Once Upon A Child Opens Sustainable Resale Store in Paducah to Support Local Families

Once Upon A Child, the leading children's clothing and accessories retail resale concept, recently opened its location in Paducah, offering local parents a sustainable shopping resource that puts cash back into their pockets while selling gently used children's items for less. The store, which opened on June 5, focuses on providing affordable options for families while promoting environmental consciousness by keeping clothing, toys, and accessories out of landfills.

The Paducah location is owned by husband-and-wife duo David and Amberly Craig, who were inspired by family success with Winmark franchises in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Having previously opened Plato's Closet in 2015, the Craigs recognized the need for more children's clothing options in the area. David Craig stated, "With three kids of our own, we understand how few shopping options there are for baby and children's clothing in Paducah. We're excited to offer families an affordable, sustainable option while putting money back into the hands of local parents."

Unlike traditional consignment stores, Once Upon A Child operates without appointment requirements and provides immediate payment for items purchased from consumers. This business model allows families to both purchase necessities at significant savings and convert their gently used items into cash. The store's approach supports the circular economy by ensuring children's products find new homes rather than contributing to waste.

Safety remains a priority for the resale retailer, with staff maintaining up-to-date knowledge of product recalls and immediately removing any recalled items from shelves. All products undergo safety checks to meet current mandatory and voluntary standards, providing parents with confidence in their purchases. The store is part of Winmark – the Resale Company, which franchises multiple resale concepts including Plato's Closet, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round across the United States and Canada.

The opening represents Winmark's continued expansion in the resale market, with the company reporting 1,371 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories as of June 28, 2025. The sustainable retail model addresses growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious shopping options while supporting small business formation and local economic activity through franchise opportunities.