Columbus is quickly becoming a hotbed of kids’ self-expression. Perhaps we can attribute that to our city’s spunky art-and-music loving parents who dress individually, think compassionately, and inspire their children to do the same. Red Rover is owned by one such parent, and her name is Wendy Pruden. In 2007 she opened Red Rover as a children’s consignment clothing store in Clintonville next to Wholly Craft. Last summer she decided to transition away from consignment and focus on her dream theme: a little bit retro, a little bit rockabilly, and a whole lot of rock and roll.
After closing the store for several months she recently reopened with a brand new assortment for infants to 10-year-olds including screenprinted t-shirts and onesies, nostalgic tin toys, mutant dolls, skull and crossbones shoes, Mohawk bicycle helmet covers, and electric guitars for toddlers. “I love this stuff,” Wendy laughed as she glanced at her merchandise. “It’s all about providing fun alternatives for parents who don’t want to shop at the mall or typical big box stores.” Her prices range from $5 for accessories to the mid $30’s for clothing. On January 23, Wendy will host a special Red Rover grand re-opening event from noon to 5:00 with free gift bags, refreshments, and 20% off all shoes and accessories.
Red Rover also will have a key presence at the Fam-Oh-Rama kids festival on January 31 at The Vault (35 East Gay Street) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Designed to spark children’s interest about fashion, music, and art, the free event will feature interactive workshops, a kids fashion show, a kids art show and silent auction, and live music by The Shazzbots. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Columbus Museum of Art. Wendy’s eleven-year-old daughter Hanna will model Red Rover clothing and conduct a magic workshop. “I’m the only one in my class whose mom has a store,” Hanna said proudly. Looking ahead, Wendy plans to expand her offering to preteen sizes and launch a line of Red Rover clothing. Red Rover is located at 3171 North High Street and is open Thursday and Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit redroverstore.com and famohrama.com.
Alexandra Kelley is a featured writer for Columbus Underground and can be reached at alexandra477.com.
