Shirley and Chris Williams are doubling up. They’re parents to young twins – and they’ve opened a Once Upon a Child Brighton – part of the popular secondhand kids resale shop chain.
In this case, one thing led to the next. After welcoming little Paul and Autumn, the new parents started shopping at the franchise store’s other locations around town.
“I’ve always been a bargain shopper,” Shirley says. “I have a marketing background and I worked retail.” To her, the resale approach felt like a smart fit.
“Having a girl and a boy, you don’t necessarily need double of everything,” she says. “But some things you do need two of, like high chairs.”
A practical decision
This is where their store comes into play. It sells practically everything – apparel, footwear, books, toys, equipment and even furniture.
Most items come from people who sell it to the shop, while others – underwear, socks, hats, pacifiers and teethers – are bought new from several vendors.
“We do not take car seats or helmets,” Chris says. He explains that these items could have been in an accident and could be unsafe to purchasers.
“We do safety inspections and look for recalls,” Shirley adds. “When you go to garage sales, you don’t know what you’re buying. We do the legwork.”
Make cash, score deals
Sellers have the option to get cash for items, store credit or can put it towards trade, depending on the cost of the item. “That’s why it’s unique from a consignment shop,” Shirley says. “There’s no waiting to get paid out.”
If you’re looking to snag some of the latest deals on hot brands, pop by the Once Upon a Child Brighton Facebook page.
Don’t forget to visit other Once Upon a Child locations, too, in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Canton, Novi, Southfield and Troy.
