Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Wiggles & Giggles!
Three questions with Erica Wood, owner of Wiggles & Giggles.
Why did you start your business?
Wiggles & Giggles got its start more than five years ago when we identified that there was a real need for quality children's clothing in Darien. My daughter was very young at the time and I was trying to figure out a way to balance my love of working in retail with being able to be there for her at school events and the bus stop! I had always wanted to have a store of my own after working for almost 20yrs in retail for various companies and decided it was time to take the next step. I love that Darien is a town focused on family and community and having a store in the town that I live in seemed like the logical step.
What is your best-selling product/service?
I always enjoy seeing families who come in to find special holiday outfits, or to pick out items that coordinate for siblings in a family photo, or something a little special for school picture day. I love to get to know the parents, grandparents and kids and hear all about school and what is happening in their lives to help them find the right outfit. We offer monogramming services and other ways to create unique outfits that you can not find in larger stores. I remember being a kid and going shopping in stores where kids weren’t always welcome- I have tried to create a place where the kids want to come- right down to a tent for the dressing room!
I have been able to hire amazing moms and high school kids from Darien to work in the store. The moms are terrific because they are hands-on and can relate to the clients. Their kids attend the Darien schools and they understand the customer we are trying to serve. The high school kids continue to impress and amaze me. I love that I can offer a place to work after school and give them a chance to really know what it is like to run a small business. I have been so lucky to have a truly dedicated group of women old and young work for me.
Wiggles & Giggles is located at 1074 Post Road in Darien. Visit the shop online here.
Wiggle & Giggles tags Everything is Rosey!