Bargains a Top Priority with Kids Closet Connection

Says Dorothy to Toto in “The Wizard of Oz,” “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

This can also be said of Kids Closet Connection (KCC), which began in Lennexa, Kan., and has since then spread to include 37 franchises across the country. One such franchise will open its doors to the public on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the , in Leesburg.

“It’s a great business to shop at because otherwise you would be spending all this money on equipment you will only use for a short time. And some of the items the consignors give us aren’t even out of the original packaging," said local franchise Owner Heather Markham. "After it’s done, people can choose to donate if they want to. Our charity is Door of Hope which benefits families in need. It’s all up to the person who consigned. They can donate the items or they can donate money and get a tax right off."

Gently-used and almost like new children’s clothing, toys, baby and toddler equipment will be sold at bargain prices during the three day sale. It wouldn’t have been made possible if it wasn’t for KCC Founders Sharon and Chris Smitka, who started the business in 2004.

After having her second daughter and becoming a stay-at–home parent Sharon Smitka said she needed to find a way to save money. Armed with a master’s degree in business administration-direct marketing from the University of Missouri, she decided to use it from home without realizing her idea would become the phenomenon that it has.

“I started with 50 families that participated in my first sale and we had close to 500 families in August of 2011 at the Overland Park, Kan. Convention Center,” she said, explaining that she and her husband began franchising in 2008.

Today her title is founder and managing director. Her husband, Chris, is the president and director. He has also put his talents to use as a mechanical engineer by designing the trademark shelving and rack units used by KCC. He also monitors the development of the proprietary bar-coded scanning system, which tracks sales online for sellers and makes check out easier for shoppers. Their daughters, Stephanie, 16, and Samantha, 13, are also involved in the undertaking.

According to Sharon Smitka, the process of obtaining a franchise is relatively simple. Anyone interested in obtaining a franchise simply logs on to the Web site, www.kidscloset.biz and fill out the form, prior to an interview, she said.

“We are certainly seeking people that are driven," she said. "They must have strong customer services skills, they need to be really flexible and be able to work with people.

Those who aren’t interested in ownership can still participate in the sale as long as their items meet a certain criteria. Sharon Smitka referred to them as the Three Cs.

“They have to be clean, current fashion within five years, and have to be compliant with the demands of the Consumer Production Safety Commission. They cannot bring recalled items,” she explained.

She added that it’s a win-win-win situation for everyone.

“Families are always looking to make a little extra money, so why not clean out the closets," Smitka said. "We do all the work. They don’t have to have a garage sale and they can take home the money they earn. They are making money, saving money and recycling all at the same time.”

Markham, who purchased her franchise from Leesburg resident Sara Conner, said she is excited about this week’s sale.

“When I had my second child, a friend of mine told me that she was getting a lot of her clothes and equipment at these consignment sales," Marham said. "I started out as a volunteer so that I could shop early."

In time, Markham would have a third child and soon learned that Conner was offering her franchise for sale.

“The opportunity came up," Markham said, adding that Conner had given her an idea as to what she could expect. "I did a little research and decided to do it. This will be our first sale."

The Kids Closet consignment sale will take place from October 6 through 8. For more information, including times, visit their Web site. To learn more about Doors of Hope, visit www.doorsofhopeusa.com.