We've all seen this sign, but did you ever read the fine print??
311 S Prospect Ave (SR 43)
Hartville, OH 44632
330-877-3308
**11-19-2011: Closed until a new location is established in Spring 2012. Check their website for updated information. Looking forward to the Grand Re-opening!**
I was delighted to find out about this Consignment Shop (can't believe I'd missed it) about a year ago and have been a regular customer ever since.
It is housed in a home that is over 75 years old and once belonged to the Schumacher Lumber family. It has many hardwood floors and fireplaces, is structurally sound and adds to the quaint charm of Hartville. It's one of those houses we all drive by and want to see what's inside. Guess what? YOU CAN!
Barb Wise, the owner, has been at this location since December 1, 1999 and offers a host of wonderful items.
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Women's clothing and accessories, size extra small to 3x
Maternity clothing and accessories
children's clothing and accessories, size newborn to juniors
children's games and toys
adult and children's books
locally handmade accessories such as purses made from repurposed clothing
trims and fabric remnants, crocheted necklaces and hair accessories from Curly Q's Boutique
Be sure to check out her new line of accessories from Chicago to include jewelry, hats, ear mufflers and scarves, too.
Don't let it's size fool you! This place is packed full of goodies. Look up, look down, look all around, whatever you're looking for can certainly be found.
Casual, Formal, Career...they've got you covered.
Kids stuff too!
Hours of operation are:
Consignments can be brought in during any hours of operation, no appointment necessary. Consignors receive 45-50% of the selling price of regular items and 60% on long formals and designer purses.
Spring and Summer items are taken February - May
Fall and Winter items are taken August - November
All year long - seasonal clothing and accessories, swimwear and formals.
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A little about Barb:
Barb Wise is an Ohio native and grew up in Springfield Township and Atwater. She is married and has spent the past 30 years in Suffield with her family.
She gives credit to her family for making her business a success. Her husband is an excellent cook and prepares meals for her even when she works late. She says that her daughter, Megan, often serves as the other half of her brain. She brings another generation's perspective to the shop and is super creative, a great writer, and is a lifeline when it comes to keeping up with technology.
She and her husband are guardians to her cousin Charles who resides in a community in Chicago for those with Downs Syndrome and other special needs. They make many trips to Chicago and volunteer at Charles' home. Charles returns the favor when he's in Ohio by dusting at Best Bib and Tucker.
Barb started her business because she felt she had an entrepreneurial spirit, not to mention the fact that her daughter assured her of pending success as she has the gift of gab!
She started out carrying women's clothing and accessories in two rooms with one fitting room. She has now expanded and added larger formal and maternity sections, two rooms for children's and junior's items, three additional fitting rooms and a children's playroom.
Her biggest obstacle has been the fact that her business is located in a house just outside of Historic Downtown Hartville. People drive by without realizing there is a business there. Steps have been taken to make her shop more accessible. Originally, the driveway entrance to the parking lot was only accessible from an alley behind the building. She has added a driveway entrance on SR 43 and also hope to add better signage to bring more attention to her shop.
Networking:
Barb serves on the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce as a small business/retail advocate. She enjoys serving on many committees and participating in their events.
She is particularly grateful to have the resources of the Canton Stark County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce available to her.
Changes have also been made on how she communicates with her customers.
She now has a facebook page for the business:
a twitter following:
a website:
a blog:
and most recently started writing an "Ask the Expert" question and answer series for the SUBURBANITE that runs the fourth Sunday of each month.
WHEW! All that and she runs her business. With the help of her dedicated employees, the shop is decorated continuously as items are sold. She has also been assisted by customers who have an eye for style and take a crack at it as well. Cudos to all involved, it looks fabulous!
If you have never been to Best Bib and Tucker, please put it on your list of "things to do", you won't regret it. If you are a card carrying member of a recognized charitable organization, be sure to mention it. They offer a percentage of your total sale to that organization. If they are not familiar with it, they will give you paperwork to set up the account for future purchases.
Great information about MY FAVORITE place to shop!!! Thanks Megathrift!!
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