This spring, a handful of new baby and kids' retailers have opened in the Twin Cities. They include a shop specializing in hip baby gear, a baby and toddler gear concierge service, a screen-free toy store and girls' activewear. Here's a quick look:
Pacifier North Loop
What: Twelve years after opening in northeast Minneapolis — and three additional locations later — the hip baby store owned by husband-wife team Jon and Wing Witthuhn has relocated its flagship store to the North Loop. At 3,200 square feet, the new space is more than three times larger than its other storefronts and boasts a large play area, plenty of seating for parents, free Wi-Fi and complimentary snacks. Pacifier also hosts weekly workshops and classes, plus cricket feedings for Ella Lizgerald, the shop's resident bearded dragon.
Product range: A highly curated selection of goods for babies and kids with boutique brands such as SkipHop, Little Unicorn and globally minded Tea Collection.
Local angle: Minnesota-made products include: wooden toys and puzzles by Little Wooden Wonders; T-shirts and personalized onesies by Hi Little One; onesies and bibs by Sweet Pea & Co.; yoga-inspired onesies by Tumblewalla; felt mobiles by Dundry Hill; and wooden counting blocks by Oh Dier. Plus there's a collaboration with Minneapolis neckwear line Mill City Fineries for father-son bow-tie sets in the works.
219 N. 2nd St. #102, Mpls., 612-623-8123, pacifier.me
Mischief Toy Store
What: This screen-free toy store comes from the former owners of St. Paul's Peapods Natural Toys and Baby Care, which closed last year after 16 years. Husband-wife owners Dan Marshall and Millie Adelsheim realized they were stuck in a gift card rut, unable to find presents for older kids and teens, and the idea of Mischief was born.
Product range: Games, art supplies, Japanese toys, outdoor adventure gear, jewelry and kinetic toys geared toward the hard-to-shop-for demographic, plus books and comics selected by the owners' 19-year-old daughter, Abigail.
Local angle: The store carries Minnesota-made growth charts, YOXO building sets, wood blocks, hula hoops and comic book jewelry.
818 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-493-3307, mischieftoy.com
Ivivva
What: More than two years after opening its first Minnesota location at the Mall of America, Lululemon girls' brand Ivivva has launched a showroom inside a carriage house in Excelsior. Ivivva's showrooms are open for limited hours on certain days, so check the website before you go.
Product range: Made from the same high-quality, technical fabrics as its big-sister brand, Ivivva's activewear is hip yet functional — and just as pricey. Leotards, leggings and hoodies are designed with specific activities, such as dance, gymnastics, golf, running, swimming, tennis and yoga, in mind.
356 Water St., Excelsior, 952-401-3878, ivivva.com
Babierge
What: This Santa Fe-based company, which rents high-end baby and toddler gear, recently expanded to the Twin Cities. Founded by mom-of-two Kerri Couillard, the online rental service allows traveling families or grandparents to order everything from full-size cribs and highchairs to consumables such as diapers and wipes. The company offers delivery, setup and pickup services.
Product range: High-end jogger strollers by Bumbleride and BOB, ExerSaucer activity centers, full-size cribs by L.A. Baby, Eddie Bauer car seats, Baby Bee by Burt's Bees travel kits and more.
612-532-2286, babierge.com/twincities
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