The Second Child

Facebook

2009-05-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am trying so hard to use Facebook & Twitter to market my business, but it is so fun to reconnect with old friends that I just get distracted and have fun! Oh well!

2009-05-04T13:48:00.001-07:00

My husband has extra time on his hands so I've asked him to help me at the store. It's actually a big help to me, but it cracks me up, listening to him chat with the moms and pregnant women. Lets see how it goes; working together, rather him working for me. I hope all the cash makes it to the drawer!

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

My contribution to honor earth day this year, is to bring all the wire hangers that seem to accumulate in my life, back to the dry cleaners!

Private Parties

2009-04-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last week The Second Child partnered up with Jen Khatchatrian, founder of Chicago Green Families, for a fun evening of "Shop & Drop". Invitees were encouraged to drop by the store to shop and/or drop off consignments. The store stayed open a couple hours later than usual and served organic wine and snacks. Representatives from Melaleuca, a "green" health and wellness company, were on hand to educate guests about their products, and offer suggestions to living a "greener" lifestyle, while saving money. All in all it was an enjoyable and informative evening. If any other groups are interested in having a similar event, I would be way in.

Crossroads

2008-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Summer seems to come to an end so abruptly. Schools are starting everywhere, and for the first time in many years, I don't have a student. My younger daughter (hence The Second Child) graduated college this past spring. I have two college educated, working, beautiful adult daughters. At such a milestone in my life, of course I examine my business objectives. Am I done, should I do something different? Should I expand, open more stores? Should I reevaluate, focus on the Internet? My conclusion is no! If it's not broken, don't fix it. With so much talk of the economy, The Second Child seems to be recession proof. With so much talk of the environment, The Second Child has always been green. Business continues to grow and new consignors continue to discover. Almost daily, someone thanks me for my business and so I continue to be motivated. I look forward to a fulfilling and prosperous season!

Thanks,
Amy

Old Persian Rugs?

2008-04-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

So, how does a store like The Second Child end up selling Old Persian Rugs? Well, I was away visiting family in S.C. and stumbled upon a wonderful antique store with great rugs and great prices. I made a few purchases for home and went on my merry way. During the night and the next day, these rugs just kept tugging at me & calling my name. So, back I went, spoke to the owner and told her I thought I could sell these for her in Chicago. She gave me 10 rugs to bring back and share with my favorite customers. They are really great looking and reasonably priced. If they go, I'll get more. So come on by and check out my latest find!

2008-03-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Although the weather has not cooperated, the Spring Season is off to a great start! Easter has come and gone, spring breaks are over and I am craving some good weather. My daughter Molly, a senior at U of I Champaign/Urbana, participated in an alternative spring break program organized through Hillel. Eleven students went to Uruguay to help build houses in a very poor area, that is often victim to flooding. Each student toted with them an additional suitcase filled to capacity, with clothing The Second Child was unable to sell. The items were graciously received by the Hillel group in Uruguay, and then distributed directly to the needy families. What a great, inspiring opportunity for all! Check back for pictures on our web site soon!

Spring

2008-02-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

It's freezing outside, but it feels like Spring in the store. Our season is off to a great start. Our racks are full and it is so fun to visit with customers that feel more like friends! I love to hear the stories about the children that ask if they can go play at Amy's store. It makes me very happy to see the kids walk in, and off come the jackets and shoes, just like home!

Spring is Coming!

2008-01-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

It's so exciting to see the Spring/Summer consignments coming in. We are busy getting the merchandise ready for the big opening, January 29th. I always worry at the beginning of the season, how I can possibly compete with the fabulous merchandise I had the previous year? My consignors never let me down. Thank you to all! This season I think is going to be the best ever! As the bags and boxes arrive, I feel like a child on Christmas morning!

Oh, don't forget to stop by during our clearance sale, through the 26th. We are practically giving the stuff away!

2007-12-21T23:06:00.000-08:00

WINTER CLEARANCE - Save All Month!
January 2nd - January 26th
Up to 75% off all Clothing
50% Off All Clothing January 25th Only*
75% Off All Clothing January 26th Only*
Closed January 27th & 28th
Now Accepting Spring Consignments
SPRING OPENING January 29th
*Cash Only January 25th & 26th

Winter Sale In Progress!

2007-12-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Winter Sale In Progress!

Select Merchandise 20%, 30% & 40% Off Our Already Low Prices!

Check back for details on our Storewide Winter Clearance Sale, beginning January 2nd!

December is our toy month. We have like new puzzles, books, Brio & Thomas trains, ride on toys and more...

Currently in Stock..

Great Outerwear By North Face, Spyder, & Columbia. . Find brands like Oilily, Cake Walk, Lilly Pulitzer, Papo D'Anjo, Lili Gaufrette, Baby Lulu, Ralph Lauren, Mini Boden, Janie & Jack, Charlie Rocket, Wes & Willy, Mimi Maternity, Citizens of Humanity, Joe's, AG, Chip & Pepper, Cadeau and lots more!

2007-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

The Second Child will be celebrating eighteen years in business, come July 2005. Amy Helgren, proprietor of the Second Child, says she was inspired after the birth of her second daughter.

Two girls born different seasons and sizes, coupled with the sheer abundance of baby gifts and accumulated "gear"... hence, the concept of The Second Child emerged!

When asked the question, "Who are your customers?" Amy responds, "Our clients are conscientious and educated consumers. We appeal to a broad range of economic levels, but what our customers do have in common is they are sensible, down to earth and generally concerned about recycling." "We don't necessarily claim to be cheap," adds Amy. "What we are is good value."

The timing was right and the concept was exciting. The store has received national recognition on NBC's The Today Show and in publications like Newsweek and Entrepreneur Magazines. Locally they've appeared in The Tribune, Suntimes, Fox Thing in the Morning and other local television news spots.

"Stop by," says Amy. "It's really more than a shopping excursion. You never know what you may find here or who you'll bump into. The store also happens to be a great resource for networking everything from baby-sitters, birthday parties or the latest in breast pumps!"

Upscale Boutique with great discounts!

2007-11-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Fall/Winter Markdowns Have Begun! Select Merchandise 20% - 30% Off Our Already Low Prices!

Save the date...Saturday, December 1st 2007, is our Annual Holiday Toy Extravaganza!

Currently in stock...Great Outerwear By North Face, Spyder, & Columbia.

. Find brands like Oilily, Cake Walk, Lilly Pulitzer, Papo D'Anjo, Lili Gaufrette, Baby Lulu, Ralph Lauren, Mini Boden, Janie & Jack, Charlie Rocket, Wes & Willy, Mimi Maternity, Citizens of Humanity, Joe's, AG, Chip & Pepper, Cadeau and lots more!

Visit us daily, weekly or as often as you like. It's an addiction.............. and you just never know what you may find!

The Second Child will be accepting Spring/Summer consignments beginning January 2nd 2008.

First time consignors please call to schedule an appointment.

Go to www.2ndchild.com for more details..

The Second Child

Facebook

Happy Earth Day!

Private Parties

Crossroads

Old Persian Rugs?

Spring

Spring is Coming!

WINTER CLEARANCE - Save All Month! January 2nd - January 26th Up to 75% off all Clothing 50% Off All Clothing January 25th Only* 75% Off All Clothing January 26th Only* Closed January 27th & 28th Now Accepting Spring Consignments SPRING OPENING January 29th *Cash Only January 25th & 26th

Winter Sale In Progress!

Currently in Stock..

Upscale Boutique with great discounts!

WINTER CLEARANCE - Save All Month!
January 2nd - January 26th
Up to 75% off all Clothing
50% Off All Clothing January 25th Only*
75% Off All Clothing January 26th Only*
Closed January 27th & 28th
Now Accepting Spring Consignments
SPRING OPENING January 29th
*Cash Only January 25th & 26th