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Business & Tech

'Marshmallow Kids' a Treat for Frugal Mineola Parents

New children's store caters to parents buying and selling apparel and accessories.

As a mother, Magna Rawlings did not have to look far to find the inspiration for her kids’ clothing business: her daughter.

“Every year,” she recalled, “we would go through clothes like crazy. We were like, ‘what can we do with all this stuff?’”

That started Rawlings thinking about a business where parents can sell items that their kids may have outgrown or no longer have use for even though it is in perfectly good condition. Rawlings researched a similar business model, talked to friends, did further research and then launched “Marshmallow Kids Fashion Corp.” from her Mineola home.

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She initially bought clothes and other merchandise from friends and acquaintances, more as a test of her concept. She received such positive feedback that she decided to launch the business with a goal in mind of a physical store.

While scouting for a physical location outside of her home, she continued to collect enough merchandise to display in a store. Her 1,000 sq. ft. retail shop opened on Main Street on May 14.

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The shop is her first experience as a storeowner and “so far, so good,” she said.

Targeting infants to children, or birth to 10 years of age, the apparel, toys and accessories – strollers, bassinets, etc. – must be in excellent shape for Rawlings to stock. That means no stains on clothes or missing parts on toys. If she likes the product, she pays the customer on the spot (it is not a consignment business) and then retags it; most merchandise here can be purchased for about 40 percent off full retail.

“I choose the items I know I can sell,” Rawlings said. “Price-wise I look online to see what the item would cost if bought new.”

Some customers bring in clothes with the original tag still attached. “They probably received so many clothes at a birthday party or whatever, and their child never got a chance to wear it, or grew out of it, before they could wear it.”

As back to school season is in full swing, Rawlings is excited about the prospect of a good run, especially considering the momentum she is building.

“It’s been working out well,” she said. “Business is getting busier… I have good expectations because the customers really like what we have, and they always come back. “

As a mother who bought clothes for her daughter growing up, Rawlings knows that the late-August to mid-September period usually means an entire new wardrobe, or at the very least some new items for school-aged kids.

Given today’s economy most consumers will not pay full price, which she says is another draw to the store.

“They come here, they get great stuff for less than they would get somewhere else, and they come back,” she said. “I’m happy.”

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