Guest Blog | Little Plum Children’s Boutique
For years, Dr Linda McGrew complained about many things in Vernon's downtown core, "We didn't have much for free activities for toddlers, play areas, or change tables; As a new mom I never felt like I could nurse anywhere without making some sort of statement and there was no where to buy reasonably priced, good quality kids clothing and equipment."
So after a business consulting contract ended, she thought of a few options for herself: running for city council, pursuing more consulting work, or starting a space that would aim to solve all of these problems. "We had taken our kids camping for the summer and all of these little towns we stopped in like Fernie, Kimberly, Cumberland and such had such great downtown cores for families, with parks, free parking, festivities and activities, I just kept on saying that Vernon could be like that, we just need people to make it happen." She says.
With loads of business experience but never having worked in retail, Linda saw a prime retail space for lease and set to open the shop in a month, "Last November 5th (2018) we opened our doors and it was so inspiring to see all of the families shuffling in to come support this little space."
With a mission to support local families, Little Plum not only carries lightly used maternity and children's clothing to size 14 and equipment on consignment but also several locally made products including 11 Vernon and 2 Kelowna brands.
Little Plum has a large public bathroom with a change table, free diapers, free wipes, and free clothing in the event of an ‘accident’. The parenting room not only has a big beautiful chair for nursing or feeding baby a bottle but also a play kitchen and various other toys for older kids.
Linda and her staff often hold babies or play with kids while caregivers shop. And various free activities are offered throughout the week. At the moment there is a toddler craft on Mondays and Fridays at 11am.