386 Springfield Ave.
Summit, NJ
908-273-1776
The Red Balloon Offers Elevated Clothing for Children
By Kaylynn Ebner
Shoppers looking for unique clothing and accessories for babies, kids, and tweens have a go-to option in the heart of downtown Summit-The Red Balloon. This children’s clothing boutique has a 40-year legacy of dressing children in beautiful, high-quality apparel.
“Customers who shopped for their children here are now shopping for their grandchildren here,” says owner Nicole Kavanagh. “It is very special that we have generation after generation of customers who keep coming back to shop with us. We really do know our customers and feel a connection with them. We grow with them as their children grow.”
For the past 12 years, the store has been owned by Kavanagh, a former NYC clothing designer with a fashion design degree from Pratt Institute. Her goal is to offer exceptional clothing that has children looking their best for any occasion, whether it’s a cute vacation outfit or swimsuit, the perfect birthday look, or timeless holiday apparel. In addition, the store carries beautiful Baptism and Communion dresses and suits and helps customers shop for these kinds of special occasions by appointment. The Red Balloon also specializes in comfortable, durable, yet fashionable everyday clothing and playwear for school, camp, and home.
“I try to offer a wide variety of options tailored to my clients’ lifestyles,” states Kavanagh, noting that styles range from classic and timeless to fashionable and trendy, but pieces are always tasteful and high-quality.
Kavanagh says she focuses on bringing “unique and elevated” pieces into The Red Balloon from baby and children’s clothing designers that you won’t find everywhere. Customers can shop from lines such as Kissy Kissy, Angel Dear, Florence Eisman, Mayoral, Pink Chicken, Petit Ami, and more. The store also offers a variety of hair accessories and gift items like small toys, books, sticker books, blankets, and more.
“We’re very excited about the new spring collections that have come in with fun, colorful prints and great items for vacations like swimwear and coverups,” says Kavanagh.
Top-notch customer service is also a major focus of The Red Balloon. Kavanagh frequently helps shoppers find coordinating outfits for family photos or the perfect dress clothes for a special occasion. She also loves helping customers select special infant and newborn clothing and gifts.
“We’ve also done personal shopping if people are looking for something specific or want us to set aside items in a certain size,” says Kavanagh. “We’ll help people over the phone or even over Facetime if they want to see our selection.”
From gifts and accessories to this season’s on-trend clothing, The Red Balloon helps little ones look and feel great in exceptional clothing that’s hard to find in other boutiques. The store carries newborn sizes through size 14 for boys and girls.
To learn about new arrivals, promotions, and special events, follow The Red Balloon on Instagram @TheRedBalloonSummit and Facebook facebook.com/theredballoonsummit. Find the store at 386 Springfield Avenue in Summit.