THE ESPI’S KIDS STORY

Susie Espinola first opened the doors to Espi’s Kids in 1991 alongside her in-laws, Manuel and Theresa Espinola. Since her first job in high school, Susie has worked in retail. After graduating high school, Susie knew she wanted to continue on the retail path and continued working, gaining experience in every aspect of the retail industry. When she had the opportunity to open a children’s clothing store alongside her in-laws, she felt her goals were finally coming true. Espi’s Kids first opened in Tulare and was there for seven years before moving into the Visalia Mall. Ten years later, they relocated to the Packwood Center where they stayed for ten years. At this time, Susie’s in-laws were ready to retire, but Susie wasn’t ready to close up shop. A great opportunity popped up and Espi’s Kids relocated to the location they’re currently at in South Side Plaza on Mooney.

Espi’s Kids is a children’s boutique that offers an array of high-quality items at an affordable price. They have clothes for every occasion, family pictures, baptisms, first communions, flower girl dresses, and little boy suits, plus a lot more. In addition to the large variety of clothes, Espi’s Kids also has toys, diaper bags, burp cloths, shoes, socks, and everything of the sort. You can also create a registry for a child’s birthday or a baby shower. With beautiful complimentary gift wrapping, Espi’s Kids is a great one-stop-shop for any birthday or special event.

Since agriculture plays such a major role in the central valley, Susie has also added a fun farm corner, filled with a large selection of farm-themed items. She grew up on a dairy, so this corner of the store means a lot to her.

The motto at Espi’s Kids is quality is always in style. When you purchase an item at Espi’s Kids, you can trust that the quality will be in perfect condition for hand-me-downs. You can purchase a top for your first child and be confident your youngest will be able to wear it too. Espi’s Kids has been in business long enough to have dressed generations. This is something that Susie doesn’t take lightly and she is honored to have incredible customers who have allowed her to do so.

SHOP Q & A:

CMC: When did Espi's Kids officially launch? 

ESPI: 1991 Partnership with my parents Manuel and Theresa Espinola.  My parents retired from the business in December 2017. 

CMC: What inspired Espi's Kids to become a retailer? 

ESPI: Susie worked and managed in a couple of Jr stores and my Mom was ready for a new venture when my youngest sister left for UC Berkeley out of high school.  We were truly a family-owned and operated business in every aspect including our first hire Romelia who still works for us today.   

CMC: What trends do you currently see for Fall Kids' clothing? 

ESPI: Susie felt that solid colors were more dominant than prints.  Items that can be worn from dressy to casual and not as much formal.  Lots of comfy easy wear fabrics.  Bold colors rather than pastels for fall.  Lots of separates to mix and match to get additional wear and value.  For older girls sportswear that is versatile for that special party or picture day for school.   

CMC: What items have been your best sellers during Safer at Home?

ESPI: Baby, Baby, and more Baby to the extent that weŕe reordering. We have been fortunate and innovative in our marketing attracting our customers who trust our quality fashion apparel and accessories for their newborns or that special gift.  Susie has been amazing during this most difficult time of business with social media marketing and sales to keep us in the game #ILoveWhatWeDo.  Our following on social media has been amazing and weŕe so thankful for our community support!