LISA STARK PHOTOS
Tami Kimes, manager of Trader Tots Resale in Riverview, shows off some of the toys, books, games and baby items available at the store.
For parents looking for clothes, toys, high chairs and strollers at a price that won’t break the bank, the opening of Trader Tots Resale in Riverview may be your dream come true.
“I absolutely love this store,” said manager Tami Kimes, who opened the consignment boutique for owners Howie Angeloni and Tony Geraci in mid-February. “This is an alternative for smart parents who want to do the right thing for their kids, their wallets and for the Earth,” said kimes. “Buying clean, quality, recycled products is a win-win for everyone.”
When you walk into Trader Tots, you are immediately struck by the immaculate interior. Clean, well-lit, and comfortably furnished, it’s clear that this is no ordinary thrift store.
“We consider ourselves a specialty boutique,” said Kimes, who believes that personal service and cleanliness are of prime importance to her customers. “All the toys are taken apart, cleaned and sanitized, then re-assembled,” she said. “I know, because I clean them myself.”
At Trader Tots, children’s items are taken in on a percent/consignment basis, which is one of the most generous in the business. The store pays customers 30 percent of the value of their items right off the bat, and also offers them the option of taking store credit at 50 percent, which they can put into an account to use at a later date.
“Parents love the 50 percent option, because it gives them a never-ending account with us.” said Kimes. “They can bring in clothes and toys their kids have outgrown and buy new ones while getting half of the value of their old ones. It’s like one big circle where everyone benefits.”
Kimes has worked hard to make the environment at Trader Tots a comfortable and enjoyable place to shop for parents and their children. There is an enclosed playroom where toddlers can safely play with toys and enjoy kids’ television shows. Parents can shop leisurely while keeping an eye on their children over the half-wall that surrounds the playroom.
Children’s toys are disassembled and cleaned and sanitized.
When asked what brought her into the children’s resale business, Kimes said, “I was a sergeant in the Hillsborough Department of Corrections, and when I retired I wanted to be in a place totally opposite from the prison environment. I wanted to do something uplifting, fun, and rewarding.”
Tami Kimes, manager of Trader Tots Resale in Riverview.
Kimes found her dream in Trader Tots. “This store is so much a part of me,” she said. “I laugh and smile every day, seeing kids and their parents excited and happy with their new purchases.”
Trader Tots specializes in children’s sizes Newborn to 14/16. The store also carries a nice selection of high chairs, swings, bassinets and strollers.
Kimes uses social media to promote her boutique, posting daily specials on the company’s Facebook page to entice customers to stop in every day to see what’s new. With new merchandise arriving each day, their inventory is ever-changing.
“It’s amazing what I’ve been able to accomplish on social media in such a short time,” said Kimes. “My regular customers are online every day, looking for deals and interacting with other mothers on items to sell and trade. It’s an awesome forum for us.”
Trader Tots takes pride in the clean, bright atmosphere of its shop. Trader Tots mural painted by Paula Geraci.
The comments posted on Trader Tots’ Facebook page echo the same positive sentiments. Wrote one mother: “I love how spacious and clean the store is, and the staff is super friendly. They even have a play area for the kids while you shop.” Another added: “I love the store. I spent $50 there today and got probably $200 worth of stuff. Very nicely priced and everything is in great condition. Still can’t believe you guys opened up right next to my house!”
Trader Tots is located at 11938 Balm Riverview Road. For more information, look for Trader Tots Resale on Facebook, or call Tami Kimes at 813-422-4078.
