Once Upon A Child Celebrates 25th Anniversary 4/8/2010

Kids grow up fast. This simple fact helped build the retail concept at Once Upon A Child and now this success story is itself 25 years old. It's a milestone that proves that recycling continues to be a popular choice for parents who strive to be eco-friendly and economically savvy.

"Once Upon A Child stores provide parents with a practical solution to their constantly growing children's needs," said Susan Baustian, director of the Once Upon A Child® brand. "It is a concept that has been well-received by consumers throughout the nation. In fact, the Once Upon A Child brand is experiencing growth like never before."

According to Baustian, 2009 was a record-breaking year for the brand, as it experienced the highest number of items purchased from customers and the highest number of shoppers frequenting its stores. Additionally, a record number of Once Upon A Child stores opened last year, despite the economic woes facing the business landscape.

"Our stores help local parents save money and the planet at the same time," said Baustian. "It is rewarding to watch parents come in with gently used items their children have outgrown and then get paid on the spot or trade them for other items they may need."

Once Upon A Child -- the nation's leading chain of children's resale merchandise -- is franchised and branded under Winmark Corporation, a company that provides financial services and develops franchises for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise. With over 235 stores open in North America, Once Upon A Child is the nation's largest chain of children's resale stores.