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New Children's Clothing Store Opens in North AdamsBy Justin Saldo - July 16, 2008
iBerkshires Intern
NORTH ADAMS — A veteran children's clothing discounter has set up shop in the downtown with the grand opening of Kids ... Deals in the L-Shaped Mall.
"Our philosophy is nobody should have to pay exorbitant prices for quality-brand children's clothes," said Cathy Cohn, the chain's president and founder on Wednesday as employees put the finishing touches on the new store's displays.
Kids ... Deals offers a wide variety of brand-name children's apparel up to 75 percent off retail prices. Brands such as The Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch and Phat Farm in sizes for infants to 12-year-olds fill the space formerly occupied by Rent-A-Center.
Cohn says she can offer such steep discounts because of the way she acquires her inventory.
"I travel the United States looking for the best distributors to do business with so my customers get the best deals," she said.
 Cohn has a great deal of know-how when it comes to children's clothing with more than 30 years experience in the business. Fifteen of those years were spent operating her first business, Priceless Kids, which she started with her cousin Peter Elitzer, owner of Peter Harris Clothing. (Peter Harris is the parent company of Label Shopper, which recently opened a store in the mall building.)
Priceless Kids grew into a 32-store chain that gained wide popularity with parents in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and here in Massachusetts for its principle of selling brand-name children's clothes at discount prices. Cohn and Elitzer sold the chain off and in August 2006, Cohn opened first Kids ... Deals in Albany, N.Y., along the same principles of her first successful chain.
That first store didn't fare well. Cohn closed it in April after two years because of disappointing sales, according to The Business Review. However, two other Kids ... Deals are in operation in Malone and New Hartford, N.Y., and Cohn was upbeat about the chain's potential in the smaller North Adams market, saying the area had good demographics.
Kids ... Deal had its grand opening on Wednesday afternoon with a full staff of 12 employees from the area. Hours are weekdays from 10 to 9, Saturdays from 10 to 6, and Sunday, 11 to 5. The store will have first area sale, a "Winter Outwear Sale," beginning Aug. 14 with every winter jacket, coat and snowsuit priced at $15.99. For more information, call the store at 413-664-0454. |
I used to shop religiously at Kids...Deals in Albany and was so sad when they closed. It's nice to see that one is still within striking distance. Can't really understand why someone would think this store brings some sort of bad connotation to an area - in this day and age, only the idle rich, uninformed and unintelligent pay full price for Stride Rites :)
Editor: Unfortunately, the store closed last fall. We haven't had time to do an update so we're not sure why. | | from: Missing them in Albany! | on: 01-27-2009 |
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| I worked as an Asst Manager for Priceless kids. Not only was it a great place to shop, it was a great place to work! Having such a caring owner who didn't see us as numbers but as the people who strived to make her company succeed was an inspiration. I helped to set up the store I managed and unfortunately also helped to close its doors. I would love to see her stores down here in the South. We certainly could use a fantastic kids store here. I would certainly be in line with my resume' BEST OF LUCK! | | from: Cheryl-Florida | on: 07-29-2008 |
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| I used to live in Rhode Island and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, DID I SAY LOVED! The Price less Kids store, it was such a relief to know that I didn't have to spend so much on our kids clothes because we do have three and they could get more that lasted longer for our budget. Good to see you in North Adams, I live in Adams and I will be making the trip to North Adams. | | from: Michelle | on: 07-25-2008 |
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| I think it is great North Adams has embraced this store. Even tourists look for the discount buys! Word travels back to their home areas of the great deals they got while visiting an area. It doesn't portray we are a poor area but an area that has great opportunities for all levels of life. In todays world, those who can still afford to travel for a vacation are pinching pennies and to find a place to shop where they can still have a great experience is a positive action, not a negative one. Kudos to you North Adams for the new business that fits many tight budgets for the locals and the visitors! Denise | | from: Denise | on: 07-24-2008 |
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Dear "resident"
Have you seen the price of gas lately or do you not care about your money?
I am a foster parent and to be able to buy high-quality clothing for our placements or our own son at discount pricing is a Godsend. Foster parents in Mass. make, in a 24 day, $.75 per hour fostering. Between that and the price of gas, I'll take any discount chain.
And, by the way, my wife and i moved up here 6 years ago for the scenery and quietness and NOT for the art.
So, Ms Cohn, we will be sure to check out your store...soon. | | from: Mike | on: 07-23-2008 |
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I think its great. Wal-Mart can use the competition, and North Adams needs more to draw people downtown. I am amazed with the negative comments. Has anyone been in the store yet? Let more innovative business come in. North Adams is on the correct path.
L Shaw Vermont | | from: Loren Shaw | on: 07-21-2008 |
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| Wow, you must live in Williamstown and have a lot of money to toss around! Sorry but a good deal will attract most people, I know I will be shopping there.... | | from: 42906 | on: 07-18-2008 |
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While i welcome any new business to north adams,, I do have to wonder if there is a message here somewhere,,, label shopper/discount kids,,, are we a town of poor people,, is that the demographic that there talking about?
if we are truely an art community, with culture, and tourism,, where are the kitchy nichey mid level stores? can north adams embrace soemthing that doesnt have discount/ or bargain in the name? | | from: resident | on: 07-17-2008 |
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