Emma’s Closet Brings Bargains for Mommies of Germantown

While most local businesses struggle to stay afloat, Emma's Closet, a local consignment store for children, has benefitted from the economic downturn. Owner Jill Levin said she has noticed an increase of interest in the store since the start of the recession.

"In a recession, I might not need as many clothes but kids keep growing no matter what," Levin said.  She said Emma's Closet has seen a steadily increasing profit every year, despite a struggling market.

"Our goal is to provide parents with affordable clothing," said Jill's husband Jeremy, who encouraged Jill to open the store in 2004. Jill had spent the past three years selling items on eBay to contribute to the family income.

As of August, Levin has nearly 3,000 consigners in the area. Tracy Coleman is one of those moms. Coleman has been consigning with Emma's Closet for the past five years, since her triplets were nine months old. Emma's Closet is located on Frederick Rd, in the Fox Chapel shopping Center. Consigning a trash bag full of stuff ever other month, Coleman is one of Levin's largest contributors.

"For parents with young kids that go through clothes so quickly, you can really save some money," Coleman said.

When her children were newborns, Coleman tried to hold a yard sale to sell used clothing and toys. She sold nothing. However, when she started consigning with Emma's Closet, she made approximately $1,600 in the first year. Now, five years later, Coleman estimates that she made $750-800 last year.