CARBONDALE -- Two Bugs and a Bean, the Carbondale children's resale boutique which uses proceeds to support Southern Illinois foster families has not only reopened following the governor's COVID-19 retail shutdown, it has come back bigger than ever -- moving to a much larger location.
"We are very fortunate to have moved into a new space which will allow us to better serve our customers and provide for the families we serve throughout the region," says Christine O'Dell, founder of the boutique and its parent organization, the Foster Family Resource Center of Southern Illinois.
The new Two Bugs and a Bean, located at 695 N. Giant City Road, right in front of Kohl's department store, is more than two times larger than the previous location and is in the heart of Carbondale's retail area, she says. The store opened June 1.
"To have a space like this after just a year and a half of business is wonderful," she says. "I think our customers will find the new Two Bugs and a Bean to give them everything they have come to expect, but with improvements."
At a time when many small businesses are closing, O'Dell says it was important to her to find ways to better serve clients.
"Our customers have been so good to us," she explains. "Even when we had to close due to the pandemic, they encouraged us and made purchases online."
O'Dell added that "with so many people out of work, it is vital to offer them quality children's clothing and items at affordable prices. That's what Two Bugs and a Bean does."
There are also some changes in the works. O'Dell says she plans on expanding the store's hours and will soon be reselling maternity clothes as well.
Proceeds from the store support the activities of the Foster Family Resource Center of Southern Illinois, a not-for-profit organization that serves foster families in 22 Southern Illinois counties by providing them with supplies and items to meet their immediate needs, especially when a child is first placed in their homes. O'Dell says supplies are provided completely free to families.
Two Bugs and a Bean is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Additional information is available by calling the store at (618) 529-5558 or on the boutique's website at www.twobugsandabean.com.
