Jill Henderson’s dream is one many a working mom can appreciate: To run her own business in order to have the flexibility to spend more time with her family. I’m always dubious when moms think opening a store is going to enhance their quality of life, but Henderson, who has years of retail/merchandising experience, seems to be setting boundaries right out of the gate. Poppy Togs and Clogs, in the former Peapods space at Snelling and St. Clair, is open just Thursday-Sunday. She tells other moms why, and hopes they’ll understand. Now she just needs to make those four days a week count.
Poppy is stocked with baby and toddler apparel as well as colorful clothes for moms from pattern-happy brands like Desigual. Find print cotton dresses, statement coats, jewelry and clogs in every color. Beyond gift-friendly baby goods like sock monkey pajamas and St. Paul shirts, Poppy targets practical moms with a rack of “recycled” kids clothes she’s collected (items are not being accepted for resale at this time). The store is a work in progress–something any mother can appreciate. 251 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, 612-236-3660
There’s nothing glamorous about running a store – even in a charmed neighborhood like Linden Hills; even selling darling high end baby apparel and bedding that’s organic to boot. Oscar & Belle plans to close its retail space by June 24 – after just a year of business. The local company is going back to focusing on what it does best: design and manufacturing. The line is sold at 75 boutiques nationwide and online. In a statement released today, owner Anna Gustafson said, “Our wholesale business is growing with some new opportunities on the horizon and I am unable to effectively do it all.” Gustafson and her husband are also expecting their first baby in August – and having one baby to pour all your time and energy into is more than enough.
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