California Babies offers soft, warm baby clothes at reasonable
rates
With a fresh coat of paint on the walls and an ambition to help
growing families in Hollister, Marti Santos opened California
Babies on March 1. Located at 890 San Benito St., California Babies
is a quaint shop that is decorated to look like a toddler’s
playroom, with the walls painted different colors of green and
purple. Teddy bears, Kermit the frog and Elmo plush dolls line the
shelves above the racks of new and used baby clothes from stores
such as Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch.
California Babies offers soft, warm baby clothes at reasonable rates
With a fresh coat of paint on the walls and an ambition to help growing families in Hollister, Marti Santos opened California Babies on March 1. Located at 890 San Benito St., California Babies is a quaint shop that is decorated to look like a toddler’s playroom, with the walls painted different colors of green and purple. Teddy bears, Kermit the frog and Elmo plush dolls line the shelves above the racks of new and used baby clothes from stores such as Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch.
“We’re the only baby store in town,” Santos said.
In 30 minutes on one weekday morning as many as 10 customers entered the boutique, browsed the racks of infant wear, and asked about trading in baby items that were no longer of any use. Some just came in to chat with Santos.
“We’re getting a really good response,” Santos said.
While Santos stood out in front of the boutique and enjoying the day, three women strolled by the California Babies sign with their children. Santos waved them in. The women, only speaking Spanish, shuffled through the clothes. They picked and chose what would look best on the little ninos. Santos picked out a few things she thought might be nice on them, too.
“I want to reach out to the Latin community,” Santos said. “I want to give something back. I want to stay open for them.”
After spending some time with two mothers, they walked away with numerous outfits for the kids that would have cost them double at a department store or one of the brand stores on the label.
Elizabeth Tomlison, a tall blonde with children of her own, came in to take a look.
“A lot of people are saying it’s nice in here and it is really cute in here,” Tomlinson said.
Another customer came in quickly to talk about a rocker she would like Santos to view. Minutes later a woman came in and bought a cute little pair of booties.
As families grow and the dollar weakens parents are loking for ways to pinch a penny here and there, Santos said. California Babies holds answers for those families who have growing kids who need a new change of cloths every other month. Mariaelena Domato just came in to look around.
“Everything is so cheap, ” Domato.
California Babies is lcoated at 890 San Benito St., Hollister. Open Tuesday – Thursday, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 537-3416.
