When it comes to play and kids fashion, Lewisburg’s local independent toy store, Love Child is ahead of the game. Owned and operated by Siobhan Winters, this is a childrens’ boutique, catering to children up to 10 years young, in the heart of downtown on 933 W. Washington Street. You will find unique items not available anywhere else including some of the best brands in the toy business such as Melissa and Doug, Plan Toys, Manhattan Toys, Calico Critters, and Tolo. There’s also a huge selection of clothing such as Tea, Zutano kissy kissy, and Father Baby. Customer, Tiffany Marie writes, “Absolutely LOVE Love Child! Such a wide variety of things for infants to big kids and more! Best place to get calico critters for the kids too! It was also the only place I could find an infant swimsuit.” The shop focuses on finding brands that allow parents to bring out the uniqueness of their children.

Born in 2000, this store is the offspring of Wolf Creek Gallery, a women’s specialty shop and local favorite owned by Deva Wagner. Siobhan has managed the store for 4 years and recently purchased it from Deva this past January. She says she’s very excited about the acquisition and looks forward to many years of continued success with the store. “When the opportunity arose to buy Love Child, I knew it was the right step for my daughter, Brighid, and I. I put my heart into everything in the shop and I love my clients.” Siobhan goes onto say that she keeps Deva and her business knowledge very close, “She is my ‘go to’ for any and all questions. I value her business knowledge almost as much as I value her friendship.”

So while Toys R Us is going bankrupt (Washington Post, 2017), neighborhood toy stores, such as Love Child, are thriving. Siobhan says that everyone loves coming in the door to find something for the child(ren) in their life. This store is most definitely reflecting a national trend happening throughout the country where “independent toy stores are seeing a revival as parents – and their children – look for unique shopping experiences that stand out at a time when so many of their shopping habits have been reduced to impersonal clicks of a button,” Abha Bhattarai, September 22, 2017.

Siobhan tells us she wakes up every day excited to go to work. “Not many people can say that. I love my clients, the kids, and of course the toys!” She goes onto say, “Whether you are at The Greenbrier Hotel for a conference or you’re on a girl’s trip, you can find something special to take home for the little ones. We are lucky to have so many visitors to the Greenbrier Valley. West Virginia moms, dads, grandmas, grandfathers, extended family members, friends, and the awesome local kids have been so kind to me! The grandmothers who shop with me have become more like family than customers. We often hug and say “I love you.” Mrs. Banton, who works at the courthouse, is a great example of a customer who is so much more! It also makes me so happy to be able to order toys I know will make her granddaughters happy.”

The store will soon be adding Tea clothes sizes 6-10 for the big kids. Siobhan is also going to be offering a service to make birthday shopping a whole lot easier with “Birthday Baskets!” During your child’s birthday month, Siobhan invites you to bring him/her in and let them pick out what they would like to receive as presents. When you go in to buy for them, they will just pass you the basket! I want to continue to create a wonderful experience. One filled with excitement, uniqueness, and beauty.

Love Child is open Monday-Saturday from 10a-5p. For more information, call the store at 304-520-4934 or visit lovechildlewisburg.com. Stay updated with the store and follow them @lovechildlewisburg on facebook and instagram.

– HashtagWV #99, March 2018