Columbus Monthly / February 2012 / A mecca for kids' footwear

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A mecca for kids' footwear

TWO IN ONE Two creative entrepreneurs, Cheryl Cooper of Three French Hens and Katharine Elliott of Tailfeathers Boutique, merged their businesses into one shop in New Albany to offer customers a larger selection of the definitely different. Cooper sells primarily antiques and vintage furniture and accessories. She is into repurposing and a mix of old and new. Elliott offers new women’s clothing, jewelry and more.

If you’re looking for a unique gift that isn’t stocked by big-box retailers, you might find it here. Prices start at around $10 and go up to $4,000 for a large apothecary cabinet. Most of the items are from around the country—Savannah, Georgia, to Northern Michigan, St. Louis to Baltimore—and any imports usually are from Europe.

The store is ever-evolving and Cooper is always looking for something new. There’s a selection of antique, vintage and industrial lights—I even saw a hanging antler light. The baby section includes unique tooth fairy pillows, stuffed toys and baby spoons. Candles range from $9 to $38. You’ll also find colorful Anna Balkan jewelry, Greek clothing, handmade purses, scarves, gloves, Kial clothes that are made in Ohio and even dog and equestrian sections. Visit the shop’s Facebook page for special sales and promotions.  

Tailfeathers Boutique and Three French Hens, 220 Market St., Suite E, New Albany (head east on Rt. 161 and exit right onto New Albany Road, go right on New Albany Road, then left on Fodor Road to Market Street), 855-1775; facebook.com/tailfeathersboutique. Open Mon, Fri & Sat 10 am-5 pm, Tue-Thu till 6 pm; closed Sun.

 

UP A TREE Joel and Liz Cooper opened Jax Treehouse in August for people in search of quality merchandise and exceptional service when buying shoes for children. The couple—who refer to their toddler, Max, as general manager—say the right fit is particularly important when it comes to children’s shoes. The proper size ensures room to grow to help maximize the life of the shoe. Sizes range from newborn to a child’s seven, and styles include shoes for every occasion. Brands include Keen, Skechers, Merrell, Ugg, Kamik, Puma, Bogs, New Balance and Jumping Jacks. Many are from companies that make only kids’ shoes.

The store’s atmosphere is child-friendly—it’s like entering a treehouse. Kids can enjoy the aquarium or interactive TV puzzles while you look for shoes. The restroom is decorated with a full mural and is family-friendly, with a changing table and child seat. Each young visitor leaves with a helium balloon. For special offers, visit the shop’s Facebook page.

In February, select items are on clearance up to 40 percent off.

Jax Treehouse, 6634 Sawmill Rd. (in the Northwest Square Shopping Center, one light south of I-270 between Snouffer Road and Federated Boulevard), 766-4529; jaxtreehouse.com. Open Tue-Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm; closed Mon.

 

FOR THE LADIES Judy Williams has had her Judy’s as Good as New Shop in Bexley for 16 years. She specializes in quality resale and tends toward designer labels. On a recent visit, brands included St. John, Badgley Mischka, Escada, Chico’s and Talbots. In shoes, I saw Armani, Prada and Coach. There was a pair of $179 boots priced here at $58.

Everything is clean and looks fresh; items sometimes even have their original tags. Sizes range from petite to plus and are arranged according to size. When I was there, I saw a $2,000 custom-made, fur-lined coat with a mink trim collar and cuffs for $350. One fun item was a pink fox boa scarf that had been $500 and was priced at $150. Look for 50 percent off sales in mid July and mid December.

Judy’s as Good as New Shop, 2527 E. Main St. (at Montrose Avenue), 237-5529. Open Tue-Fri noon-5 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm; closed Sun-Mon.

Send sale and bargain suggestions two months before sale to: Bargain Bits, Columbus Monthly, P.O. Box 29913, Columbus, Ohio 43229-7513, or pressreleases@columbusmediaenterprises.com. No phone calls, please.