Once Upon A Child in Florence — Where to Buy and Sell Kids' Clothes

What Once Upon A Child Florence offers

Once Upon A Child is a resale shop in Florence that buys, sells, and trades gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, and gear. The store pays cash for items you bring in, or you can trade what your kids have outgrown for store credit toward other pieces. You walk out with quality secondhand clothes at a fraction of retail price, and the shop takes the burden of listing and shipping off your hands if you want to sell.

The Florence location sits in a retail area accessible by car, with parking available. The inventory changes constantly because stock comes from local families selling their own children's items. You might find brand-name pieces from Gap Kids, Old Navy, Carter's, and other mainstream retailers, alongside local and regional brands.

Key Takeaways

• Once Upon A Child buys used children's clothing and gear directly from you for cash or store credit, with no shipping or listing required on your part.
• The Florence location stocks rotating inventory of gently used kids' clothes, shoes, toys, and equipment at roughly 40 to 60 percent below retail prices.
• You can sell items, trade them for store credit, or simply shop for secondhand pieces without selling anything yourself.
• The store accepts items year-round, though seasonal clothing (winter coats, summer dresses) may be worth more during the season it's used in.

How to sell or trade your children's items

Bring clean, undamaged clothing and gear to the Florence store. The staff will look through what you've brought, assess condition and brand, and make an offer on the spot. Items must be free of stains, tears, and odors; the store declines pieces that show heavy wear or are out of style. Seasonal items sell better during their season, so winter coats move faster in fall and early winter than in summer.

You have two choices once the store makes an offer: take cash, or accept store credit for a higher amount. Store credit typically gives you 10 to 20 percent more value than cash, so if you plan to shop there anyway, credit often makes sense. The transaction happens the same day, and you leave without the items you sold.

What to expect when shopping at the Florence location

Inventory shifts weekly as new items arrive and popular pieces sell. You won't find the same stock two weeks in a row, which means regular shoppers often discover new finds on repeat visits. Sizes range from newborn through teen, and the selection includes everyday wear, special occasion outfits, and seasonal gear like snow boots or rain jackets.

Prices are marked on individual items and are typically 40 to 60 percent lower than what you'd pay new. A Carter's dress that costs $30 new might be $12 to $15 used. The store also runs periodic sales and promotions, so checking in during back-to-school season or after holidays can yield deeper discounts.

Types of items the store accepts and sells

Once Upon A Child takes clothing in all sizes from newborn to teen, including everyday outfits, formal wear, and costumes. Shoes, boots, and sneakers are welcome if they're clean and show minimal wear. The store also stocks toys, books, sports equipment, strollers, car seats, high chairs, and other gear families use with young children.

Items must be in resalable condition: clean, free of stains and permanent odors, with zippers and buttons intact. Faded or slightly worn items are fine; heavily damaged pieces are not. Brand-name and designer items often command higher prices, but the store also accepts quality basics and store brands.

Timing and seasonal considerations

The best time to sell winter clothing is September through November, when parents are shopping for cold-weather gear. Summer clothes, sandals, and lightweight items move fastest in May through July. Back-to-school season (July and August) brings demand for jeans, shirts, and shoes in larger kid and teen sizes.

If you're selling items out of season, expect a lower offer or possible rejection. A heavy winter coat in July may not sell quickly, so the store might decline it or offer less. Holding onto seasonal items until the right time of year typically means a better payout.

How Once Upon A Child fits into your budget

Resale shops like this one help families manage the cost of children's clothing, which grows expensive as kids move through sizes quickly. A child who wears a size for six months and then outgrows it means buying new clothes constantly. Shopping secondhand cuts that cost significantly, and selling outgrown items recycles money back into your budget.

For families with multiple children, the savings compound. Hand-me-downs from older siblings can be supplemented with affordable resale finds, and selling items the older child outgrows funds purchases for the younger one. Many families use store credit from sales to offset the cost of shopping, creating a cycle that reduces overall clothing expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to sell items?

Most Once Upon A Child locations accept walk-ins during business hours, though calling ahead to confirm current hours and any seasonal changes is wise. The Florence store can tell you how long the evaluation process typically takes on the day you plan to visit.

What happens if the store doesn't want to buy my items?

Items declined for resale can be taken home or donated. Some families donate rejected pieces to local schools, daycare centers, or charities. The store staff can sometimes suggest why an item wasn't accepted (stain, wear, style) so you know what to look for when selling in the future.

Can I shop without selling anything?

Yes. Once Upon A Child is open to anyone shopping for secondhand children's clothing and gear, whether or not you're selling items. You pay the marked price for anything you choose, just as you would at any retail store.

How often does new inventory arrive?

Inventory changes constantly as customers bring items in and shoppers purchase them. Most locations see new stock several times a week, so visiting regularly means you'll see different selections. The best finds often go quickly, so frequent shoppers have an advantage.

Are there any items the store won't accept?

Once Upon A Child typically declines items with stains, odors, broken zippers or buttons, or heavy wear. Recalled items and anything unsafe for children are also rejected. Asking the staff about specific items before you bring them in can save a trip.