Once Upon A Child Columbia, MO

4.4 (687)

205 E Nifong Blvd Unit 120, Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 445-1151
onceuponachild.com

Claimed
Children's clothing store
Chain operation that buys & sells gently used items for children, including clothes, shoes & toys.

Service options

  • In-store pickup

Reviews

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Asa Sherwyn

2024-04

Once Upon A Child is a must for any parent (unless you have silly-rich relatives who fully outfit your kiddos)! We have shopped for our kids in 11 different states and countless stores, and this is our go-to.The store is always clean and well organized. The staff are friendly and helpful. The necessities are always in stock and seasonal items appear…well, with the seasons.We get our kids their daily wear, snow gear, swimsuits, sports equipment, and even some books and games at a fraction of cost of retail stores and still in perfectly good quality!

Abigail & Cameron

2024-05

I used to love shopping at once upon a child In Springfield, and had resorted to the Columbia location after moving. Now, just to go in I get a headache. Most of their stuff is really rough looking, shoes especially. Certain sizes are either understocked or way overstocked. The store never usually looks organized so I was surprised to see it cleaned out today. I've also bought things from them that I've changed my mind on, and tried to sell back with the price tag on and have had them turned down which makes no sense to me.I've sold to them a lot of times just to get rid of things but I no longer feel like even that is worth it. Countless times we've gone in with name brand shoes that have never even been worn and we've gotten close to nothing for them. Nice name brand clothes are turned away for "condition or season" and then I'm walking around seeing really torn down/wrinkly clothes.We had gone in today with hardly used items such as a walker, wooden push walker, a bike, and a brand new baby chair that included toys and they wanted to pay $3 a piece for the items we spent a total of almost $200. I couldn't even believe it.I did go to find my son some shorts because he's in need of some and I found that as usual the 3T section was almost empty unless you were looking for winter clothes. The one pair of Nike shorts I saw were close to $8 and that was ridiculous. I could find a brand new pair at Ross or home goods for less. I've decided we just won't go back. I like the idea of once upon a child, but I don't feel like it's right. They sell for WAY more than they give. Some of the girls there are also pretty rude. I've never really encountered anyone who didn't seem annoyed to be there. I hope they do better in the future because it's gotten a bit ridiculous.

Branden Austin

2024-01

If you want quality kids clothes at the best prices around this is where to go.Everything here was 25$

Syntesa Taylor

2023-11

Very organized, good prices. Unfortunately 2/4 electronic toys we brought home were completely broken even after trying with new batteries. So, while prices may seem good if the toy doesn't work it's still a waste of money. Definitely make sure toys work in store.

Amanda Johnson

2023-11

As someone who worked there for a whole 5 months... the turn over is INSANE! Employee's do not feel appreciated and Owners pick and choose who they talk to and interact with. I emailed them with genuine concerns after quitting and got no response. Depending on who processes your buy, two people selling the exact same item may get paid different amounts for it. Constantly seeing really nice brand name things come through for really low prices (bonus for shoppers though) and then Walmart and lower end things coming through for really high prices. There are a handful of really good employees who bust their butts to keep that store up and running but the bigger they get the more you see the store decline. It's by far better than some other stores in Missouri but out of the 40+ employees when I quit, maybe 15 or less were there when I started in May. It's sad!! Also make sure you check the pockets of your items before you sell to them because I would find money constantly in items such as backpacks, purses, jean pockets and I would turn over to management who never called that customer to let them know that their 1.50 backpack (That they were paid less than 50 cents for) had a 20.00 bill in the pocket!

River Soul

2023-10

It's like a good will for kids. They have a huge selection of clothes, and lots of toys and swings and strollers. The down side: they offer money for the clothes your kid outgrows, but it's very little. They also are incredibly picky about what they will take (which can be good, everything is very clean) but I had several pieces that were in perfect condition (only worn once etc) that they didn't take. Sold 22 items, got $9.25 back. Most of what I sold were onesies and jumpers.

Makayla B

2023-07

Really really great prices! $1.50-$2.50/baby outfits!! Clearance amazing deals too! Especially when they do 90% off of clearance! Found a lot of Montessori based toys here at this location too! Way better than the one in Arkansas, we were visiting on Vacation got 2 huge bags full of baby stuff for only $39 saved so much money!!

Corin W

2023-09

Prices are great or would be. The quality of items has really gone down hill. My husband found a shirt we loved upon looking more closely it had a dried baby wipe stuck to the arm. I removed it but still. My husband found a toy our daughter loved but when he picked it up it was COVERED in dog hair. Several other cloth/soft toys where the same. Very disappointed that cleanliness is no longer be checked as you are making a profit off of these items.

Cris

2023-10

This store has been declining since they moved locations, or they just have lower standards the bigger the sizes. Looking at 5-8yr old, nearly half of the clothes are stained. Along with low quality control, the prices have been rising (along with everything else lately). Some of the items are barely cheaper than a brand new of the same brand. The last four times I went there, I've left disappointed.It has nothing to do with customer service or how I was treated during my visit. It's simply that I have high standards for my child and I don't want her looking like she's wearing somebody else's garbage. My standards have never changed, once upon a child has changed their standards.

Razilym

2024-02

Great prices, good service. Best way to get baby clothes.

Maygen Ward

2024-03

Best place hands- down to get baby and children's clothes and toys for a fraction of the price!

Patti Lauer

2023-05

Love this place. Big, clean, organized, excellent prices. They don’t give a lot for trades, but I think that’s true for all these places. Good for when you want to get rid of some baby/kid stuff and don’t want to sell it yourself. I kinda view it as helping provide the next parents with that excellent deal :-).Employees are friendly. Lines can sometimes get a little long, but not enough of a complaint for me to dock a star. Overall, awesome place!!!

Cassie

2019-05

Omg, baby heaven!!! Love this store. Prices are great, selection is endless.

Amanda Morris

2023-08

OUAC my only complaint is when I'm trying to sell items. I live out of town (30 minutes each way) and sometimes the having to wait 4+ hours, or drive all the way back home, just to return by closing time, the same day is a little much. Also, the fact that when I come back just to get paid and pick up items that didnt get bought, I have to stand in line waiting with many others who are making purchases. I feel a seperare area/line, for those who are only selling and not buying anything would be nice. Buying items is usually a great joy though and the prices are truly amazing!

Joey Martin

2023-10

Smh their bring in option is butt, never takes the good clothing and everytime its "out of season" no matter what the season is. A Tommy Hilfiger winter jacket in the middle of October being out of season IS WILD, winter is right around the corner I thought?That and their products I've received stained/ with holes, but cannot take mine due to "out of season"

Tricia

2023-08

I love this store, we drive several hours just to shop here. They have a lot of children's toys, baby items, and good quality children's clothes for great prices.

Kaitlyn R.

2023-05

This is our go-to place for our kids clothes, good brands and the prices are amazing. There's so many isle, sizes, toys, swings, cribs, it's overwhelming! Also, they have a decent book collection, and a reward/point system. The only thing I hate is the lighting lol but that's nothing against them.

leota maag

2021-05

Very crowded today but I was happy to have the sale message before the sale started. I picked up some cute items for my grandson but it was unfortunate that there was not any 3 T boy sale items.

Beverly

2024-02

Great selection and great prices! Love shopping here!

Bethany Haid

2023-07

I’ve enjoyed shopping at this store for my kids for ten years. It’s like a treasure hunt sometimes - finding matching PJs from previous seasons, a board game, or just the right complimentary outfits for a family photo.

Norman Murray

2022-05

A very good source of children's clothing and needs. This was my first visit and I was impressed. Items are used but in very good and clean condition (like new). Everything was very well organized so it was easy to find the newborn clothing for our new (first) grandson. They had a lot of items and wide selection. Staff was friendly. We'll definitely be back.

Gaby Juarez

2023-11

Great prices, great clothing, always leave with many items for the kiddos!

Netanya Dunivent

2022-05

This is a good store for cheap used kids clothing. However the attitude of the employees is horrible. Each time I’ve been here I have not felt welcome at all. This is a children’s store, the environment should be friendly and welcoming. I will never understand why people act miserable at a job they decided to take. You don’t have to work here if you don’t like it. I would rather pay a bit more for clothing and actually be respected where I’m spending my money.Update to this review: I was excited to visit the new location thinking I would have a better experience. The employees seemed a bit more professional (with the exception of the one wearing pajamas to work). The wait in line to check out was super long despite only being behind 3 people. The isles are still fairly narrow and there were no carts available. I assumed this was because there were a lot of customers using them but that wasn’t the case. They do have baskets but that doesn’t help when you have toddlers or babies to carry around. And yes I have a stroller but why would I want to pack and unpack that everywhere I go? Most of the body suits that were on sale today were extremely well used and not in good condition. I was able to find some nice sleepwear for $1 a piece. There should’ve been a limit on the sale because it was clear resellers were using it as an opportunity to buy up everything in sight. I saw a woman with over 200 sleepers in her cart and she was literally just grabbing huge sections off the rack without care.

Rachelle lasater

2023-05

Can't believe how big this place was. Was very clean neatly organized. They offer from new born to like 12 or 13 child. Such an assortment of baby or child anyyhing they might need. And they paid a pretty penny for my kids clothes they had grown out of.

Gregory King

2023-05

The price of children's clothing is super affordable. Beats retail. The only down fall is the layout of the isles. Long straight isles with no cross isles. Other than that friendly workers and easy to find the size you need.

Heather Gaddy

2023-05

Love this place! I cant wait for the new location with more space. The only problem is that it is a little cramped. But its always organized and the items are great quality!Update: Finally made it to the new location and wow it is beautiful. So nice and clean. Everything is organized and easy to find. If I have a complaint it is that I find too much!

Chris Heckel

2024-04

If you have kids then you need to be shopping and trading in clothes here.

Kate Allen

2023-05

I buy all my kids clothes here and a lot of much needed baby items and toys. Great rates for purchasing and selling! They have a ton of clothes so it can be a little overwhelming but they have any excellent staff that can help with any questions.They sell baby clothes and up to size 14.Just sold last year's clothes and bought new spring and summer clothes without spending a dime.

LMP OG.

2023-08

Good little store, tons of kids clothes. Great prices. Only wish shoes selection was better, but it is a resale shop.

Amelia Richardson

2023-10

Absolutely love this store it was like a giant childrens goodwill... and they buy back stuff

Opening Hours

Monday 9 AM-9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM-9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM-9 PM
Thursday 9 AM-9 PM
Friday 9 AM-9 PM
Saturday 9 AM-9 PM
Sunday 11 AM-6 PM

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