Once Upon A Child is a leading children's resale franchise that has revolutionized how parents shop for their growing families since 1984. This innovative retail concept specializes in buying and selling gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment, and furniture, offering high-quality items at significant savings compared to retail prices.

What sets Once Upon A Child apart is their commitment to quality and organization. Each store maintains strict standards for the items they accept, ensuring everything is current, fashionable, and in excellent condition. Their well-organized stores feature clearly labeled sections by size, gender, and category, making shopping efficient and enjoyable for busy parents.

The franchise operates on a unique buy-outright model, offering immediate cash or store credit to sellers, rather than traditional consignment. This approach provides convenience for sellers while ensuring a constantly refreshed inventory of name-brand items at 50-70% off retail prices.

Beyond the business model, Once Upon A Child creates a family-friendly shopping environment with knowledgeable staff who understand parents' needs. Many locations offer special promotions, loyalty programs, and additional discounts for grandparents, making quality children's items accessible to all budgets.

As a sustainable retail solution, Once Upon A Child promotes environmental responsibility by extending the lifecycle of children's items while helping families save money. Their success is built on providing a reliable, clean, and organized shopping experience that keeps customers returning as their children grow.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Once Upon A Child?

$287,800

$420,800

Did you know that starting a Once Upon A Child franchise - the popular children's resale store specializing in gently-used kids' clothing, toys, and baby gear - requires a total investment between $287,800 and $420,800, which includes the $25,000 franchise fee plus all the startup costs needed to open your doors and begin helping families save money while shopping sustainably for their growing children?

Financial Summary

Franchise Fee: $25,000
Investment Range: $287,800 - $420,800
Investment Midpoint: $354,300
Minimum Cash Required: $287,800
Royalty Fees: 5%
Brand Fund: $1,500/yr

Brand Bragging Rights

416 active locations across North America

Nearly 40 years of operational experience since 1984

Gross revenue of $1.25M significantly outperforms sub-sector average

188% higher revenue than sub-sector average of $433K

Established leader in sustainable children's retail market

Proven business model with extensive franchise network

Financial Analysis

Once Upon A Child requires an investment of $287,800 to $420,800, positioning it as a mid-tier opportunity within the children's business sector. This investment level sits above the sub-sector average minimum of $245,010 but below the maximum of $508,020, reflecting the brand's established market position and operational requirements for retail space, inventory, and equipment.

The children's resale market benefits from strong sustainability trends and cost-conscious parenting, with families increasingly seeking affordable alternatives to new retail. The circular economy model addresses both environmental concerns and budget constraints, creating resilient demand across economic cycles.

With 416 active units and nearly 40 years of operational history since 1984, Once Upon A Child demonstrates substantial system maturity and franchisor experience. The brand's extensive network provides significant competitive advantages in the children's resale market.

The reported gross revenue of $1,248,773 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $433,376 by nearly 188%, though investors should note this represents gross figures before operating expenses. The business model requires inventory management expertise and understanding of local demographics, particularly areas with young families and higher income mobility.

Ideal candidates should possess retail management experience and sufficient working capital for inventory acquisition and seasonal fluctuations. The franchise suits investors seeking community-focused businesses with established systems and proven market demand in the sustainable retail sector.

Expected Investment Range

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Average Gross Sales

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Financing

Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Once Upon A Child. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners

FranFund

Financing Partner

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CRF USA

Financing Partner

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First Bank of the Lake

Financing Partner

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Location Analysis

Once Upon A Child demonstrates strong market presence across numerous states, showing particular concentration in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Texas regions. The brand maintains notable presence in Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, and North Carolina, indicating successful market penetration in diverse geographic areas. The franchise maintains a strong customer satisfaction rating based on substantial customer feedback, suggesting consistent service quality and strong brand reputation.

Successful locations typically operate in suburban shopping centers with strong family demographics and median household incomes between $50,000-$85,000. The franchise shows particular strength in markets with high concentrations of young families and growing populations. Key competitive advantages include strategic positioning in shopping centers with complementary retailers and proximity to residential areas with high densities of target customers (parents with children under 12).

Significant expansion opportunities exist in underserved markets, particularly in the Western United States and growing suburban communities. Ideal locations feature strong visibility, ample parking, and demographics indicating high concentrations of middle-income families. The franchise's resale model proves particularly resilient in various economic conditions, making it adaptable across different market types while maintaining consistent performance metrics.

Total US Locations416

Open Franchises416

Corporate Locations0

Average Sq. FootN/A

Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth

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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Once Upon A Child. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Once Upon A Child's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Once Upon A Child. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Once Upon A Child's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Once Upon A Child's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Brand Highlights