Meet Irene Raissis Alton | Owner, M&C Clothing and Gifts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene Raissis Alton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

In 1990, the former owner started Mother and Child as a small consignment shop focusing on clothing for mothers and children. As the business grew, the name changed to become M&C Clothing and Gifts which honors its origins while being more reflective of the business today. I had been a loyal cosigner and customer of the original business for over 20 years and just absolutely loved the business. My husband and I would always joke and say when the owner is ready to move on, we need to jump in! And here we are, talk about coming full circle!

My husband Scott and I purchased the business in October 2021. Collectively, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the retail industry and our personal values align with the values of M&C regarding sustainability, recycling and contributing back to the local economy. We feel so fortunate to live in the local community and be able to continue the original vision and values that M&C was built upon yet bring it forward into the future.

What should our readers know about your business?

M&C Clothing and Gifts stands as NH’s foremost destination for retail consignment, pioneering sustainability and redefining secondhand shopping since 1990. Spanning 11,000 sq ft, our retail space showcases a curated selection ranging from designer labels to everyday essentials in clothing, footwear, athletic wear, and accessories for all ages, including babies, children, maternity, men, women, and pets. Additionally, we proudly feature a diverse array of locally handmade products, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to sustainability, with consignment playing a vital role in our business model. By circulating funds within the local community and promoting the principles of Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink principles, we strive to reshape how people live and shop. M&C fosters a community of like-minded individuals, including employees, consignors, and customers, who share our dedication to supporting local businesses, embracing sustainable fashion, and prioritizing environmental and social responsibility—all while enjoying the experience.

More than just a consignment store, M&C embodies a lifestyle and serves as the ultimate destination for those seeking both conscientious consumption and an unparalleled shopping experience.

We have also been recognized by multiple publications for:
*Best Consignment Shop*
*Best Secondhand Shop*
*Best Consignment / Thrift Store*
*Best Women’s Clothing Store*
*Best Children’s Clothing Store*
*Best Men’s Clothing Store*

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

There is so much to do in NH and the surrounding area. The best part of living here is we are located 1 hour from Boston and 1 hour from the beach and lakes. I see that as a win-win and best of all worlds!

If a friend was visiting, I would of course plan out the meals. I love to cook so I would be making some great Greek food. In addition, we are fortunate to live in an area where there are so many incredible local small restaurant businesses that are just incredible here in NH. Some of my favs are La Fronterra, Pastamore, Copper Door, and LaBelle Winery, I’m a bit of a coffee addict, so I love Starbucks, but other small coffee shops rock like O’Shea’s and Union Coffee.

As for things to do, I would take them some must-see places like Hampton Beach, and Rye Beach and we go to Maine a lot too – Ogunquit, ME is one of my favorite places. I would also take them into Boston, the possibilities of things to do there are all over the place, and its great energy! Last but not least, I would of course take them to shop at our store M&C Clothing and Gifts!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge “SHOUT OUT” goes out to my family, especially my husband and daughters for believing in me and pushing me to take more risks!

Website: https://www.mcclothingandgifts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcclothingandgifts/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/m&c-clothing-and-gifts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCClothingNH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCClothingandGifts/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/mcclothingandgifts/

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Irene Raissis Alton