Meet the chic children’s clothing store using a circular economy model

Posted on 1 August, 2024

Long-time friends Micaela Centenera and Jane Stagg have been through a lot together.

From working closely together in the PR and beauty industry in Sydney to moving a suburb and then a street away from each other in Canberra (both completely unplanned), they’ve both been a part of almost every significant stage of each other lives – including the highs and lows of pregnancy and motherhood.

So, as they open their eco-focused children’s clothing store, it feels like the perfect next step for the duo.

Officially launching after two years of planning, The TLC Co. Store has opened its doors in the Pearce Community Centre to sell new and exceptional second-hand children’s clothing from boutique, niche, and loved Australian brands.

But unlike other second-hand and consignment stores, what makes TLC Co. Store unique is it operates using a circular economy.

“We buy excellent condition pre-loved kids clothing and the parent who comes in can either accept a cash offer or a store credit offer, which is higher,” explains Micaela.

“The whole idea is if you take the store credit, you can buy the next season or the next size, and then when they’ve outgrown it, you can bring it back and we’ll buy it off you again.”

Keeping clothing out of landfill and helping parents keep up with the needs of their growing children without breaking the bank, every purchase at TLC Co. Store plays its part in making a positive difference.

And with over 200,000 tonnes of clothing ending up in landfills around Australia every year (which is almost four times the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge), it’s a small way to make a big change – for both the environment and families.

Focusing on inclusive sizing in boutique or high-end brands, options range from 00000 to five years. Wanting to ensure everyone with a young child can shop at TLC Co. Store, finding clothing for premature babies is something Jane is particularly passionate about.

It’s how the idea for the shop was conceived.

“Hugh [her five-month-old son] has a big sister who passed away prematurely, so the concept of this store happened when I was on my maternity leave without my baby,” says Jane.

“It was a tough time, but we then realised that there’s a lot of women that have tiny babies and there are no clothes for them. If they don’t get to bring their baby home, but they still want an outfit or they want something to remember the size that they were, they can come here.”

It’s for this very reason that TLC Co. is more than a shopping destination; it’s also a place for parents to meet and connect.

Hosting events throughout the year, from a book club to Mamma Mingle groups, Micaela and Jane want TLC Co. Store to be a warm and welcoming place for everyone, no matter where they are in their parenting journey.

“The Mamma Mingle group is for mums who are battling loneliness or isolation during maternity leave or having a rough time. They can come, meet, have a coffee, and have a chat to other mums,” says Micaela.

“You don’t qualify for a mother’s group in the ACT if you have your second or third child – it’s only for your first. So, if you’re someone like me, you’re caught in limbo. With this you have somewhere to go and hang out,” adds Jane.

Promising to never pressure people into buying from the store – or ask those well-meaning but loaded questions about parenthood – The TLC Co. Store and its parent organisation The Little Capsule Co are an all-encompassing community concept.

Located next to The Canberra Circle of Women, Micaela and Jane also work closely with the organisation, regularly sending clothing donations to the Philippines. For anything that can’t be re-sold or donated, they pair drive it to Sydney to be turned into recycled fabric or ceiling insulation.

Helping people buy beautiful second-hand clothing without having to scroll Facebook Marketplace (only to be ghosted) or spend hours op-shopping, from themed seasonal collections to a careful selection of brands, every two weeks, a new capsule is dropped in the TLC Co. Store – hence the name.

And for those wondering about the prices, with clothing stocked from boutique, Australian, and international brands – including Country Road, Bonds, Scotch & Soda, and Bencer and Hazelnut, just to name a few – Micaela and Jane say that they can expect to pay about 30 percent of the retail price depending on the condition, the season, and the demand.

“For parents who are struggling, we have clearance items as well. They’re slightly more worn but very good. They have lots of life left in them, but they might have a slight mark or are a bit more faded than the rest of our stock,” says Micaela.

“And it’s priced cheaper than Kmart!” adds Jane.

Also stocking nappies, second-hand children’s plush toys, and with plans to bring in post-natal products, this is just the beginning of TLC Co. Store.

Its proud mothers are ready to watch their newest baby grow – together again.