The Red Hen - A Resale & Gift Boutique for Moms & Little Ones I've always been the consummate bargain shopper and when my kids were little I made the rounds hitting the local thrift shops, and traveling to Durham for regular visits to Baby Bear. The girls outgrew their clothes so quickly, I decided it was smart to shop for high quality used clothing rather than spending a fortune on new. I get a good feeling when I buy used stuff for a couple of reasons. First, it saves me money. Also, good quality clothing is often designed to withstand more than one life. Most of the clothes I bought lasted through both of my girls, and went on to be handed down to family and friends or the PTA Thrift Shop, after we were done with them. I have to say, walking into The Red Hen was not like walking into a lot of resale stores. I was bowled over! This isn't a typical resale store. "A resale and gift boutique for moms and little ones" (as it says on their sign) describes it well. This place is bright and beautiful, and as I stood there looking around, my mind was racing down the list of folks I know with young children, as well as my friends who are expecting. They will absolutely LOVE this place. I spoke with DeeDee Lavinder, the owner of the store, to learn more about why she decided to open The Red Hen, and the transformation of the property at 201 West Weaver Street, where they decided to locate. DeeDee moved to Orange County from California in 2002 with her husband, James Lavinder. His job in the construction business led him to start his own business, Fox Mountain Home Improvement, Inc. In the meantime their daughter Avis was born. DeeDee had been a customer at Chicken Noodle Soup, the children's resale clothing store that used to be on Main St. When that store went out of business, it occurred to her that this was something she could do, a place where Avis could even accompany her to work. It seemed like an ideal solution to the go to work or stay home with the kids quandary. So right after Christmas in 2006, the Lavinders signed the lease and began working to create exactly the right feel for their shop. The space is about 1000 square feet, with four rooms, Girls (Sugar & Spice), Boys (Snips & Snails), Maternity/Nursing (Roots & Wings), and a room with toys, gear, etc. (& Everything Else). There is loads of wall space for displaying even more items, including well stocked areas in the hallways. This shop isn't just reused clothing and toys though. The walls are lined with gift items, children's books and more. They carry hard to find items including Ergo Baby Carriers, Fuzzi Bunz diapers, Isabooties, Majamas Nursing Wear, Belabumbum and Bravado nursing bras, and Putumayo Kids Music. Locally produced items include Jimmy Magoo's CDs, Shoofly Audio Magazine, all sorts of handmade/monogrammed gifts like hooded towels, journal covers and burp cloths from Something By Mary, t-shirts and gift sets with fun sayings like "I've Been Told I Like Golf" by My Lullabug, giclee prints and greeting cards by Judith Webster, artwork of various media by Julie Harris of Healing Hearts Studio, and horse swings by James Lavinder. They eventually plan to add locally produced jewelry for moms, pottery items (including piggy banks), and wooden toys -- to name a few. As they continue to add items to their constantly changing inventory, they will listen to and cater to their customers needs. They have a special place in the a store where kids can go and play while caregivers shop. The toys there aren't for sale. "We could have sold these items many times," says DeeDee, "but we decided they should stay right where they are." A white picket fence, complete with welcoming arbor, encloses the area outside in the back, creating a playground for the younger set. DeeDee also plans to add complimentary gift wrapping, beverages such as water, coffee and tea for shoppers, and nutrious snacks for purchase. Yes, the little ones get hungry while the grown-ups browse the racks. Items that are spotted, torn or stained won't make it onto the floor at The Red Hen. If it isn't in perfect condition they won't sell it. In addition to selling items, they also buy items. Check their website for more details. Another great thing they offer that I read about on their website is equipment rental (with delivery). If you need a high chair or stroller for a few days when someone visits with a little one, you can save them having to haul their equipment with them. The Red Hen is located at 201 West Weaver St. in Carrboro and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information call 942-4420, or check out their website at TheRedHen.com. So if you're looking for a great place to shop for kid's stuff, as well as maternity clothes or that special gift, look no further. It's all right here at The Red Hen in Carrboro. Home | Overview | About Us | Ads | Art | Businesses | Carrboro and Area Stuff | Carrboro Map | Computer Stuff | Downtown Carrboro Map | Events | Prices | Restaurants | UniqueOrn Enterprises