Small children go through a lot of clothes, and Bearly Worn likes it that way.

The resale children's clothing boutique on Manor Drive takes the edge off shopping for the little ones by offering to take all those old clothes in exchange for other gently used items.

Though Bearly Worn has been around a long time, it now has a new owner, Teri Strelchun. With two children of her own, Gabrielle, almost 2 and Maxine, 6, she knows the challenge of keeping the girls looking fashionable when they have to change clothes so often, as play often dictates.

"One of the main attractions was being with kids and having something to do during the day," Strelchun said, explaining why she bought the business Nov. 1.

Before then, Strelchun worked as a freelance graphics designer out of her home. But now she is networking in Pacifica by joining such groups at the Pacifica Mothers Club and meeting other parents through Ortega School, which Maxine attends. And she has found herself developing strong ties with some of her customers.

"Having a business has been my way of meeting new people," she said. "This is my play group."

Strelchun made some changes to the long-standing business. She added a line of brand-new Melissa & Doug wooden learning toys and puzzles, discontinued the maternity line of clothes and stopped carrying clothes over size 7. She regularly updates store hours on the business' voicemail and Web site, and keeps customers' wish lists current on the Web site as well.

So how does Bearly Worn operate? It gives customers 50 percent of the selling price if the item will be exchanged for store credit, or 30 percent if the customer wants cash. Strelchun will take an item only if she has room for it and if she thinks it can be resold.

Business has been good, she said, noting that over the holidays she bought a lot of garments and used toys people wanted to exchange for cash to jump-start their holiday shopping.

"I'm quite pleased with our offerings. I'm only buying the excellent items that I would let my daughters play with," Strelchun said. Bearly Worn also sells used furniture and equipment such as cribs, high chairs, baby carriers and strollers. A crib on sale there now is going for $175, but new it would cost $600.

Strelchun says resale shopping teaches a powerful message to children, who can be inundated with branding messages.

"Shopping resale may require a flexible attitude at times, but the benefits are many. By shopping resale, you have not only saved money and helped the environment, but you have supported a local family by purchasing their item. That is a powerful choice from which children can grow in consumer awareness," Strelchun said.

Bearly Worn is a haven for children, who can roam freely inside the store without running into any obstacles. There's a playpen set up for very small children, a train track for the older ones and a hobby horse the kids really like.

Strelchun's talent in arranging items into a nice display is apparent as the store is open and airy despite the large number of items. The window display is attractive and inviting. Right now, a folded diaper shower gift — one for a boy and one for a girl — is on display.

"Give us a try first before heading to Target," Strelchun said. "I'm not a big consumer. I wanted this store to stay in the community. Being a part of it was the best way to make it stick around. It's a hard business with the overhead costs, but our customers appreciate it and the kids get to play while they are shopping."

There's an old, barely visible sign at the front door. A grander sign has been ordered. If you don't notice the sign, look for the rack of clothing outside. Barely Worn is at 35 West Manor Drive. The phone number is 355-5089 and the Web site is www.bearlywornpacifica.com.