By: Shelly Robinson | Category: Gifts & Decor | Issue: December 2007
Cindy Mooney-Rickard holds two Adora Cradle Babies that are sure to make any little girls’ eyes light up on Christmas morning.
Remember old-fashioned customer service and sales people who could help you find just what you needed? That experience is still available at Emily’s Playhouse in Claremore. Nestled in the heart of Ne-Mar Shopping Center, the wonderful children’s boutique offers clothing, books, toys and many fun accessories for kids.
Cindy Mooney-Rickard, owner, is in her fourth year of business. She says that taking care of her customers is her main goal. “We don’t want our customers to have to drive to Tulsa to find what they need,” she says. “We offer small-town service with a big-city selection right here.”
Cindy named the store after her granddaughter, Emily, whose portrait hangs proudly behind the counter. When asked why she chose to operate a children’s store, Cindy had no hesitation. “Everyone is touched by children in some way, whether by their own child, a niece or nephew, a grandchild or the child of a friend,” she says. “I wanted a place where people could find just the right outfit, gift or toy to make those little ones in their lives feel special.”
The bright, cheery store is brimming with everything from educational toys to special occasion clothing. Items such as Woodkits by Action Products allow children to use their imagination as they build giraffes, sea turtles and elephants. The Rubik’s Revolution has six different games to test speed and smarts. And there is a wide selection of male and female action figures by Papo, including Indians, maidens, soldiers, princesses and swashbuckling pirates.
Little girls will love the dress-up clothes and accessories by Small Miracles. Feather boas, tiaras and fancy play dresses will make any girl feel like a princess. Baby dolls are always a favorite, and Emily’s Playhouse carries a large selection by Lee Middleton Originals. Cindy’s store is an authorized dealer of Adora Cradle Babies.
Thomas the Tank Engine is another beloved character, and Cindy features the wooden Thomas items that are not commonly found. Webkinz, a brand the store is proud to carry, offers extremely popular products. Cindy says she has grandmothers who play with the online Webkinz toys online with their grandchildren. She is not sure who loves the toys more, the children or the grandparents. Emily’s Playhouse also features Hello Kitty, Groovy Girls, Ganz and Gund items.
Backpacks, jewelry boxes and lunch pails by Roxy Girl make great gifts. There is a wide selection of children’s books available, plus fashionable diaper bags, baby blankets and gifts for moms-to-be, including picture frames and photo albums.
Looking for a new outfit for a school play or for special holiday occasions? Emily’s Playhouse carries girls clothing by Roxy Girl, Cach Cach, Bay Nay, Le Top and Rothschild, just to name a few. Boys will look sharp in clothing from Eddie Bauer, Quiksilver, CR Sport and the Boutique Collection. The store carries boys’ sizes from newborn to size seven and girls’ clothing from newborn to size 16.
A huge selection of hair bows completes any outfit. “We get our bows from a local company, and we offer the best prices and selection in town,” Cindy says.
The whine of “Do I have to try it on?” will not be heard at Emily’s Playhouse once children see the specially-designed dressing rooms for boys and girls. The girls’ room features a young diva checking her look in the mirror and proclaiming, “A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!” The boys’ side features a whimsical fishing scene that is sure to keep kids occupied while parents help them find that perfect fit.
Cindy, along with Beverly Garman and Cassie Frost, will be happy to help shoppers find just what they need. They even send each purchase home in a complimentary gift bag tied with colored ribbon. Emily’s Playhouse has extended its hours. Monday through Friday, the store will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or later. To accommodate holiday shoppers, Emily’s Playhouse will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays in December.
Subscribe
For Free!