Saturday, June 20, 2015

Market!



The following is a guest posting from my daughter Stef:

It wasn't long after the arrival of Alex (18 years ago), we began our three-generation shopping trip rituals. Fussing, oohing, and becoming seduced by insanely adorable Gymboree or Baby Gap garb. Through the years, our expeditions began to grow into exploratory sessions with young Alex analyzing every interesting texture or obscure object that caught her attention while Mom and I studied the art of retail. Perhaps, deep down, we were all preparing for the day for the predestined rubi j to come into her own.

Fast foward.Anyway, the mother-daughter shopping trips have come a long way. We're not just out to dress up our cute little girl anymore. We're out to make a difference–in some way or another.

This past weekend we three headed north to St. Paul on a buying trip. The time felt particularly special as Alex plans the next phase of her life which begins at the University of Iowa in the fall. Not only did we relish in some bonding time, but we discovered some amazing finds for the store. Not only are we excited for some of our favorite staples (skirts, maxis,tanks,bags), but we're also excited to introduce some great children's gear like summer scarves in brilliant  colors or (do we dare bring it up?) bright knitted baby stocking caps for winter, of course in your choice of monkey or bird designs. 

And there's much more. But of all the products we picked up, the line we're super excited about is Headbands of Hope. For each headband sold, $1 is donated for cancer research (the hospital of our choice) and a headband is given to a child stricken with cancer. It can be a challenge to find products that have impact. With so many affected by the terrible disease, we felt this product resonated. It may be a small step, but it's a step.

Anyway, the mother-daughter shopping trips have come a long way. We're not just out to dress up our cute little girl anymore. We're out to make a difference–in some way or another.