Baby and Beyond dresses little ones for less

Every morning when Christine Detuccio turns the key to unlock the door to her business, she gets an overwhelming feeling of excitement.

"I know I am in the right spot in my life. I can't wait until my customers come in the door," she said.

Ten years ago, Detuccio was told by her retail employer she needed to make a decision - she had to choose between working outside the home and spending time with her children.

After working in the children's clothing industry for nearly 12 years, she knew she could balance both work and motherhood successfully, so she left her job and started her own small business selling children's clothing and gear on eBay from home.

After a couple of years and a lot of hard work, Detuccio was able to launch her own children's clothing and maternity consignment store called Baby and Beyond Consignment in Longwood. The store, open for eight years now, accepts most children's clothing from preemie to 12 years (including school uniforms) as well as maternity clothing sizes XS to XXL.

The 1,500-square-foot shop is filled with everything a new parent or grandparent could need - from clothing, bassinets and Pack 'n Play equipment to baby gates and high chairs. There are toddler beds, ride-on toys and all kinds of strollers all at an affordable price.

The store also offers handmade Annie Bee clippies, handmade pillowcase dresses, infant two-piece hooded towels, baby neck pillows by Craft Carol and handmade tutus by Cassie.

Detuccio said owning a retail business has given her priceless freedoms, from the chance to be creative in the workplace to being able to spend valuable time with her children.

"It's unique because it's my design and I can change it whenever I need to, unlike a chain store where everything stays the same," Detuccio said. "I have the ability to bring in different vendors and cater to moms who need this type of children's business in their area. We don't just cater to high brands. We offer our help every which way we can, regardless [of] whether a sale is made."

"I had 12 years experience in retail, so I knew how to price things. We make sure our prices stay under the prices of discount stores. Some people say we need a bigger store, but we don't want to do that because a larger store would make our prices go up," Detuccio said.

The key to her success is understanding the market. Four times a year the store holds a special "Fill-a-Bag'" event.

"All our clearance clothing is put in bins and you can fill a bag for $10 cash," Detuccio said. "We help them with the prices we have and the ability to help first-time moms or grandparents who need a second set of equipment at their house so mom and dad don't have to lug over the high chair or Pack 'n Play."

Customer Loren Hardy said that whenever one of his three children needs something, they head to Baby and Beyond first.

"The majority of the inventory is high-end items at really rock bottom prices. A lot of the merchandise has the retail tags on it so you can get something never worn for less," Hardy said. "We bought pants that were normally $30 for $4, so it gives us a tremendous opportunity to dress with class and still have change in our pockets."

Detuccio said her three children Nicholas, 8, Michael, 11 and Kaitlin, 17, have always been involved in the business.

"My children do help me in the store. My oldest daughter works here during summer months," Detuccio said. "We have a toy room for them and recently added a TV section, which also makes it easier for moms while they shop."

Some days are harder than others, Detuccio said, as she finds a balance between store ownership with motherhood.

"It's tough having a business and three kids - and I also have Multiple Sclerosis," she said. "I have my days, but who doesn't? My job to be the mom doesn't stop. My kids are my kids and I would not pass up that time with them."