Families of little ones need not look far or spend lots of money on stylish and trendy items thanks to the newly opened Poppy’s Place.
The unique consignment business is tucked in at 1214 W. F St., Oakdale. Situated between Giddy Up Nutrition and Kristine’s Designer Clothing on the west side of town, while its location may be a bit tricky the inventory and pricing is anything but.
Current store hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop is closed Sunday and Monday.
“I hear that a lot of people still don’t know that we’re here,” business owner Courtney Frobe shared. “It has been pretty steady and we have our sign out so I’m hoping that helps.”
As a valley native who relocated to the state of Washington for a bit, Frobe shared when she would return to Oakdale to visit family, she would find herself at a loss looking for items to make traveling with a baby easier. A regular at a consignment shop in the Pacific Northwest and not crazy about driving to Modesto while visiting here, Frobe saw a need for moms like herself.
Returning to Oakdale in early summer, now a single mom, the owner shared she began kicking around the idea of opening a consignment shop like the one she missed.
“I have the perfect single mom shop,” she said, noting that while her mom helps with her son Landon, it’s not uncommon to come into the shop and see him working with mom.
By mid-July, Frobe took the leap and secured the 1,000-square foot space for “Poppy’s Place,” which was named for her grandmother.
“She was of course the most amazing grandma and she loved thrifting and finding a bargain,” she said of her grandmother Poppy.
The children’s consignment shop features sizes from preemie to 5/6 clothing, as well as accessories, strollers, jumpers, toys and the like. There is also a boutique area which offers new items for those looking for something different.
“What I learned is moms of multiples had a stash,” Frobe shared of stocking the store two weeks prior to its opening in late August.
After posting a request via social media for new consigners to bring by their things, Frobe said area mothers showed up with as many as three totes of children’s clothing.
“I am picky with the brands and making sure it’s still in good shape,” she said of what she accepts for consignment. “People ask how often I have new items and it’s really daily.”
Consignment is done by appointment only. Clients interested in bringing by items for consideration may message her on Facebook. As the only current staff member, Frobe shared while she’s flexible she also likes to plan a time range for taking in items.
“I also do have the option for them, that they can cash out once their items sell,” she said. “They can also use store credit for additional incentive.”
The current exchange rate for consigners is 40 percent to the consigner if they opt for cash or an added 15 percent to that if they choose to use store credit.
“Definitely you’ll always get some kind of incentive to shop in the boutique,” she said.
As visibility becomes a focus to let the community know she’s here, so also wants to educate customers on what the business actually is.
“Consignment is different than thrift. Thrift is donation, so that’s one thing I want the community to understand,” she said, noting she only accepts gently used or new name brand items.
She enjoys offering her clients premium items at a fraction of the cost.
Pricing in the store ranges from as little at 99 cents for onesies to as much as $34 for new boutique items.
“I take everything,” she said of the shop’s variety. “I had someone ask if I take baby carriers or baby wraps, I take it all.”
As a single mom who sometimes brings her child to work, Frobe encourages customers to bring their little ones as well.
“I love the little visitors that come in,” she said. “I love meeting the community really. All the little adorable visitors are the best.”
For updates on latest items and upcoming events, visit Poppy’s Place on Facebook and Instagram.
