Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are you located?
Two Bugs and a Bean is located at the University Mall in Carbondale. Officially, our address is 1237 E. Main St., Carbondale, IL 62901. If you are coming to the mall, we are located right next to the mall’s eastern-most entrance facing Route 13. (It’s the same entrance you’d use to go to Ulta Beauty.)
Where do you get your inventory?
The items in our shop come to us in a variety of ways. As a not-for-profit organization, we love when people donate items to us for resale (just like you might donate to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or any thrift store). We accept any quantity of donations at any time, and donated items which don’t fit our business are re-donated to other charities. We also purchase high-quality, in-season items for resale. For information on this process, see our Buying Guidelines and Processes.
Is everything in your store used?
Not necessarily. We often have brand-new items for sale. Our inventory changes practically every day, so visit us often!
What’s with the name, Two Bugs and a Bean?
Two Bugs and a Bean comes from the nicknames of our founders’ adopted sons. While fostering each boy, they were careful not to use their names on social media, instead referring to the two oldest each as “Bug” and the youngest as “Bean.” We thought it was the perfect name for a resale boutique that helps area foster families.
Can anyone shop at Two Bugs and a Bean or is the store only for foster families?
Two Bugs and a Bean Children’s Resale Boutique is open to everyone, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. We are not open on Sundays.
I see foster families mentioned frequently with Two Bugs and a Bean. What’s the connection?
Two Bugs and a Bean is a subsidiary of the Foster Family Resource Center of Southern Illinois, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that serves foster families throughout 22 Southern Illinois counties. Proceeds from Two Bugs and a Bean help the organization meet the needs of area foster families by providing supplies to meet their immediate needs, completely free of charge. Learn more about the Foster Family Resource Center of Southern Illinois by visiting the organization’s website at www.ffrcsi.org.
Are you on social media?
We are! Well, at least on Facebook. Visit and like our page here. Our Facebook followers are among the first to learn of special sales, exciting new items and more!
I saw an item on your Facebook page that I would like to buy, but can’t come to the store today. Can you help me?
We often post items from the store on our Facebook page. We are happy to accept debit or credit card payments over the telephone for items. You may call us at (618) 529-5558. We cannot hold items without payment.
Do you offer any discounts?
All of the items at Two Bugs and a Bean are already priced well below retail. However, we do periodically have sales and clearance events. Additionally, grandparents who show us pictures of their grandchildren get 25% off all regularly-priced clothing and shoes on Thursdays and licensed foster parents (with proof) receive a 25% discount on regularly-priced items every day.
Can I volunteer at Two Bugs and a Bean?
We occasionally need volunteers to help us at Two Bugs and a Bean. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form.
Are you hiring?
We currently do not have any employment opportunities.
How do I learn more about becoming a foster parent?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about becoming a foster parent! We also are happy to connect you with foster care agencies and organizations in Southern Illinois. Please stop by Two Bugs and a Bean or call us at (618) 529-5558 to learn more!
Do you offer any sort of rewards or loyalty program?
We do! With our Magic Beans program, customers earn one magic bean for every dollar spent. Once they earn 100 magic beans, they receive a code for $10 off their next purchase. Simply enter your cell phone number at checkout to earn your beans!