Hi, my name is Helen

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A bit about me

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I have always been driven by a passion to help protect the planet so it is able to remain home for us, the next generations and, our abundance of wildlife.  This ethos inspired my business plan.

I opened Skoobs in Upper Street Witnesham in November 2016, selling preloved children’s clothes, games, toys and equipment, since then it has been visited by young and old alike.

My husband and I originally ran the shop as a village store for many years since then the shop went through different changes and was home to a computer business and later a lovely boutique but then stood empty for a while.  I used to travel past daily on my way to work at an Ipswich school and longed to once again start my own business.  Having worked in schools and having raised my own children I was fully aware of the need for affordable, good quality clothes and equipment.  I am also very aware of the world's limited resources and am a very strong supporter of recycling and reusing.  My inspiration came from the use of other very successful similar outlets to buy and recycle my own children's clothes as they quickly grew and I realised the opportunity for ‘more of the same.’  The name I chose for the shop ‘Skoobs’ is a play on words and is books spelled backward which was originally all I was anticipating recycling but then decided that I would encompass clothes toys and much more.

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Our aim is to offer a child-friendly shop with a happy and welcoming approach.  I feel honored to have shared some very special, happy and sensitive conversations about family experiences.  I take in clothes, toys, games, books and equipment and sell on a commission basis.  I find that my customers come from all generations –  from parents to be, excited new parents, new aunts and uncles, children with pocket money and also many grandparents!  The shop stock varies from week to week dependant on what we have brought in. We often have play kitchens, balance bikes, bouncers, potties, bath toys and jigsaws.  The collection of preloved and new clothes ranges from newborn items to age 12 and includes everything from coats to swimwear, shoes, and wellies, schoolwear, party dresses, dressing up and just general spares! 

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My experience in the world of education has developed my belief that children need to be allowed to be children!!  Responsibility for their actions is important but they don’t need to be overly worrying about keeping their clothes clean while they explore and have fun! The shop has a good range of stock at very reasonable prices.  Of course, it’s great to have some ‘best clothes’ for special occasions and for feeling good in and the shop has plenty of these too!  I  receive all sorts of items and peoples’ opinions of ‘good condition and ironed’ do vary but I try to be selective and keep the stock at a high standard but also try hard to get returns for my customers on their stock. 

 

I also keep a ' hold and I am looking for…. List’ and can often match up requests for specific items with offers.

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The shop currently is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays only.   On the other days I am trying to get the best items listed on the website to showcase  and promote the shop.  I also do ‘box-outs’ for people to take to their workplaces and staffrooms.  Both these routes offer commission to individuals or charities and if it is something you might be interested in please just ask me. 

Please do come and see us.

 

Hope to see you soon!