If life with two preschoolers isn’t chaotic enough, try opening your own business in less than two months with the little ones in tow. “I’d wanted to do a consignment store for a couple of years, but it never seemed like the right time,” says Erin Messner, owner of Lemon Lane Consignment in Falls Church City. “But when this space became available last January, I pulled the trigger.”
Six weeks later and with more than 100 consignors on its roster, Lemon Lane opened for business, stocked with new and gently used higher-end clothing, shoes, gear and accessories for babies and kids up to size 14. Within six months, the number of consignors had doubled.
While there is a small section of new, locally made clothing and accessories (like Falls Church T-shirts from District Line and handmade bows and snack bags from Sharp Plant Designs), most of Lemon Lane’s stock is seasonally based consignment. Expect to find brands such as The North Face, Mini Boden, Crewcuts, Jack & Lily, Tea Collection, Hanna Andersson and Aden + Anais.
There are special-occasion outfits that still look brand-new, Halloween costumes that seem to have only been worn once around the block and adorable baby moccasins that have clearly never touched the floor.
You’ll also find a stash of like-new toys and sporting gear (hello, half-price hockey skates!). Meanwhile, expectant moms can shop a newly added selection of maternity clothes and pick up designer diaper bags from labels such as Kate Spade, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Coach and Marc Jacobs.
Given that this sweet storefront is housed on a block of West Broad Street that’s slated for redevelopment, a move is likely in Lemon Lane’s near future. But Messner says she won’t stray too far. She’s already seen a huge outpouring of support from the community, and that support is reciprocal. Consignors can designate that any of their unsold items at the end of their 90-day selling period be donated to a local charity. lemonlaneconsignment.com