Rank no.138 – Once Upon A Child – US
Top 250 Franchise by Entrepreneur-Rank no.138-Once Upon A Child-USA
Products & Services: New & used children’s clothing, equipment, furniture, toys
Number of Locations: 272
Total Investment: $239.69K – 336.1K
Founded: 1984
Began Franchising: 1992
About Once Upon A Child
Founded in 1984 in Columbus, Ohio, Once Upon A Child specializes in selling new and used children’s clothes, toys, furniture and equipment. Franchises were first offered in 1992. The company is owned by Winmark (formerly Grow Biz), which also franchises Music Go Round, Plato’s Closet, Style Encore and Play It Again Sports.
Franchise Units
Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
2013 | 244 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
2012 | 226 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
2011 | 222 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
2010 | 215 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
2009 | 211 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $200,000
Liquid Cash Available: $71,910 – $100,830
Operations
25% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 – 5. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators).
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Franchise Ranking History
To learn more about this exciting franchise business opportunity listen to our franchisee testimonials.
We are the largest national chain that specializes in reselling clothing and other items for children from infants through tweens. With over 265 store locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, we out-number Children’s Orchard® and Kid to Kid® more than 3 to 1! Unlike our competitors, we don’t believe in consigning and we pay $$$ on the spot! We also buy all seasons – all the time, with no appointment necessary.
There is an amazing amount of nearly-new clothing, toys, baby gear and more hidden in every family’s home, which presents fantastic opportunities for both franchise owners and customers alike. Making the decision to be your own boss and be in control of your future is an exciting adventure, and we appreciate being considered in your business search.
Once Upon A Child Fast Facts
Average Store Size: 2,800 to 3,800 square feet |
Product selection: Clothing, toys, accessories, furniture, and equipment for children, infant to pre-teen |
Product Mix: 94% gently used 6% new |
Real Estate Location: Power strip centers or suburban centers around regional shopping malls |
Key Demographics: Moms age 25-44 Middle to upper-middle income households Presence of kids under age 13 Secondary Customer Group: |
HOW IT WORKS
Bring in your gently used children’s clothing, toys and baby equipment. | |
While you check out the great kids stuff in the store, the buyer will review your items. | |
The buyer will select and make an offer on the items that meet current style, safety and condition standards, as well as store’s current stock levels. | |
Once you accept the offer, you’ll be on your way with some extra money, some great new stuff for your kids, or both! |
At Once Upon A Child you’ll find a huge selection of gently used kids clothing, toys, furniture and equipment at up to 70% off retail! We’re not your typical secondhand store. The items that we buy and sell are next to new, good quality, clean and have been checked for safety standards.
No appointment necessary – we buy every day and will pay you on the spot! Check with your local store for additional details.