Once Upon a Child offers affordable clothes, gear and more

Written By Lauren Dowdle

Photos By Keith McCoy

 

Hannah Baghdadi and her father, Jim, are the owners of the new children’s clothing store in Hoover.

“My dad was in the area looking for baby clothes for a friend and couldn’t find any good stores with affordable clothes here,” Hannah explains. “We saw a need here.”

His niece actually owns Once Upon a Child in Georgia, so he was familiar with this business. So on June 23, Jim and Hannah opened their own in Hoover.

Their Once Upon a Child store is actually the first in Alabama, and the community has been excited about the store, she says.

“We hear people say, ‘I’ve been waiting for this,’” Hannah says. “People need a place to buy affordable clothes here. Kids grow so fast, and parents need an option that’s cheaper than retail.”

The store sells gently used children’s clothing, strollers, toys, jumpers and other items. Girl’s clothing goes up to size 14/16, and boy’s clothing is available up to 18/20.

“We have a huge array of items, and everything is color coordinated,” she says. “It’s the place to go if you want kids’ stuff.”

Some of their most popular items are Pack ‘n Play sets and strollers, and Hannah says they are in need of older children’s clothes, as well. “But, we’ll pretty much take anything,” she adds.

There are some items they don’t accept, though, like car seats, socks, hats and underwear.

“There’s no beating affordable clothing at a fraction of the retail price,” she says. “Who doesn’t love a good deal?”

And with children growing out of clothes so quickly, those savings can make a huge difference, especially to a family on a budget.

Beyond helping people save money, Hannah says she just enjoys getting to know the shoppers and being in the store.

“It’s so amazing: The atmosphere is so positive,” Hannah says. “I’m always in a good mood when I’m working here. I’m so excited to walk into work every day. I love seeing all of the kids and babies that come in — I make it a point to say high to every baby that comes in.”

People can bring in items to sell any time the store is open — no appointment necessary. They buy items from any season year round, and the store gives cash on the spot for pieces they accept.

Items should be free of stains, rips and holes. To see how the buying and selling process works, watch the video on their website.

Once Upon a Child is located at 3718 Lorna Road. They are open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit Onceuponachildhoover.com or follow them on social media.