New children’s store to offer low-cost clothes

As a mother of 10, Tracey Kieya knows the cost of children’s supplies can add up. Her idea to open a consignment store was meant to help just that.

“I just wanted to make something affordable,” Kieya said. “Mainly just to help other parents.”

Wiggles and Giggles, which specializes in buying and selling gently used children’s clothing, opened Friday at 407 N. Main St. in Austin. Kieya is the store’s owner and sole employee. She sells baby equipment, games, toys, adult clothes and purses, and maternity clothing.

Since opening, Kieya said, she had a number of people come into the store. She expects Austin to be a good market for her to run the business.

“[Customers] can expect very gently used name brand clothing at very, very cheap prices,” she said.

Most clothes are available at about 25 percent of their original floor prices, Kieya said, which customers who have visited so far highlight as a plus.

“They have just said the prices are great,” she said.

Wiggles and Giggles is the first shop of its kind Kieya has opened. With her children all 17 and younger, she has more than a little practical experience with children’s clothing and toys. Over time, that expanded into an idea for a children’s clothing store.

About nine months ago, Kieya decided to pursue it. She was running a tanning salon in Circle Pines, Minn., at the time.

“I lived in Rochester, so to drive 2 1/2 hours everyday was too much,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to make a clothing store more affordable for parents.”

By September, she plans to offer tanning at a discounted rate at Wiggles and Giggles, too.

While Kieya is the only employee, her mother and her sister Kelly have helped her get up and running. Now that everything in the store is in place, Kieya said, she plans to add staff as she goes.

Wiggles and Giggles is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.