by Jen Wainwright
Who is behind making our region a mecca for family-friendly events and places? Read “Colorful Characters… and Tasty Tidbits” — our local version of “People” magazine. Get to know The Faces and Places of our Great Lakes Bay region!
Colorful Character: Jim & Kim Riney, owners of Once Upon A Child
2936 Tittabawassee Rd., Saginaw, 989.791.0029, www.onceuponachildsaginaw.com
Once Upon A Child is a resale shop that buys and sell gently used clothes, toys, & equipment (bouncers, beds, high chairs, etc…). Jim Riney, owner, describes Once Upon A Child as “a two-way street” — helpful for families with too much by alleviating their clutter; helpful for families who don’t have enough, offering them quality goods at a fraction of the cost of brand new retail stores.
Tasty Tidbits – Did You Know…?
- Once Upon A Child has siblings?
Jim and Kim Riney also own “Plato’s Closet” – a consignment shop that buys and sells clothing and accessories for teen and twenty-something guys and gals. They will also be opening “Style Encore” in March 2014 that will buy and sell items for the working woman: Business casual; business professional; upscale shoes and purses; plus size to 3X.
- The Formula?
Jim and Kim Riney make no secret of the formula they utilize to offer goods at 60 – 70% less than retail stores: If an item was $100 brand new, their shops will sell the item for $30 – $40 and give the re-saler between $9 – $15. Every time. Every item.
- Surplus Remains Local?
For items that don’t sell, Jim and Kim Riney seek out local, beneficial charities and organizations – daycares, Underground Railroad, etc. — to donate items to. “We want what we donate to remain local, focused and to be beneficial,” Jim Riney said. “The looks on their faces when we unload our truck…we’ve been told we’ve ‘helped exponentially’.”
“Our store isn’t about digging through or poring over piles. Our goal is to offer everything that a retail store would…a clean environment and high-quality merchandise sized and clearly priced. The fact that customers leave satisfied, and they didn’t have to spend as much, makes us happy.”
Great Lakes Bay Moms Loves Once Upon A Child!
Next Up: Meet Creative 360, Stage Studios &Gallery in Midland. Did you know that they offer…? Or that…?! Colorful Characters…and Tasty Tidbits!