About Us
The Founder's of Once Upon A Child
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The Blums - Our Founders
Once Upon A Child was founded in 1985 by Dennis and Lynn Blum of Columbus, Ohio. Like parents everywhere, Mrs. Blum knew how expensive it was to raise children, who had three growing boys herself. She understood the frustration of investing hard-earned money in children's toys, clothing, and equipment only to see them outgrown before kids had a chance to wear them out! Lynn looked around one day at the piles of children's items around her and thought, Wouldn't it be great if there were some way to recycle all this kids' stuff? The Blums - Our Founders
Once Upon A Child was founded in 1985 by Dennis and Lynn Blum of Columbus, Ohio. Like parents everywhere, Mrs. Blum knew how expensive it was to raise children, who had three growing boys herself. She understood the frustration of investing hard-earned money in children's toys, clothing, and equipment only to see them outgrown before kids had a chance to wear them out! Lynn looked around one day at the piles of children's items around her and thought, Wouldn't it be great if there were some way to recycle all this kids' stuff?
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First Store
With the blink of an eye, Lynn's creative recycling idea was born: establish a place where parents could buy and sell gently used, nearly new kids' items - making and saving money at the same time. It was the birth of Once Upon A Child! With only a few dollars in her pocket and help from her husband Dennis, Lynn transformed her dream into reality. She opened her first store in Perrysburg, Ohio in 1984. First Store
With the blink of an eye, Lynn's creative recycling idea was born: establish a place where parents could buy and sell gently used, nearly new kids' items - making and saving money at the same time. It was the birth of Once Upon A Child! With only a few dollars in her pocket and help from her husband Dennis, Lynn transformed her dream into reality. She opened her first store in Perrysburg, Ohio in 1984.
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Original Signage
In 1992, the franchising rights for Once Upon A Child were sold to Growbiz International (now known as Winmark Corporation). Dennis and Lynn Blum continue to own and operate 8 Once Upon A Child Stores in the Columbus & Toledo area & several other resale concepts unaffiliated with Winmark. Original Signage
In 1992, the franchising rights for Once Upon A Child were sold to Growbiz International (now known as Winmark Corporation). Dennis and Lynn Blum continue to own and operate 8 Once Upon A Child Stores in the Columbus & Toledo area & several other resale concepts unaffiliated with Winmark.
Now
Each Once Upon A Child location is individually owned and operated by moms and dads like you, who understand money doesn't grow on trees. Our customers want quality children's clothing, and we are excited that we can offer locally sourced, gently used items at up to 70% off of regular retail prices. We strive to provide a fun and convenient way to sell your gently used kids' items and an eco-friendly shopping experience. We offer payment on the spot for items we select that meet current style, safety, and condition standards. We maintain high merchandise standards by thoroughly inspecting all toys and equipment for any safety recalls. Whether you're buying or selling, we would love to help you find what you're looking for. Stop in today at Once Upon A Child!