Used children's clothing store moves to downtown Canton
CANTON — Rows of bright, gently used clothes for babies and toddlers now fill downtown space that formerly housed the Doggy Bag Deli.
Grandma's Kids has relocated from the Canton Masonic Temple, Route 68, to 1 Hodskin St. and reopened Wednesday.
"This gives us more space and we're hoping more traffic," said business manager Suzette M. Kelly, Canton.
With 1,000 square feet, compared with the former 600, the shop has expanded its children's play area. There's also enough space to add a a love seat where nursing mothers can feed their babies.
The store sells clean, reduced-priced clothing, from infant size, including preemie babies, to size 7 for both girls and boys.
"I'm pretty fussy about what I take in to sell," Mrs. Kelly said, noting that some of the items still have their original sale tags. "Our motto is 'We dress your kids for less.'"
Customers will find a range of clothing for all seasons, including dresses, jeans, shirts, coats, hats, socks, pajamas, bibs, shoes, bathing suits and uniforms, such as Boy Scout or Girl Scout attire.
Also for sale are indoor and outdoor toys, such as stuffed animals, plastic toys, bouncy seats and jungle gym equipment. Strollers, as well as some furniture and bedding, are often available.
Mrs. Kelly, who is a teacher at Gouverneur Correctional Facility, said the business is owned by her 82-year-old mother, Madeline L. Tecza, Canton.
"I handle the laundry while my mother does the sewing," Mrs. Kelly said, noting that she started the business about 10 years ago while working as a tutor for migrant families.
"I found people could not afford the clothing prices in the store," she said. "I also keep a list of specific items that customers are looking for."
Canton Economic Development Director Linda M. McQuinn said the shop's relocation downtown is good for the village's business community.
"We need these kinds of small shops that draw people into downtown," Mrs. McQuinn said. "It's a great attraction for our commerce district."
