Children's Store Opens in Downtown Wheaton

A children's store in Wheaton has moved to a bigger, more central location in downtown Wheaton.

Wear & Share, an upscale children’s consignment shop, opened at 139 N. Hale St. in downtown Wheaton on Labor Day, after about two years at its College Avenue location.

The store consigns children's clothing, toys, furniture and books in good condition, sold at the "upscale, clean, whimsical" store, said Wear & Share owner Kate Roche.

Roche is a Florida native who moved to Wheaton with her fiancée three years ago, knowing nothing about the area or the people here.

“(I was) a fish out of water,” she said. “I knew nothing about Wheaton when I opened shop—I didn’t know anything about the demographics… I just thought it was a good feel and decided to follow a dream and see how it goes.”

Roche said she chased down a dream in opening Wear & Share. With a finance degree and dream of working with kids, Roche couldn't find work as a teacher. As a newbie to Wheaton, she set up shop with her phone number on a posterboard and a little hope.

A few years later, she has found her place in Wheaton. “It’s such a great family town. I love the downtown… there are always strollers rolling around—it’s a great town, (with) really good values (and) lovely people.

"It was very much a leap of faith... (I) just kind of said, 'I want to do this,' and in a month... we started to go to work," Roche said.

The store has become a huge part of Roche's life, as she has gotten to know consignors, their families and their stories.

"It's really become a part of my life because I see them out and about in town and I do my best to get to know them and their kids," she said. "Everybody's so welcoming and supportive... and a big part of my life."

Wear & Share is located at 139 N. Hale St., and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments and drop off hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, by appointment only.

Consignors must bring items in their own, returnable container with their names clearly marked. Consignors receive 40 percent of the selling price.