Murphy – With all of the festivities, some folks desiring to buy for family and friends may go beyond the safeguards of budgeted spending.
One local business helps soften the sting of expensive retail prices for those having children to shop for.
Tiny Tots Treasures has been in the same location for about 17 years. Wendy Goins purchased the business 10 years ago, and November marks the milestone anniversary.
The store is not a thrift store, but somewhat like the tag sales she and her grandmother use to have. If a child has outgrown their clothing, parents can bring those items in to the store, where they are monetarily valued. Then a check for that value will be issued or store credit is offered.
Everything Goins takes in must be in good shape and come from a nonsmoking household. She then takes each item home, washing and sanitizing before it’s placed in the store.
“All of the clothing and items are from local areas like Murphy, Andrews and Hayesville,” she said. “I don’t do any outsourcing.
“My customers are part of my family now because they’ve been with me so long. I’ve had kids come in as babies and outgrow my store. I love my store and
my customers, and everyone who comes in is happy because they’ve been blessed with children in their lives. I even have a playroom in the back so that parents can shop without having to yell at children not to touch things or to put something down.”
Goins is either at her home in Marble or at her store, leaving little room for separate hobbies. However, doesn’t seem to mind a bit.
She moved to Cherokee County when she was in the 11th grade, graduating from Murphy High School. She is married to John Goins, and they have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Tiny Tots Treasures is in the Lakeside Plaza on U.S. 64 West. For details, call 828-835-8246.