New Owner at Bug a Boo

According to Conny Shadle, the twenty years that she owned Bug a Boo of Ashland (40 N. Main, across from the Plaza) went by way too fast.

“I have loved every minute of it, but it was time to move on,” Conny said. “The new owner, Jamie MacAlvey, is excited about continuing the great tradition of this fun, family-friendly shopping experience. On Saturday, November 10, we are going to host a 20-year birthday party and also pass the torch to Jamie. There will be cookies and balloons, and everything in the store will be 20% off. I’m going to miss my wonderful customers, but you will all enjoy working with Jamie.”

Jamie moved to Southern Oregon two years ago after graduating from Central Washington University. Her business background includes 15 years of small business ownership.

“Ashland reminds me of my hometown of Nevada City, California,” Jamie said. “I love the positive vibes that this town offers. Bug a Boo is perfect for me. I love helping people shop and enjoy shopping in general. I love to find quality, long-lasting, eco-friendly products. My plan is to continue Conny’s legacy by providing the community with a joyful, happy, shopping experience for everyone.”

Bug a Boo of Ashland specializes in Fair Trade, organic, educational and kid-safe products, from colorful kids’ clothing (sizes preemie to 14) to quality educational toys. The clothing lines include Nile, Kickee Pants bamboo, Mimi & Maggie, Nano, Smartwool, Wes & Willy, Winter Water Factory, Sweet Bamboo, Kate Quinn, and much more.

The quality, safe toys include Haba, Tegu magnetic wooden builders, Manhattan Toys, Melissa & Doug, Apple Parks Organics, Heimess, Sophie La Girafe, and a wide selection of Papo figures.

“We offer quality, eco-friendly, non-toxic products that are environmentally safe,” Jamie said. “The toys are certified non-lead, and the clothing is without fire retardants. Much of our clothing is made with 100% organic fibers.”

Jamie plans to host plenty of seasonal events like pictures with Santa, face painting, food drives for low income families and discount cards. She’s also working on a new Facebook page and a new web page. Stay tuned for new developments on that.

“We’re also going to have a program whereby people can drop off lightly used toys and children’s books and receive a 10% discount on anything in the store,” Jamie said. “I will then turn around and donate them to the school districts and women’s shelters.”

For more information, call 541-482-4881.