By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
Along Main Streets across America, seeing vacant spaces come to life with new business is, to say the least, a good sign.
A business that benefits both vendor and customer – well that's even better.
In downtown Niles, that's exactly what's taking place at Sophia's Closet, a new children's consignment shop now open and located at 222 E. Main St.
"My mom and I had collected so many bins of great clothes, it was more than my kids could ever wear. And I started to joke about opening a store," said owner Julie Georgeoff.
The idea for Sophia's closet came to Georgeoff when she found her children, Sophia and Spencer's closets overflowing with extra clothes.
The new business owner said she and her mother, Vicki Metzger of Buchanan, enjoy shopping for both children.
Having a large extended family within the southwest Michigan area also added to the stacks.
"When we looked into actually starting a business," Georgeoff said, "consignment seemed to fit our idea best."
Consignment shops are getting attention in cities across the country, providing shoppers with brand name and nearly new clothing and other merchandise at discounted prices.
The stores help those looking to pinch a few pennies – as well as those who wouldn't mind making a few when their items are bought by the shop.
At Sophia's Closet, Georgeoff purchases clothing for both boys and girls, infants and juniors as well as some children's furniture.
"With the difficult economy right now, moms are especially interested in stretching dollars. As a consignment shopper myself, I know it's very important to be selective about the items I accept into the store. My store offers nearly-new, brand-name clothes for a great price," she said.
Right now, the store features mostly summer clothes as well as dressers and desks and "quality baby gear." Shoes are also accepted, toys and car seats, however, are not.
The shop has ample time to develop a customer base before the start of the next school year when, Georgeoff said, she'll hold a grand opening promotion. The date for that event has yet to be announced.
"And then we'll transition to fall and winter items," she said.
Parents will be happy to hear that they may be able to sell to or find at the store, accessories including children's ties, belts, hats and purses at Sophia's Closet as well as books and media (which are accepted if in mint condition), changing tables, cribs and bassinets, pack and plays, high chairs, strollers and swings and toddler beds, accent tables, desks dressers and nightstands.
The store is open from Tuesday through Saturday with hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, call 683-6638 or visit Sophia's Closet online at www.sophiasclosetniles.com.