s Orchard franchise was a no-brainer,” said Kate. “They offer a business that we can call our own, but we still have the support of a franchise model that can answer questions and concerns regarding the business.”
The Hosein’s chose Children’s Orchard because they value the same things the Hosein’s do: reduce-reuse-recycle. “We believe in what Children’s Orchard stands for. They offer customers beautiful, barely worn clothing, shoes and toys,” said Kate. “Children’s Orchard gives parents the opportunity to recycle their gently-used items instead of simply getting rid of them. It’s a win-win for parents and the environment.”
Since taking over the Children’s Orchard in Newburyport, the Hosein’s have received excellent feedback from the community. “The community has ties to Children’s Orchard—it has been in Newburyport for 30 years. The community didn’t want to see it go, and neither did we,” said Kate.
Through their Children’s Orchard store, the Hosein’s donate products three times a week to Planet 8 boxes. “It’s a great way to give back to the community, and keep things on the shelves fresh,” said Russell Hosein. “With Children’s Orchard, we have the ability to provide quality products at a drastically reduced price and donate items to organizations in need, while also reducing waste. It’s an all around win for us.” Children’s Orchard of Newburyport provides area families with brand name clothing and products at 40-80 % less than the original retail prices.
Founded in 1980, Children’s Orchard is the nation’s first franchise of gently used and new name-brand children’s items. With more than 60 franchise locations, each Children’s Orchard location buys and sells quality used and new children’s brand name clothing, toys and accessories in an upscale retail environment. Children’s Orchard stores are designed to emphasize quality, value, comfort and commitment to the local community. For more information, please visit the website at www.childrensorchard.com or call (800) 999-KIDS.