Kid Exchange Opens in Encinitas

Kid Exchange, a resale boutique for children’s clothing, recently opened on South Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas,

The small shop, which has been open about a month, allows parents to buy, sell, or trade their children's clothing. The inventory here includes boys and girls apparel, much of it vintage or conversation pieces, like a toddler-sized ‘80s acid-washed denim jacket or a tiny colorful Peruvian frock, for example. Most of those pieces are hand-selected by owner Bob Abeyta, father of four.

“I did most of the shopping for my kids, and I did a lot of it at resale shops,” said Abeyta, who also ran his own fashion boutique in Pacific Beach for about 15 years. “My background has helped me develop an eye for good pieces. I had a couple in here the other day that is expecting a child. They found a Rolling Stones onesie and were freaking out. Turns out the dad is a huge fan, so much so, they’re naming their son Jagger. I love it when people can come in and find something unexpected like that for their child.” 

Abeyta has also used his fashion sense to develop a small retail area for moms, featuring clothing and accessories, many of them handmade and eco-friendly. He also has a book exchange in the works, which will focus solely on parenting books. Near the front of the store, there’s also a community message and resource board geared toward local moms.

“My goal is for this to be a store dedicated to moms,” Abeyta said. “I want it to be a place where a mom can come in and shop for her kids, and get something for herself while she’s here. And if she needs information on parenting, I want her to be able to find that here, too.”

With moms in mind, Abeyta has also created a kid-friendly space, as evidenced by the giant chalkboard for kids to draw on, and play area that’s being constructed near the dressing room.

Abeyta also acknowledges that his shop’s name, Kid Exchange, suggests that it’s a place you can literally trade your child for a new one — and in fact, he’s gotten a kick out of how many people have taken photos next to the store’s sign.

“I think it’s funny because most parents will tell you they’ve had days where part of them is ready to trade in the kid they’ve got for a new one,” Abeyta said jokingly. “Of course, the name refers to this being a shop where you can exchange clothing and even parenting information, but I’m totally embracing the joke there.” 

Kid Exchange is located at 470 South Coast 101 Highway, Suite B. The shop is closed every Wednesday, and open every other day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — expect for Sunday, when it is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop does not have a website up yet, but for more information, you can call 760.230.6039.