For years, Kelly and Dennis Tainsh have provided affordable clothing to young children. Now they’re moving up the age spectrum.
The Tainshes, who have operated Once Upon A Child in Red Deer for 13 years, recently opened Plato’s Closet.
Whereas Once Upon A Child deals in used clothing and other items for babies and other youngsters, Plato’s Closet is geared to the needs of teens and young adults.
The franchised business has more than 265 outlets in the United States, but currently only two in Canada: Burlington, Ont., and now Red Deer.
Others are planned for Saskatoon, Sask., and Barrie, Ont.
“It’s a great extension for Once Upon A Child,” said Kelly Tainsh, who expects many current and former customers of Once Upon a Child to take advantage of Plato’s Closet.
In addition to clothing, the store will carry items like purses, jewelry, belts, scarves and even CDs and DVDs, she said. Its focus will be on current styles.
“We really concentrate on fashion, brands, that sort of thing.”
Buyers will benefit from lower prices than they’re likely to find at other stores, but Plato’s Closet should also appeal to people with an interest in the environment, said Tainsh.
“Recycling is such a huge deal right now, especially with the younger kids.”
Those with items they no longer want or need can convert them into immediate cash, she added.
Although it’s been open since May 28, Plato’s Closet is currently only buying merchandise. Tainsh hopes inventory levels will be high enough for the store to begin selling by mid-July.
“The faster we can fill it up, the faster we can open,” she said. “That’s our goal.”
But Plato’s Closet will not accept damaged items or dated styles, she added.
The store is located at 6722 50th Ave., in the same strip mall as Once Upon A Child. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Plato’s Closet and Once Upon a Child are both franchised by Winmark Corp.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com