May 18, 2009

Friends open Freckled FrogBy Vicki PettusState-Journal.com

Buying clothes for kids is like playing catch-up.

A new-bought item is worn once. Then there’s the inevitable growth spurt. The new becomes obsolete. And it’s back to the store.

Whether you are a parent or a grandparent – you’ve been there.

So have Amy Bogart-Wilhoite and Susan Payton, who came up with the idea of a consignment store, offering high quality children’s clothes at affordable prices.

They are co-owners of The Freckled Frog (try saying that five times in a row) and their motto for recycling clothing is befitting:

“We keep the cost of growing up, down. Go Green!”

The store itself is designed with children in mind.

The clothing racks are spaced so strollers can be easily pushed throughout the store. There’s a children’s play area, and the kids are free to take the toys throughout the store so they can be near mom or dad.

Sort of “romper-room” shopping.

Bogart-Wilhoite, 37, is a special education teacher at Westridge Elementary and the mother of 4-year-old Grayson. Payton, also 37, is a nurse practitioner and owner of Renu Med Spa. She has two children, 7-year-old Kaylee and 9-year-old Aly.

They went to Western Hills High School together and have been friends since.

“We wanted a store that didn’t have the usual consignment feel,” says Bogart-Wilhoite, “and a place where customers could shop for affordable, brand name clothing in a boutique setting.”

The Freckled Frog boasts clothing brand labels such as Ralph Lauren, Petit Ami, Strasburg, Gymboree, Janie and Jack, GAP and Justice. Items are usually marked at a third of the original price, with additional discounts on off-season items.

Boys and girls clothes sizes are available from newborn to size 16.

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