Everybody knows kids grow up fast. They practically outgrow clothes before they are even broken in.

Even before they are born, mothers are buying a new wardrobe every few weeks to keep up with their growing bellies. All that can get expensive, but there’s one business in town helping mothers keep cash in their pocketbooks while allowing both her and baby to look stylish.

Trader Tot’s Consignment at 1400 Pine Island Rd. has been in town for a number of years, but thanks to a new location in the front of the plaza, business is booming for owner and long-time Cape resident Sarah Tucker.

Trader Tots offers everything from clothing for mom, babies and kids — all the way up to junior sizes — as well as toys, cribs, car seats and much more.

“We sell everything and it’s all clean. I hand-choose everything I want to sell,” Tucker said.

Consignment differs tremendously from buying at thrift stores or other discount places, Tucker said. At her shop, people bring in gently-used, freshly cleaned items in boxes. Once they arrive, Tucker ensures clothes are in good shape, free of any stains, rips or wear. For the toys and other items, she makes sure they aren’t missing any pieces and that they comply with Florida state resale guidelines. Tucker also said she will rent items if, for example, grandparents are going to be babysitting for a week or so.

“If someone has family coming into town and they need a crib, we can rent it to them. It gets really busy during season with requests like that,” Tucker said. “People can also buy the item, use it and bring it back for resale as well, that’s what’s great about this kind of business.”

Tucker came from Key West with her family in 1988, and the island life is reflected in the interior of Trader Tots. From tiki huts to palm trees, Tucker said, she really wanted to get that tropical feel to her store. Even though she loves Key West, Tucker said she now calls the Cape home.

“I grew up here, I like it here, I couldn’t do this in Key West, which is OK because I couldn’t see myself leaving here,” she said.

After a friend was selling a consignment shop, Tucker said she thought maybe that was something she would like to do herself.

“I was interested in doing it, so I spent a lot of time learning from her. I didn’t end up buying her store, but I learned so much and I really loved it.”

In 2005, Tucker went out on her first small business venture and opened Trader Tots in the back of the plaza on Pine Island Road, but the space wasn’t large enough and the location was difficult for people to see. The new location affords her free advertising of a sort — Tucker said some of her customers came after seeing Trader Tots from dining at places across the road.

“We’re expanding even more,” she said. “We already offer the largest selection of consignment maternity wear in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties and now we have a Web site and are open seven days a week, it’s just great.”

Thanks to the Web site, “http://www.tradertotsconsignment.com”>www.tradertotsconsignment.com, customers can print out a contract and read all the rules before deciding to commit items to consignment. Tucker also said since she’s open every day and allows drops-offs just about any time, it makes it easier for people, especially new moms. She said she also offers one of the highest return rates in the county.

“Most places offer about 20 percent return on consignment. We offer 40 percent of the price it sells for,” she said.

A computer program keeps track of all her inventory and helps ensure what you drop off will be credited back to you. Kids are kids, Tucker said, and will sometimes rip off tickets but thanks to the software, she can match the item back up to who it belongs to and how much she is selling it for.

Whether buying or selling, Tucker said she remembers everyone who walks in the store because at the end of the day, it’s all about the customer.

“I may not remember everyone’s name, but I will remember their face,” she said. “If they’re a new customer, I will tell them ‘thank you’ because without them, I wouldn’t have a store.“

Tucker said some of her repeat customers even become good friends. She has a bulletin board with baby photos from her customers, and said from time to time, customers will even come in and help her price and organize items. She said she can’t go anywhere without running into one of her more than 700 clients.

“I go through nine months with them, then I see their kids all the time. If it all ended today, I would take away several of these people away as friends,” Tucker said. “It’s all about customer service. I know I’m not going to get rich with a consignment store and that’s not what’s it about.”



About the business



What: Trader Tots Consignment and Children’s Store

Where: 1400 N.E. Pine Island Rd.

Owner: Sarah Tucker

What they offer: A large selection of pre-enjoyed children’s clothing, in sizes 0 to 16/18; maternity wear and junior styles in brands like Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, Carter’s, American Eagle and other famous designers; indoor and outdoor toys; children’s furniture; high chairs; swings; video games; books; DVDs; car seats and “anything else you need from the time you’re pregnant up until kids about in high school, all for a fraction of the cost,” Tucker said.

Hours: From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sundays.

Information: Call 573-8681 or visit: www.tradertotsconsignment.com