By Chad Ingram

Haliburton County residents looking for affordable children’s clothing will soon have to look no further than downtown Minden.

Penny’s Place located at 112 Bobcaygeon Rd. the former home of Clothes Encounters of the Thrift Kind will have an official grand opening on Jan. 7 but residents are invited to stop in and browse while the business is being converted.

“Basically we are downsizing the amount of men’s and women’s clothing” says Alexandra Harrison who purchased Clothes Encounters and is transforming it from a thrift store to a consignment shop that will carry mainly children’s clothing and accessories.

“It’s no longer a thrift it’s a consignment” she says rearranging racks inside the storefront on Minden’s main drag.

Harrison and her family moved the county from Palmerston Ont. in the fall of 2017 purchasing their first home. She told the Times that since that time she’s had the idea of opening a children’s clothing shop on her mind.

“We found it was hard to find anything for the little ones” Harrison said. “When we were pregnant with Penny I found it hard to find maternity stuff.”

In addition to eight-month-old Penny for whom the business is named Harrison has two sons who attend Archie Stouffer Elementary School.

“Really the goal of the entire business is to serve the entire community” she says. “There are families here who can’t afford to buy new.”

In addition to children’s clothing and accessories Penny’s Place will carry a limited supply of quality men’s and women’s clothes.

In terms of naming the business for her youngest child “We thought that it was cute” Harrison says. “She’s our only little girl and probably the last.”

While hours are currently limited as Harrison works to get Penny’s Place set up residents are welcome to come in and look around if they notice the shop open as she prepares for her Jan. 7 grand opening. They can also call 705-286-0401 to schedule a consignment appointment.

Penny’s Place also has a Facebook page and Instagram account.