Find children’s clothing at Kootenai Child

Lawrence Sithembu poses with his wife and children, the inspiration for his new store, Kootenai Child. — Photo courtesy Lawrence Sithembu

Lawrence Sithembu is a stay-at-home dad, taking care of his two daughters, aged eight and five. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, he and his wife settled in Castlegar, B.C., in September of 2011 after some deliberation about where they should make their home. Sithembu's wife is a family physician and was initially going to work in Calgary, but the mountains of British Columbia beckoned.

“We have always wanted to travel and work abroad,” said Sithembu. “Canada appealed to us and we decided to give it our best shot.”

He said his kids are his inspiration, and hence he is opening a unique clothing store, Kootenai Child, in Castlegar. 

“In South Africa, dressing kids nicely is a big part of parental responsibility,” said Sithembu. “They only have one opportunity to be children.”

Sithembu said he and his wife believed there were others in the area that feel the same way, so they decided to open a store that will offer really good, top-quality clothing for all children, boys and girls. The target ages will be from birth to 16.

Sithembu said the store will carry great quality basic clothing, imported from various parts of the world—Africa, Asia, Europe and North America—and may expand into other categories such as dance wear later on. He said Kootenai Child will have eco-friendly products too—garments made from 100 per cent organically grown cotton.

He is excited about showcasing really cool brands.

“Those people who like cool stuff for their kids will definitely love Kootenai Child,” said Sithembu.

Check out Kootenai Child in Castlegar, which will be open for the Christmas season. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Saturdays the store is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.