LINCOLN PARK — A new store invites kids and parents to take the load off while shopping for shoes.
Ayya Kids opens Monday at 1136 W. Armitage Ave., but it has a preview set for Saturday afternoon. Proclaiming itself a "progressive retail" outlet, it intends to foster a "shop, learn, play" mentality through a play nook and other diversions.
Founder Edisa Sivac was tired of making the trip to the suburbs to buy kids' shoes.
"I wanted to create a store that I enjoyed working in and that my children looked forward to visiting," Sivac said. "At Ayya Kids, we’re recreating the traditional shoe-shopping experience."
The store sells shoes for kids from newborns to preteens. The play nook includes toys, trains and books. The store also plans to schedule story times and music classes.
Saturday's preview runs from 1-4 p.m., with a musical performance for kids set for 2 p.m. Sweet Many B's cupcakes will be served. A portion of the day's proceeds will go to the Lurie Children's Hospital.
After that, hours will be 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.