POST FALLS - When Stephanie Brodwater's son started kindergarten this fall, she felt the need to find work.

So she has opened Trader Tots, a consignment shop for children's clothing, baby gear and maternity clothing, in The Plaza at Post Falls at 740 N. Cecil Road, Suite 112, across from Wal-Mart.

"I wanted to find something to do with my time," she said, adding that her mother, Becky Benson, is her business partner.

"Nothing could have given me more preparation for a store like this than having a child. I understand the need of parents to be able to purchase used clothing and other items from a reliable source at a good price. It's simply a necessity in this economy."

Brodwater said she believes the store will fill a niche.

"We wanted to offer something different for the community," Brodwater said. "We're not a thrift store. We take items on consignment and give the consignor 50 percent when the item sells."

Brodwater said this allows the consignor to make more with Trader Tots than some thrift stores that buy products outright from customers. It also allows Trader Tots to carry a more diverse selection of items.

"Our consignment process allows us to take more items from more people," she said. "There are very few children's items we won't try to sell, as long as they are in good condition."

Also unlike some similar stores, the business will offer cash if the consignor does not want a store credit.

The store offers name-brand clothes such as Old Navy, Gap, Motherhood and Gymboree.

"We take pretty much everything related to kids, but we don't want things with stains or ripped," Brodwater said. "We carry up to size 16 in (kids' clothing)."

Other items for sale include movies, shoes, toys, toddler beds, blankets and other toddler/baby items. The shop does not take cribs and car seats due to too many recalls and safety issues.

Brodwater said she plans to discount items if they don't sell within a certain amount of time to keep the merchandise flowing.

"We'll try to keep things moving so that everybody has a fair chance to have their items displayed," she said. "And we have no idea of what will come in every day."

Brodwater said she chose the location due to the visibility and high traffic.

"A lot of people who come to the dollar store stop in and say, 'I never knew this was here,'" she said.

Trader Tots is a registered vendor with the state and accepts vouchers from foster parents.

The business will celebrate its grand opening on Nov. 6 with in-store promotions.

Hours are: 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Monday and 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday and Thursday.

Information: 773-7506