In New Barnet across the road from Sainsburys near The Wilds Café is Mama’s Closet, a great new address for parents.

A reader who is a new parent first gave me the heads-up about this second-hand children’s clothes shop. She pointed out that, as well as being able to pick up things cheaply, you get paid for passing on used clothes (as long as they are in decent condition).

As we have many charity shops here in Barnet, I’m always on the look out for things for my daughter. In fact, some of her favourite summer clothes have been acquired this way. What’s more, I’ve always been happy to help pass on clothes she’s grown out of.

Our girl is about to start senior school, so it’s an ideal time to clear out her jam-packed wardrobe and get rid of older items. While I was in the midst of this I heard the horrific news about Grenfell Tower so some of these things found their way to North Kensington. However, I still had a lot to take to Mama’s Closet which included a bin-bag-full to donate to their school uniform bank. All my daughter’s clothes totted up to £18 which I was very happy to receive.

The shop opened in April and stocks maternity wear and clothes for children up to the age of 12 and my items helped balance all the smaller things currently on display. It’s rich pickings for parents of babies and toddlers, but, in time, the range should become more varied. There are also books, toys and useful equipment. Owner Samantha Gathard hopes it will become a community hub and also organizes kids’ activities in the shop. As a mother herself and having home-schooled children with disabilities and special needs, she is sharply aware of the challenges facing parents, both practically and financially. Samantha opened the shop to help relieve the burden.

As well as being a friendly meeting place for parents, Mama’s Closet is a significant step up from a charity shop as everything has to be approved by Samantha. They also stock new clothes and suggest keeping an eye on the website for larger items they acquire in due course. Do pop along for a browse. It’s a great way of kitting our your kids for just a few pounds (and of generating a bit of cash for yourself).

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9.30am–5.30pm
Saturday: 11.00am–5.00pm
Sunday: closed