Children's Resale Shop Eyes Strongsville

A decision on a sign by the Board of Zoning Appeals tonight will determine whether a children's clothing shop moves into Strongsville Towne Centre.

Munchkins' Kloset, which sells both new and gently used children's items, is seeking to take over three vacant stores totaling nearly 10,000 square feet between Big Lots and Sylvan Learning Center.

The location is tucked away and not visible from the street.

So owner Rhonda Susel, who wants to expand her small Medina store into Strongsville, said she won't open here if she's not happy with the signs.

"I'm not going to take this kind of (financial) risk if the city isn't going to give us visibility through signage," Susal said.

On Feb. 13, the BZA denied her request for two storefront signs -- a lighted sign above her own entrance and another on the Big Lots facade, which would be more visible to passersby.

The city's zoning code allows for only one storefront sign.

The board is to decide tonight whether to allow the Munchkins' Kloset sign on Big Lots.

If so, Susel said she hopes to open her upscale shop this spring, making the shopping center a "a resale heaven" by joining Plato's Closet, which is aimed at teens, and Clothes Mentor, a women's fashion and accessories resale shop.

Munchkins' Kloset offers both new and used children's clothing, toys and furniture, and Susel said she will offer rentals of items like high chairs -- things grandparents might need for a visiting grandchild.

Susel has operated a store in Medina since 2002.

She said she hopes Strongsville officials recognize that a small business owner depends on visible signs to attract customers.