Once Upon A Child: Revolutionizing Children's Resale Retail Since 1984

Founded in 1984 by Lynn and Dennis Blum in Perrysburg, Ohio, Once Upon A Child has become North America's leading children's resale franchise. The company offers a unique retail experience by purchasing and selling gently used children's clothing, toys, equipment, and accessories, providing families with quality products at affordable prices.

In 1992, the Blums sold the franchise rights to Winmark Corporation, which began franchising the brand that same year. As of 2024, Once Upon A Child operates over 400 individually owned and operated locations across the United States and Canada. The stores maintain a commitment to safety by rigorously inspecting items for recalls and quality standards, ensuring that all products meet current safety guidelines.

What sets Once Upon A Child apart is its focus on sustainability and community engagement. By facilitating the resale of children's items, the franchise promotes environmental responsibility and offers budget-conscious solutions for growing families. This dedication to quality, affordability, and eco-friendly practices has solidified Once Upon A Child's reputation as a trusted resource for parents seeking value and convenience in children's retail.

Training

The training provided by the Once Upon A Child franchisor includes a comprehensive two-part program designed to familiarize franchisees with the operational aspects of running the business.

The first session focuses on general business matters, such as real estate, business plan development, purchasing new and used products, and utilizing the franchisor's service vendor program. This session lasts at least four days and is conducted at a location designated by the franchisor.

The second session covers sales and marketing strategies, inventory management, personnel issues, computer operations, and store management, among other topics. This session generally extends for at least five days.

Both sessions are mandatory, and franchisees must successfully complete the program to operate their franchise. Failure to do so can lead to the franchisor terminating the agreement. Franchisees are responsible for all associated costs, including travel, lodging, and meals.

Territory Protection

Once Upon A Child offers territory protection to its franchisees through the designation of an "Exclusive Territory." Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or allow others to operate a Once Upon A Child store from a permanent location.

This ensures franchisees have a safeguarded region where they can develop their business without direct internal competition. However, the territory protection is subject to specific limitations.

The franchisor or its affiliates may still sell products or services under different trademarks or commercial symbols within or outside the exclusive territory. This flexibility allows the franchisor to engage in broader business operations while maintaining a defined exclusivity for franchisees.