B’town Kids is a bespoke store in the heart of Bungendore which offers a thoughtfully curated range of products for children, including babywear, children’s clothing, accessories, toys, books, and gifts suitable for newborns to children up to 10 years old. The store’s emphasis is on quality over quantity, ensuring each product is carefully selected to meet the diverse needs and preferences of their customers.
Current owner Paula’s journey towards taking over B’town Kids in Bungendore was inspired by her deep-rooted passion for children’s clothing, which she discovered after having her own children. She found joy in dressing her son and daughter in unique, high-quality outfits that stood out.
However, she found it challenging to find clothing that combined quality, style, durability, and affordability. Many times, online purchases were disappointing and did not meet her expectations.
Living in Bungendore for 13 years, Paula came across B’town Kids in the Bungendore Village Square, a store that carried brands aligning with her high standards. She frequently shopped there for her children and special gifts for others.
When the opportunity to purchase the business arose, she seized it eagerly. Although she considered operating exclusively online, she decided to maintain the boutique shopping experience, which allowed for a more personable and visible approach.
Paula was determined to continue the tradition of providing a curated, high-quality boutique shopping experience that stood out in the fast fashion world. She also still stocks the brands that were carried by the original store, as well as many more.
Since taking over B-Town Kids, Paula ensures the store’s inventory stays fresh, current, and aligned with the latest trends. At the same time, she also stocks timeless pieces from boutique brands, which are not readily available everywhere.
These heirloom-quality items are designed to be passed down through generations to be worn and loved again and again.
The store prides itself on offering unique items that customers won’t find in mass-market retailers. B’town Kids places a strong emphasis on sustainability and quality in the clothing industry. Paula strives to balance providing durable, affordable clothing with using eco-friendly materials that minimize environmental impact. She values ethical manufacturing practices and aims to reduce the carbon footprint through sustainable logistics.
To uphold these values, Paula partners with suppliers and brands that share her commitment to sustainability. Many of the brands carried in the store have been personally tested by her own children over the past five years, ensuring they meet pretty rigorous standards. Customer feedback is also highly valued, providing insights that help improve and refine the product offerings.
One of Paula’s favorite aspects of owning and operating B’town Kids is witnessing the joy and satisfaction of customers finding items they love. She finds that there is no greater compliment than to have a customer that is passing through the town ask her to open up on her day off because they must have that dress in the window!
Another highlight is when customers return to share photos of their children wearing special outfits purchased from B’town Kids. Operating a small, family-owned business in a semi-rural town like Bungendore allows Paula to forge strong connections with the local community.
Recognizing the economic challenges many face, she decided early on to provide tangible benefits to encourage local shopping. Instead of traditional sponsorships, Paula offers discounts to locals and nearby residents. This is not a new concept, but it delivers an immediate benefit and fosters support for the local community.
Paula also enjoys featuring local children, including her own, in promotional materials for new seasonal clothing. These photo shoots are a fun event, and the children get to keep the outfits they model, further strengthening the community bond and making the store more relatable and engaging for local families.
When you buy an existing business, it will always take time to put your own stamp on it. Paula has been running the shop for over a year now and has loved connecting with the local community, supporting local and Australian artisans and focusing on personalised customer service.
She values the traditional shopping experience, where customers can browse, feel the quality of fabrics, and enjoy a complete and engaging shopping experience. Paula hopes this tactile and personable approach to shopping never changes, as it sets B’town Kids apart from the impersonal nature of online and fast fashion retail.
Paula views B’town Kids not just as a shop but as a destination within the Bungendore community. By offering unique, high-quality products and creating a welcoming, personalized shopping environment, she aims to provide a memorable experience for every customer. Her commitment to sustainability, quality, and community support makes B’town Kids a cherished local business that resonates with the values and needs of its customers.
