Graduating from pop-up shops to a storefront in the heart of the Garland District, Spokane Baby Co. has opened its doors at 825 W. Garland.

The new store buys, sells, and trades gently used clothes for infants and children ranging in age from newborn to 10 years old.

“I started in March doing pop-ups,” says Mica McClung, owner of Spokane Baby Co. “It seemed like people were really excited about it, so I thought I would venture into the brick and mortar.”

The idea for Spokane Baby Co. derived from McClung’s own experiences as a mom of two.

“I started selling my kids’ clothes when they were little,” she says.

McClung hosted the pop-up events once a month, renting out studio spaces, but as the number of customers grew, she felt like she needed a larger, permanent location, she says.

“I was originally driving around and picking up people’s clothes,” she says. “The pop up was kind of a way to get my toes wet before and test the market and see if people would be interested in it.”

Spokane Baby Co. purchases clothes at 30% of what the store intends to charge and gives cash payouts, McClung says. She estimates that clothing items at her store cost about 60% less than when they’re bought new. Some of the items sold at Spokane Baby Co. cost as much as $80 when brand new, she says.

“I tend to try and curate the higher-end brands,” she says. “I like the sustainability of gently used clothing.”

Offering pre-owned clothes is important in today’s economy, with higher costs due to inflation and other economic concerns, McClung says.

“We all can feel it in the groceries and the gas, so it’s nice to be able to find some clothes when your kids are outgrowing things so quickly,” she says.

The response from customers, many of whom have been repeat customers at the pop-up events, has been supportive and encouraging, she says.

“People have said ‘Spokane has needed this,’” she says.

McClung says she knew the Garland District would be a great place for her store. She says other business owners in the district have welcomed her with flowers and treats and offered to help her get set up.

“I knew that I wanted to be in a district or a community-oriented area where there was foot traffic,” she says. “I’m trying to make this a community-minded store.”

Spokane Baby Co. is partnered with World Relief Spokane, a nonprofit organization, McClung says.

“Any of the clothing that people donate that I don’t buy, I will save and I’m going to donate it to World Relief,” McClung says. “Every six months they do a baby shower for refugee moms.”

Spokane Baby Co. also sells pre-owned books and a small selection of toys that McClung buys wholesale, she says.

McClung, who was born and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, has lived in Spokane for 12 years. Before she started buying, selling, and trading kids’ clothes, she was a full-time photographer.

Spokane Baby Co. is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

McClung runs the store on her own currently, although she says it’s been busy enough that she likely will need to hire employees at some point.

“It’s just me so far, but we’ll see how long that lasts,” she says.

Small Bites

•Rathdrum-based Westwood Brewing Co. has expanded to Hayden with a new brewery and taproom at 9265 N. Government Way. The brewpub was founded in 2016 and offers craft and domestic beers, wine, and cocktails, as well as a full food menu. Westwood’s Rathdrum location is at 8162 W. Main.

•Lebanon Deli & Grocery LLC, which shares the same ownership as Lebanon Restaurant & Cafe LLC, has opened at 9222 N. Newport Highway, in North Spokane, just west of The Home Depot store. The new store carries Middle Eastern grocery items, including spices and marinades, condiments, hummus, falafel mix, pita bread, and a variety of meat. The grocery store is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. The Lebanon Restaurant & Cafe is located at 707 W. Fifth, in Spokane, and is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

•A Lego store is expected to open Nov. 10 in River Park Square at 808 W. Main, in downtown Spokane. The toy store, which will be in a space previously occupied The North Face, will feature an insider’s rewards program, a pick-and-build wall, a demonstration table, and more. It will be open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.