For the last 32 years, Brooke Nielsen has given gently worn clothing a new purpose at Kidz Cloz consignment store in Battle Ground.
Nielsen keeps usable clothing out of landfills and saves shoppers money at her store.
Kidz Cloz accepts used adult, teen and children’s clothing in good condition. The consignment store also accepts children’s furniture, baby equipment, books, toys and shoes. Consigned clothing must be free of stains and rips, and must have functional buttons and zippers. Consignors receive 40% of the sale price, when the item is sold, and 50% on furniture.
“It’s all about not supporting fast fashion and big box. It’s about supporting your community and recycling,” Nielsen said. “I can’t even imagine throwing something in the garbage that is still slightly usable.”
Nielsen opened Kidz Cloz in 1992 after having her first child, with the assistance of her mother.
“My mom helped me in the very beginning when I had a newborn baby. She gave me a day off during the week. Then she watched my babies off and on throughout the years,” Nielsen said.
Running the store helped Nielsen keep her children and others well dressed while saving usable clothing from going in the dumpster.
“I’ve saved hundreds and thousands of dollars over the 32 years that my kids have been around,” Nielsen said.
When consignments are brought to the store, Nielsen or one of her part-time employees checks them for damage, she said. Only items in good condition are accepted. After signing the consignment agreement, the clothes are prepped and tagged for sale.
Clothing that is out of season or does not sell is returned to the consignor or donated locally, Nielsen said. Kidz Cloz has a history of donating items to charities, such as North County Food Bank, Rocksolid Community Teen Center and Toys for Tots.
“I’m currently donating to the Family Children’s Resource Center that is run by the school district,” Nielsen said.
Though running Kidz Cloz wasn’t Nielsen’s original plan for her life, she’s happy to support the community and keep clothes from going to the landfill.
“It wasn’t my lifelong thought that I was going to do this the rest of my life, but here I am starting year 32 in August,” Nielsen said.
Kidz Cloz, located at 604 E. Main St., Battle Ground, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Nielsen accepts consignments from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Other times are available by appointment. For more information, call 360-687-6997 or visit kidz clozstore.com.
