Consignment shop helps families with their budgets

Me and Mommy Consignment is more than just a store that provides children's clothing at a reasonable price; it's also a place where a mother can feel safe leaving her kids to play while she shops.

It's a place where parents can provide for their children knowing that they'll stay within their budget.

It's a family-owned, small business that creates a secure, safe environment for its customers.

"We don't feel like our customers are just shoppers," said Amy Cox, 38, the owner and operator of Me and Mommy. "We greet many of them by name when they walk in the door and try to connect with all of our shoppers."

The store, which opened in 2003, is tucked away in the heart of Concord. The building, which is reminiscent of an old, small farmhouse, is quaint and charming.

When the door is opened, colorful pastels and polka dots welcome customers. There's a small corner where children can play and a well-organized, clean array of clothing, accessories and bedroom items throughout the store.

Most of Me and Mommy's business comes from word of mouth.

"We had a group of nurses stop in after driving by and, after looking around, said that they were going to tell all their friends that they'd found the best kept secret in Concord," said Cox.

Me and Mommy carries gently worn clothing as well as new clothing and accessories, from newborn to size 14. It also carries specialty handmade items such as pillowcase dresses for girls, ties for little boys and even purses and jewelry for the mommies.

To Cox, carrying items for mother and child is what sets her store apart.

"We like for moms to come in and be able to shop for themselves as well," said Cox. "We carry a lot of gift items for women that you can't find in other stores."

Besides catering to the clothing needs of both mother and child, Me and Mommy provides shelter from the economic storm many are experiencing in Concord, which has led more and more families to stores like Me and Mommy for help.

"You never know people's circumstances because this economy has affected everybody," said Cox. "It's a good feeling to know that you're providing a service in such a time of need."

Jenny Hite, a first-time customer of Me and Mommy, came in search of deals and better clothing.

"The clothes are not only cheap but are also great quality," said Hite. "It's important to shop here to support local business, especially when it helps the community so much."

Not only does Me and Mommy care for families' budgets, but it also cares for their personal needs.

"We have people come in all the time asking us to pray for them," said Cox. "They know that when they come in, they are entering a safe place where people care about one another."

Recently, Cox had a mother ask them to pray for her after she was diagnosed with cancer.

"She asked us to start a prayer chain for her, and she knew that she could come to us for support," said Cox. "She knew we'd be there."

Me and Mommy also is helping parents find items they are looking for but possibly can't afford at a department store.

"We have a wait list that they can get on," said Cox, "and if an item comes in that they're looking for, we hold it for them until they can come in for it."

To Cox, her shoppers and consignors are "the best in the world."