Even consignment shops aren't recession-proof.

Kid's Closet, a children's clothing and toys resale store located in Baken Park, is planning to close after 2½ years in business. Tina Quenzer, co-owner of the store, explained that the economy, along with the departure of Ben Franklin Crafts from Baken Park in February, have forced her and her husband, Brad, to close the store.

"Ever since Ben Franklin left, sales have really gone down, especially in the last few months," said Quenzer. "Plus, all the large department stores are cutting their prices by 75 to 90 percent, and so their prices are nearly as low as ours."

It may be an indication of just how hard the recession is hitting Rapid City when a resale store - which one may think would thrive in a poor economy - has to close its doors.

"We thought that, too," said Quenzer, "but other larger stores are cutting their prices by so much, why would you buy used clothing when you can go out and buy a new outfit for just a little more?"

In addition, the Kid's Closet owners were finding that more people were selling their clothes and taking the cash, rather than store credit.

"The economy has hurt us all, and people do need the cash. I understand, I probably would, too," Quenzer said.

The recent announcement that Buffalo Wild Wings was eyeing a storefront in Baken Park wouldn't be enough to help Kid's Closet, Quenzer said.

"My husband and I have been putting money into the store for 2½ years and we have no more."

The store hasn't officially set a closing date as the Quenzers need to address their lease agreement, which has more than two years remaining. They have retained The Real Estate Group to field calls from those who may be interested in the business and/or the remaining lease.

Those who have store credit with Kid's Closet are encouraged to stop by the store soon.

"We appreciate all of our clients and we're going to miss them," Quenzer said.

More information

For store leasing questions on the Kid's Closet location in Baken Park, contact broker associate Jamie Boomsma at the Real Estate Group at 430-3200 or e-mail Jamie@boomdevelopment.com