After five years, children's store
Hop Scotch has outgrown its old store at 963 Cherry St. SE and moved down the street to 909 Cherry St SE.
The store first opened in 2006, specializing in locally produced and sustainable parenting items, carving out a business niche in wooden toys and cloth diapers. As the business grew, co-owners Rachel Zylstra and Chris Grant began offering more than just merchandise, hosting parenting workshops, entertainment and educational classes in the store.
The new location was previously occupied by catering company Andrew's On Cherry. Zylstra says layout of the new store has made it easier to build out private classroom space, which will be especially useful as the store begins offering additional resources, such as childbirth classes.
"We were looking for a space that was better suited for events," says Zylstra. "Now our class space is larger and more separated from the store, which offers more privacy."
The new location also offers more on-street parking and several parking lots close by, which Zylstra says is crucial for parents running errands with children in tow.
"We wanted a space with a more distinctive look that fit our product line," says Zylstra. "We've intentionally moved the toys closer to the front, so they have a greater presence and passersby don't think we are just a baby store."
Hop Scotch will hold a grand re-opening in the form of a Relocation Celebration, with discounts, games (including hopscotch, of course), crafts and activities for children and parents on Saturday, June 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Source: Rachel Zylstra, co-owner, Hop Scotch
Writer: Kelly Quintanilla
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