Minding Your Business - Kid & Kaboodle

Cathy Alekna has owned Kid & Kaboodle for nearly four decades.

“I’m still having fun!” she said. “I really love what I do!” Alekna started with a small store, only 800 square feet. In 1990 it grew to 1,500 square feet, and then in 2010, it became one of the largest children’s shops on the Cape at 2,700 square feet. “I started with just a dog and a truck and a small loan from CCB&T, who had faith in me.  Thank you, Ellen!” 

Owning a children’s store is bound to make you feel good, she said. 

“People shop here in the happiest times of their life. We get grandparents, new parents, people looking for gifts for babies, baby shower gifts, all happy occasions,” she said. 

The shop caters to grandparents and young people alike, “with special occasions as a key element,” she said. Family photo coming up? Come to Kid & Kaboodle to find matching outfits, pajamas or fancy dresses, suits and blazers. The store has a large shoe department (“something hard to find on the Cape”) and the eye-catching rows of colorful galoshes are show-stopping.

“The goal has always been to have something for everyone and something for every budget,” she said. The shop carries clothing and accessories for newborns up to size 16 for girls and boys. There are toys for every age group, too, and lots of books. “My Mom is a book lover,” she said. “She calls the store ‘her grand-shop.’’’

There’s an annex in the back filled with sale items, and she also rents baby furniture and beach gear for families on vacation. 

“I couldn't have done what I’ve done without Jessica McLaughlin, my manager and sidekick for over 20 years,” Alekna said. Indeed, when you stop in one or the other is always there. Their invaluable aid is another reason customers return time after time. 

“Customer service is very important to us. I was told once that a happy customer will tell five people but an unhappy one will tell 10. I never forgot that,” she said.

“I would not be here for 38 years without my customers’ continuous support,” she added.

With that in mind, shop locally this holiday season. This shop makes that easy! Any child or children on your list will be happy with a gift from Kid & Kaboodle.