In October 2023, Candyce Gabucci and Sara Poole opened SophieMacs. Their store specializes in “pre-loved” children’s clothing that makes style and fashion accessible to working families in Fort Smith.
The area has more than its fair share of typical warehouse-like thrift stores. So, the pair set out to create a unique resale shop to both sell and buy gently used children’s items. Thus, SophieMacs was born, affectionately named after their own children, Sophia and McKenzie.
The families are also neighbors, and Sophia and McKenzie are best friends.
“As mothers ourselves, we understand the joys and challenges that come with raising children. We also know how quickly children outgrow their clothes, leaving many gently-used garments still in fantastic condition. It was this realization that sparked the idea for SophieMacs,” explained Sara.
Their goal was to offer parents “stylish, budget-friendly clothing options while also contributing to a greener planet.”
Wanting guidance and support in starting their first business venture, the women turned to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith. Center Director Bill Sabo assisted them by providing valuable market data that highlighted traffic counts and neighborhoods with the family demographics they were targeting.
“Bill (Sabo) gave us the confidence, knowledge, and direction to keep moving forward,” Sara said.
Additionally, the center assisted in crafting a comprehensive business plan and securing a bank loan to cover the merchandise and working capital, crucial to their success.
After considering the market data, the partners chose a vacant Abercrombie store in Central Mall. The spot is near popular retailers such as Marshalls and Dillard’s, with easy access from the interstate. The Central Mall location places SophieMacs at the heart of Fort Smith’s bustling shopping scene.
The shop is vibrant with colorful rainbows and large posters of Sophia and McKenzie. Clothes are cleaned then displayed by size and occasion, much like a department store.
The store also offers a unique opportunity for customers to bring in items and receive cash in return.
“Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond offering second-hand clothing; we actively promote a culture of reduce, reuse, and recycle, encouraging our community to embrace the circular economy and make conscious choices for the environment’s well-being,” Sara emphasized.
With early sales beyond their expectations, they already want to expand into pre-owned furniture.
SophieMacs represents not only a stylish shopping destination but also a commitment to making a positive impact on the community and the environment, with the ASBTDC playing a key role in turning this vision into reality.
Learn more at www.sophiemacs.com or on the store’s Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of SophieMacs