I'm so excited to introduce you to Never Grow Up Boutique for the second time! This modern, natural parenting store in Grove City, Ohio is fun and inviting. They recently celebrated their one year anniversary of being in business, and what a better time to expand and move into a bigger shop right down the street from their first location on downtown Broadway!
I had the opportunity to photograph their grand re-opening and chat one-on-one with the owners. The moment I walked in their new shop I saw so many interesting items for parents to buy and use for their little ones. Check out my interview with Andi below; the amazing woman behind Never Grow Up Boutique. Be sure to click the links at the bottom of this post to look at their shop and social media pages!
How would you describe your store to a new customer?
We describe the store with the tagline "Natural, Modern Parenting". Baby-wearing, cloth diapering, house, health and body. We have products for the "crunchy" families, but also have something for those interested in more eco-friendly or natural swap-outs in their current life! We believe it doesn't have to be a black or white choice in lifestyle products, rather an "all things in moderation" grey-area approach for those just crunchy-curious. For example: maybe that Re-Play table-wear set is just super cute, durable and all the lovely colors of the rainbow and that's why you chose it - but did you also know that the company behind those adorable dishes are a family owned and family focused business dedicated to providing sustainable and affordable products while keeping with responsible environmental and social business practices? Those adorable dishes are made in the USA from curbside collected HDPE plastic - yep, recycled Milk Jugs!
That's the idea behind all the products in our store - we did the behind the scenes thinking for you. So you can shop in store with a clear conscious, that the products we're presenting to you are safe, quality products! You just need to chose your favorites!
What prompted you to want to move to a new location?
We've always knew the space we began in was our starter space. We assumed we would hang out there for a few years and grow our local customer base. Prime retail space in Grove City (our hometown) is hard to come by so little did we expect the perfect space for our future would become available just 1 year into business! The ability to stay in Grove City, stay in the downtown area where we want to be AND grow was an opportunity we just couldn't pass up. Hopefully this is where we'll be laying our roots!
What is your favorite (or most popular) item in the shop right now?
I think is depends on the customer really. Teething babies really love the Sweetooth Teethers. Grandparents love the Happy/Mini Mats from EzPz. Babywearing parents love our selection of wraps and carriers to be able to touch and feel the options in person. Cloth diapering parents love our selection of cloth diapering options. Locals & Ohio fans love our gear from Mags&Lou and Buckeye Baby Beads. I hope thats a sign that we have a litlte bit of something for everyone.
Are there any new items (or new vendors) coming to NGUB?
We just launched a new line of Body & Bath products from The Whole Life Co. We fell in love with The Whole Life Co and their mission to help others live simply, whole and healthy lives. Their product lines demonstrate the belief in products that are clean & pure - you can pronounce every ingredient in everything they make! Their line contains something for the whole family - sunscreen, body wash, lotions, facial care and even fun playfully put together soaps for children. One of our favorite products of theirs is the Aroma Play Doh. Aroma Doh is oh-so soft playdough for open-ended imaginative play while appealing to the senses thanks to the added essential oils!
Will there be any special events coming up soon at the shop?
There seems to always be going on - special manufacturer promotions, new product launches, etc. Each month we host a Cloth Diapering 101. We'll soon be starting up Babywearing 101s, too!
Do you offer registries for expecting mamas?
Absolutely! We have a baby registry option for expectant parents to share their wishes with those who'd love to shop for thoughtful & practical gifts. We also have a Wish List option for those who don't need a baby registry, but maybe would like to create a Birthday List, Holiday List or even to keep track of those items they want to save for on their own!
What is in store for NGUB in the coming year?
Oh goodness, I can't imagine. If you asked me last year I definitely wouldn't have guessed "moving" would have been on the horizon! I guess we never know?! We're here to support the community in their Natural Parenting needs, so what's in store is up to our customers and their wishes!
Why would you recommend that people "shop small"?
Why Shop Small? I think it was best put on a chalkboard I saw from another small business: "When you shop small you're not buying a CEO another boat or summer home. You're helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his t-ball jersey, and parents put food on the table or pay a mortgage." That's exactly it.
Why shop those big box stores where you're just a number or a drop in their mega bucket? Shopping small business puts back into your own local economy!
Do you have any perks for shopping or picking up local?
We have a 'Free Local Pickup' option for those who are local and like to do online shopping too! Sometimes moms & dads do their best work while up in the middle of the night with our sleepless babes. Know you need something from the Boutique but want to sleep in or cherish that at home time for a while? Place an order online with FREE Local Pickup and swing by to pickup at your leisure - after preschool pickups, headed to the Zoo, on the road to Grandmas house or on the way home from Church - if you don't have a bunch of free time to shop and just want to grab what you need? Place an and order online, select free local pickup at checkout and we'll have it ready ASAP! You can even leave order notes if you have a spouse, friend or neighbor swinging through to pick it up on your behalf!
