On-line baby boutique up and running

Windsor Park couple outfitting Winnipeg’s young from their computer

If you’ve got babies to buy for this holiday season and want to avoid the crowds at the mall, Winnipeg entrepreneurs Leah and Paul Laing are just a mouse click away.

Elephant Shoe is an online baby and toddler boutique that imports name brand products for clients all over the country.

Tired of having to convert Canadian funds to American to order what she wanted for her own little ones, Leah decided to start www.elephant-shoe.ca

“It’s different stuff that you can’t get in the mall. I love online shopping but I hate paying the currency exchange rates and everything. So I thought I’d start my own (site),” said Leah.

The mother of three went back to school for web design and created an office in her Windsor Park home to create Elephant Shoe.

“My stuff gets away from just pastels and teddy bears but it’s not just little adult wear. It seems like moms want different stuff for kids these days,” said Leah, who adds that being Canadian made and being mom-friendly (wash and wear) are requirements of products she’ll carry.

“Who has time to dry clean or iron baby clothes?” said Leah, who has a nine, seven, and two-year-old.

From books and toys, to clothes and furniture Elephant Shoe delivers products via Canada Post.

Winnipeg shoppers receive delivery free-of-charge so long as the order is over $35.

Mom and Elephant Shoe customer, Lisa D’Ottavio raves about the business she’s been using for nine months.

“There’s no line ups, the price is reasonable, your kids are stylishly dressed and it’s free shipping in Winnipeg,” said D’Ottavio.

“I’d absolutely recommend this to other moms. It’s pretty handy.”

When it comes to how they came up with the name, Leah laughs.

“It’s kind of corny,” she said.

If you mouth the words elephant shoe it looks like I Love You to someone across the room, she explains, “and most mommies love their babies.”