Spoil 'Em Rotten will be closing at the end of August 2014 and will become the screenprinting business Nu Millennium Printing & Graphics, started by Shay Van and her husband, Varian Van.
The funky crown logo that adorns Spoil 'Em Rotten Children's Fashion in Royal Oak captures this kids' clothing shop perfectly. As its website promises, it's packed to the gills with "stylish finds for your little princes and princesses."
And owner Shay Van, a mom of four, has made it a truly regal-feeling place to find contemporary outfits and accessories for boys, girls and babies. Dainty chandeliers and hardwood flooring give the airy shop a comfy feel; even the walls, painted vibrant maroon and teal, lend a splash of whimsy. It's immaculately clean, neatly organized and feels immediately homey.
Spoil 'Em Rotten
That sense of welcome and community is part of the reason Shay opened her children's boutique on 11 Mile Road, a bit east of Main Street. She liked its proximity to many surrounding neighborhoods.
"Parents don't have to go all the way to the mall," Van says. "It's a good, convenient location."
And if you're looking for unique stuff, Spoil 'Em stocks a wide range of fun, high-quality brands. Like Petit Lem, a design-award-winning Canadian company known for its soft organic fabrics. And RuffleButts, which makes ridiculously adorable bloomers and leggings for tykes.
Other cool picks include Redsnapper, creators of cute onesies and matching beanies for babies, and darling accessories by Charm It. You'll also find stuffed animals, journals with matching pens and loads of other gear.
Whatever's on your list, though, here, personalized service is key: The shop prides itself on landing "that perfect match of style and personality."
And, very importantly for southeast Michigan families, the bill won't bust your budget.
"Our prices are in the medium range," Van says. "I don't want to break people's pockets, but I also want the customers to get quality clothing.
"It all depends on what it is. If they don't want to spend $100 on a dress, we also have $30 and $40 dresses."
Van decided to open the store after getting laid off from her job as a school attendance clerk, a position she'd held for seven years. In addition to the unemployment factor, Van, who had her first child as a teenager, wanted to set an example for her four young kids about hard work and accomplishments.
"I want my daughters and son to know that they can do whatever they want as long as they keep focused," Van says.
Why not get inspired by Van – and get the red-carpet treatment – in person?
