Castaways has been a part of Hanford since 1999, when Castaways for Kids opened in April.

Owner Jan Gray had in the past enjoyed consignment shopping for her daughter, but her favorite local shop had been gone from Hanford for several years. After repeating the phrase "Hanford could really use a good consignment shop" several times, Jan realized this was something she wanted to do.

Originally located on 7th Street, Jan always felt it was an important component of her vision for the store to be a part of historic downtown Hanford.  After opening originally as a children's shop, she heard many times that her customers wanted a women's shop where they could feel comfortable.

"You should expand and sell women's clothes as well" or "You should accept furniture for sale"; those were phrases she heard a lot. After attending an industry conference in 2002, Jan decided she wanted to open up her market, and began searching for just the right spot, knowing the building she was in was too small to grow her business.

Serendipity intervened, and a downtown building soon became available just around the corner from her then location.  Jan snapped up the opportunity, and in March 2003, with the help of her friend Debbie Mathews, opened Castaways Concepts at 210 N. Irwin Street. With the help of friends, family & loved ones, and hardworking employees, the new shop was meant to be!

In August 2006, again listening to the needs of her customers and consignors, both stores were combined into one location on Irwin Street.  This has meant that consignors who utilized both stores would have the convenience of one drop-off location, as well as the increased exposure of their merchandise, translating into greater sales.

Attempting to meet the needs of her customers and consignors has resulted in continued positive feedback, as well as the creation of the enchanted genie rising from her bottle, making this the fun and eclectic place to shop it is today!

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It has always been our goal to be a good neighbor to our community. Toward that end, we attempt to contribute to the quality of life of our community. We are proud to support many community efforts, among them:

• Barbara Saville Women's Shelter, KCAO
• Pink Diamonds Fashion Show and Luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club
• Kings Community Clothes Closet
• St. Vincent/St. Brigid's Clothes Closet
• Mainstreet Hanford
• American Cancer Society thru the Relay for Life
• Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer 3-day Organization