A Place for Parents to 'Shop, Sell and Swap'

It doesn't look like a consignment shop. That was Chantal Scott's goal all along.

The former visual merchandiser for companies including Burberry, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie has opened a new consignment store in Prospect Heights exclusively for kids ages newborn to six called Livie and Boo. Launched in August of this year and named after her daughter and dog, the store on 613 Vanderbilt Avenue also sells toys and accessories for kids.

"When I went back my job after having my daughter, it just wasn't the same anymore," said Scott. "On top of that, I'm a huge bargain shopper myself and love being able to find that hidden treasure."

Modeled after Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg, the store resembles a boutique more than a second-hand store with a regularly rotating lineup of clothes. Wood hangers and mannequins adorn the shop, while an arts and crafts area and train table allow kids to relax while their parents hunt for outfits.

The store accepts high end, gently used items for cash and store credit. Customers can receive 25 percent of the item's perceived value in cash, or 40 percent in store credit which is valid for up to a year.

Despite the initial success of the business, Scott said she doesn't have plans to expand beyond their current age range.

"Prospect Heights is a really young neighborhood and a lot of families here are on their first child," said Scott. "I also find that the older kids get, their clothes last longer and are worn harder."

Scott said she has been pleased by the community response to her store.

"People seem to be really excited about it," said Scott. "There's a real demand in the neighborhood for affordable kids clothing. If you think about it, kids need a consignment store more than parents do."

Livie and Boo is open from 11:00 am-6:00 pm on Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm on Saturday, and 11:00 am-5:00 pm on Sunday. For more information, visit livieandboo.com.