Resale Business, Like Kids, Growing Like a Weed

Diane Chilinski, owner of "They Grow Like Weeds" said she was devastated when she was laid off from her job in senior management for a nonprofit after building a career over 27 years. But then she realized, "I achieved the goals I set out for and it was time to turn my passion into a business for myself."

Opening the children's resale shop about a year and a half ago, she said business has also been growing as customers find the quality in her shop as good as what they could find in full price stores.

"My customers are doctors, teachers, parents and grandparents, all of whom realize it's a great bargain to get great clothes for kids without the sticker shock," she said.

The economy aside, Chilinski said the move to reuse and recycle in general has helped business, and many shoppers have made a commitment to only buy resale. 

"A few people have mentioned that their families agreed over the Christmas season to buy only gifts that were repurposed or resale," she said. "There was even a customer who was going to a 'sprinkle,' which is a shower for a second child, and the request was to only purchase resale items."

The shop also carries books, toys and other gear, the most popular of which are things like high chairs. Chilinski said it's been a great experience, and with only boys at home, "it's great to be able to buy girl clothes for a change."