Baby and Me

When Nancy Hotchkiss sent her five-year-old son, Braydon, off to his first day of kindergarten, she decided to go shopping to distract herself from the emotional separation.

"I was looking for a used crib for my sister," she remembered. After searching the yellow pages for used baby items, Hotchkiss stumbled on Baby and Me, a second-hand children's store in Spring Hill. She visited the store and became curious when she also discovered the business was for sale.

A massage therapist by profession, Hotchkiss had intended to resume her career full-time now that her two children were both in school. "I wasn't really looking to run my own business," she said.

"That was on August 23," she remembered. "By October 1st, I was the owner."

The store just celebrated six years at the same location, off Mariner Blvd., in the blue State Farm located near the Moose Lodge. When asked how she has managed to weather the turbulence of a down economy, Hotchkiss laughed. Many think second-hand stores thrive in recessions, she said, since people are more apt to look to alternatives to save money. Yet many of her competitors have perished.

Baby and Me is a new and gently used retail store that caters to babies, children and mothers-to-be. It is different than a traditional thrift store because the focus is different. It is arranged more like a boutique, with open pathways between racks that cut down on the typical "busy" feel. And Hotchkiss is very picky about what makes it to her sales floor.

The main section contains mostly clothing items, arranged by size. Newborn to size 8, some larger for boys, and include seasonal styles in near perfect condition. Fall and winter pajamas, playwear, outer-wear and footwear are on display throughout the floor. Holiday pajamas and party styles are in abundance.

It also acts as the overflow for larger items, like strollers, bassinettes, and ride-on toys.

The second room contains mostly maternity clothing, in fresh, modern styles. A healthy variety of toys are displayed, from infant through preschool age and books overflowing from the bookshelves.

Two other rooms contain cribs and bassinettes of every imaginable style and décor. And pack & plays, high chairs, boosters, potties and bath-tubs.

Items are best described as new or barely used, in clean, workable condition.

Hotchkiss explained that she doesn't take anything without careful inspection. Clothing, for instance, cannot be missing a single button or snap. The standards for "normal ware and tare" are much higher than one might think.

And that is exactly the reputation Hotchkiss has built through her six years in business. Prices reflect about 50 percent of their "new" price tag. But they almost never show that in condition.

"My customers are very happy," she said. And those who might shy away from second hand items are pleasantly surprised by the reality inside Baby and Me.

Like Oliver and Maryann Brinkerhoff of Spring Hill who came to Baby and Me in search of items for their visiting 18 month old grandson. They needed a pack & play during his visit.

"I wish we had come here first," said Oliver. They had been to several thrift stores in search of a used item. Through a friend at their church, they finally heard about Baby and Me.

The couple was overjoyed by the option to rent and the affordability and condition of the item. They were also surprised at how many different items were available. "You have everything," Maryann exclaimed.

Hotchkiss said she expanded into rentals to provide affordable options for temporary situations. Most of her rental customers are referred or come from areas where the practice is more common. Most are pleasantly surprised by the cost. "They must have had problems in the past," she said, "because they insist on seeing the item first. All of my rentals are kept in a separate room and don't come from my sales floor."

The Baby and Me team includes two salespeople, Kim Fisher and Morgan Hammer, who radiate in personality and their commitment to customer service. Fisher has been with Hotchkiss for four years. Hammer started in January.

Hammer said she loves helping the regular customers who consistently visit the store. "And (Hotchkiss) is the best boss ever!"

In fact, a visit to Baby and Me is typical for local businesses that cater to their neighborhoods. Friendships are formed between the visitors and the staff. Hotchkiss said many of her customers remain loyal until their children outgrow the store.

Surviving a weak economy hasn't been easy, Hotchkiss admitted, but she has learned to adjust with the times. When the retail market was thriving, Baby and Me expanded to include a second location in Brooksville. That store has since closed.

While difficult, that decision did allow the original location to expand into its present size to better accommodate their clientele. They have also become a JCPenney Catalog location, setting up a computer station where customers can place orders and have them delivered to the store. It's just another way Baby and Me is adapting to the economy by offering convenience.

Baby and Me offers some consignments but is primarily a buy-out situation. Hotchkiss said they accept specific items at different times and schedule appointments before and after hours, especially for clothing.

Baby and Me is open Monday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Biz at a Glance

Name: Baby and Me

Address: 5228 Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill 34609

Telephone: (352) 684-0076

Website: www.123BabyandMe.com