Reviews of Once Upon A Child, Red Deer (Costumes)

J. Smith

Best place to buy kids clothing or toys. Even though they're used, everything is always in good condition and you can't go wrong with the prices. Always my first place to check whenever we need anything.

Juanna Thompson

Excellent selection and value. Items are sorted and organized well!

Doreen Rochford

It's ok , has lots of clothes for children. I just don't care much for looking through jammed pack items. Its is nicely sorted if looking for certain color and such

Mandy S.

Great selection and a mix of brands. Helpful patient staff. A lady was quite upset that the store didn't purchase all the items she had brought in for them to view but the young lady that was being so patient with her did a very good job explaining why! Personally I'm glad they don't buy everything that comes in their door.

Vincent Wolfe

The clothes were in good shape and the prices very reasonable. We were able to stock my daughter up for the winter for a fair price.

Danny Grech

Cheap do not bother bring you clothes it may as well donated to a charity is not worth the drive ,they can only give you cents pert cloth only the valuable stuff not junk the gas money i spend driving to get there was not worth it.., for all the high quality i gave they only gave me 5 bucks good luck if you hopping to cash in you may as well go recycle you bottles you will get more ...it is not a good place but they want to profit big.i willgive them not stars if i could, people donate you clothes to value vilage or to the kid next door you will not get any money is not worth it

Tina U

I was in the store yesterday and couldn't help but notice the prices on all clothes have almost doubled. I also happened to notice that they were selling Walmart brand clothing for the same price as new or higher. I was told they don't accept Walmart clothing so the fact that it's being sold at new prices or higher is a bit disappointing. I also happened to notice that several pairs of jeans in the girls section were in fact women's size jeans. Very disappointing, will not be back. People go to your store for discounted items, not to pay full price for used and often times worn out or damaged clothing.

Kris Gunter-Smith

I was so impressed with the improvements to the layout and organization of the store! Went in for a dress for my daughter's winter concert, and left with so much more.

Hockey Mom

I see some people complaining about what they don't purchase from them... Personally, as someone that shops here often, I'm glad they're selective with what they buy. The girls are always friendly and very helpful!

Tricia Leger

Great quality items at a reasonable price, friendly staff and quality service.

Tatum Laughlin

Took a playpen I had bought from them 2 years prior and had been used at my grandparents for visits. Had only been used around 10 times and was in good shape. They wouldn't buy it because the carrying case that protects it had some dust marks that came off with a cloth once wiped. Not the first time I've taken in something in excellent shape and they've found ridiculous reasons to not take the item.

Trevor Olson

A must place to shop if you have children. You can find everything you need at a great price. A lot of items sold then are like new. It well organized and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Brittany Joll

I was recently in the Red Deer store. I called in advance about bringing some items in. The man on the phone asked I please watch their video on the website on how to bring items in. I did exactly this. It clearly states to bring in your items in a box, bin or tote. I am a new mom, I carted my 7 month old baby to the store on the other end of town with the intent of selling my items & purchasing some new things. When I arrived, the staff were not friendly. I said I have never been here before so I’m not sure how things work. I asked about a couple of items that I wasn’t sure they would take (breast pump & breathing monitor) they stated no we don’t take these. I said that’s okay, here are my clothes, which I brought in a SINGLE TOTE BAG. They said sorry your items are in a bag we won’t take them. I said I watched your video it said a bag bin or tote. I said you really aren’t going to take my items? They said nope. Then the man who I had spoken to on the phone earlier said if you watched the video it said box bin or tote. I said yeah, I brought my items in a tote bag. He said a tote is a bin. I said a bin is a bin, a tote is a tote bag. They refused to look at my items. I left the store very upset, especially since I did my due diligence to watch the video & bundled up & carted my baby all the way there just to be turned away. This is extremely horrible customer service. An appropriate response would of been sorry for the confusion, this is your first time coming here, we will accept your items since it’s just a single tote bag but next time please bring in a bin or box. I contacted the store directly to explain how their actions weren’t appropriate and they should really be ashamed of themselves. I recommend to not sell or buy items to a company that treats its customers like this.

Michelle Graham

**Zero stars** This store used to be great, but I find the quality has gone downhill over the past year or so. Also, selling to the store is no longer worth it. They say the items I bring in are marked or they have too many of whatever item - the items I bring in are in better condition than the items they sell in store!! I wish there was another store in Red Deer so there was some competition for them to deal with because they are definitely taking advantage of their hold on the used kids items market. On a positive note, the staff is always friendly and helpful.

Helisha Benusic

All of my babys clothes that no longer fit her, I take to the thrift store as I find it too much of a hassle to take them to Once upon a Child. When I do take clothes to this place, they are usually close to being brand new and I want a couple dollars for them ( which isnt too much to ask ) However, they wont take majority of them! Brand new clothing! No Stains, rips, tears, anything. I find that coming here anymore isnt worth my time. If our baby items dont sell on the buy and sell, I would rather take them to the thrift store. Also, when I went to drop things off, I did a quick shop. Everything i found was ridiculously overpriced. Especially what they purchase the items for. Overall, Once Upon a Child just insnt worth the time and effort.

LS Fab

I enjoy coming here. We always walk away with good used clothing, shoes and toys. Our girls love it here. Great pricing and a wonderful way to give a break to parents and family's

Dead Chicken Cooking Channel

I'd give them less than one star.....I have no idea how they even keep open. Brought in a whole carload of Thomas train sets....(worth over $50.00 per set, at least!) They lied and said they were all missing parts, even though my grandson had taken the time to assemble them to make sure there were no missing pieces! There was 1 set missing a vital part, which I had told them about....anyways they offered me a whole $5.75 for my efforts. Not only was I furious, but had to take them all back home, and I had brought them in from quite a distance! I would never cross their threshold again. Horrible place!

Tiffany Crispin

Went to find shoes for my daughter and they shows were not in good condition at all. I wouldn't of spent 2$ on what they were trying to sell. Awful

Rox Peterson

Good wish they had more selection of clothes for boy sizes 2t-4T. I've seen lots of clothes from gfs that they rejected and nothing wrong with them that I ended up buying from friends because they felt the name brand wasn't good enough.... and because of that I rarely shop there for clothes anymore.. its too bad..because its a good place.. but just doesn't have what I need at this time

Jillian Woods

I brought in a full box of new and unworn newborn and 0-3 items to sell. They told me I'd have to come back in a couple of hours to see if they were done. No text, no call to say they're done. And if I didn't show I had 48 hours to come get it or it was going to be "donation". Then when I did come back for my cash, they said they only accepted 9 items to purchase and didn't give me the rest back. They just took them as donations. And for those 9 peices I got 5.40$. Some of the reasons they didn't take the clothing was that they were "out of style". Completely ridiculous, not worth it. Sell your stuff on Facebook. You'll get more money.

Vanessa Zacharias

Decent selection, great pricing. Could use some more baby sleepers/ sleepwear

Robyn McCaslin

I love coming here when my daughter grows out of her clothes and toys whatever they dont take they donate for you very helpful and friendly staff and i love the selection

Jonah Rademacher

The story may have a big selection of products but not only is it as pricy as a place like eBay but they are also confusing and the staff are the opposite of help because they don't even know what's going on. The store is all organised chaos. And for a business that is supposed to be easy and affordable shopping. That shouldn't be the case.

Sheneese McGregor

Over priced clothing. I found pieces of clothing that came from the dollar store for double the price here.... gotta watch what you buy. The ladies that work there are always wonderful though

Jaylene

Please remember who your main customer is. People living tough lives. Hard on money. Single moms. Please remind your stuff a smile goes a long way and to treat each customer with respect. The no bag policy is ridiculous, and make sure to let people know right away and there's no reason to embarrass and make someone feel bad. Maybe this location needs a staff re do. Maybe someone has been there too long and a little bitter. Just ridiculous.

Mike La Pointe

Absolutely love this store! Quite a few hidden gems within. Always good prices and im glad they only buy gently used items as it rules out having to do quality checks on most clothes. Pretty awesome place if you're on a budget! And thr staff are always friendly.

Kelsey M

The cash-for-baby-gear program is such a joke. For a brand new in package item that I had just paid $40 for they offered me $2.40. TWO DOLLARS. I’d sooner donate to a shelter or lending shelf for that price! Spend a few days posting your gear on a Facebook buy and sell and get true value for your items. Even the baby clothes are barely a good deal. Big stores on sale are often the same cost or even cheaper than this second hand store!

Henzzz

It is cheaper to purchase things on the Buy and Sell!! also their consignment policy is weird. I brought in (1) item and they told me to put it into a box lol

T “DrLight” Moir

Crooks. Their 2 day policy is their legalized theft policy. I dropped off the equivalent of two large moving boxes of infant/toddler clothing, in excess of $300 value, told them i wanted the plastic bin back, and because I showed up on the third day (sorry, busy with two kids, one has autism) they donated? the goods. They didnt keep the bin for me even. Wouldn't recommend buying or selling to this establishment ever!

Carrie Pillon

I love this place for finding jewels! Found my daughter a beautiful Patagonia spring jacket and my son a fantastic North Face jacket. I'll be back and will bring gear to sell.

M Lamb

Bought and sold here for many years. Here and Plato's are fantastic and are locally owned. Support local, keep our $ local and keep locals employed.

Yana Lopez

I've been trying to sale things on the Facebook and it's been very frustrating. Thought I'd give once upon a child a try. they were selective but it was easy to sell to and they donate what they couldn't take. I highly recommend for kids clothing as well.

Leah Jaburek

Staff is very friendly and do not mind crying children. Always has a good variety of different sizes of clothing. Prices are very reasonable for the new as well as the used items. You sell items to them, It is not a consignment store. You walk out with cash on the day you drop your items off .

Megan King

Stuck up staff members. Over priced clothes and items.

Candie and Tyler

Used to be great, not sure what happened!? I took in a bunch of footwear (some new and only worn once!- bought to small) And baby stuff never worn (gifts that were forgotten about). Hundreds of dollars of items, they offered me 5$, due to condition of items (it was mostly all brand new!) They didn't call as they said they would, and it was all donated by the time I called back (next Buisness day, to be fair I did check the box to donate). Also I bought Carter's sleeps for the same price as they are new at Costco.... So watch the prices lol! On the positive side the staff are friendly and there are some deals to be found, but you have to really watch!

kaylee m

my boyfriend took some baby items to sell at once upon a child, baby bouncers and swing etc. when he went today to get the money from them they made him wait an hour because they couldn't find the stuff and they called the manager and they said they donated them because they have a 48hr policy to pick up or the items or they will be donated. we were not aware of such policy we were not informed when dropping off the items they said there is a paper taped by the desk on the opposite register , which is the drop off area there was no policy sign posted.customers do not have to walk around the store looking for policy papers! they took our phone number and there was a place to check off that I do not want my items donated. they could atleast call us if we were a few days late since we live outside the city. their staff should be trained to tell customers about their policies before getting rid of perfectly fine and big piece items . this place is a joke go sell your stuff on buy and sell or go donate your own stuff to a known organization or person you prefer.

Lisa Hoople

Went to buy a baby gate after looking at walmart for one. Found the exact same gate that I found at Walmart for 15.00 more. They were brand new I guess but wow!! What a mark up.

Bree Ewing

The most greedy people I have seen run a children's clothing store. They give very little money for the clothes they turn around and sell for so much more. Not to mention when they have sales they have barely anything but yet the shelves for regular price are so stuffed you cant move. They have far more product than what moves out the doors.

Sara Mullen

My girls and I shop and sell here often. We're always happy with the staff and love the selection. Also, I prefer bringing items here as opposed to trying to sell them online as Kijiji can be a lot of work. I really like that it's locally owned.

Kareene Rowe

Wow... what a jewel this place is! Not a typical thrift store like Value Village, or Salvation Army. Because they buy items from the customer, they can be selective. Also, better pricing than Value Village. Going to try Plato's Closet next.

Devonee [:

Very helpful staff. My daughter always has fun in the store - tons of great books, movies, and toys for her to pick from. I never have a hard time finding anything for her to wear as their store is really organized & easy to navigate. The reward program here is also really great, I never have any issues using points and appreciate the list with most requested items given to me when I'm finished shopping.

C. Parsons

I just witnessed an interaction between some "antimaskers" and staff at the store. They were unhappy with the position the store has regarding masks and were loud and somewhat aggressive. They claimed to have an exemption for medical reasons. I've been to other stores and if someone has a medical exemption, they have their letter and provide it. No issues. I get that everyone has an opinion regarding covid but I support businesses that make mask wearing a requirement.

Dakota W.

Locally owned. My wife has shopped here for the kids for years but I had never been to the store. I brought a box of clothing, stroller and a bike. Although they didn't take everything I liked that they took the time to explain to me why and when the young lady helping me didn't have an answer she brought over the manager and she was more than helpful!

Nadine Isbister

This place is getting worse and worse everyday. They offer you pennies on the dollar for your items, and most of the time they don't even look at everything. This will definitely be the last time I bring my childrens items to this store. Definitely not worth the hassle of washing, folding and neatly putting your items in boxes just for them to rummage through it all like trash and then hand it back to you like that. Also if you have pets at home don't even bother bringing your items because if they so much as see one tiny pet hair, they stop looking through your stuff all together. Horrible place to do business.

Tossed Salad

I go to PartSource next door who are one of the better automotive parts stores in RD and have no reason to visit once upon a child but have been in there and they have many followers who say great things about it and there is lots of customers so must be doing something right there were a few who said prices were high on some items but they had full coming out of the store

Dan W

Good selection for kids clothes and equipment. A bit more money then I would like to spend for second hand. Good customer service.

Brandy Meyer

I have been there several times and i just love it! I support the idea of recycling and find the inventory here far superior to Value Village. Also, the selection is really good and prices are half, or less, of what you'd pay new.

Ryan Dunn

So crowded in there that it’s hard to even find stuff. Don’t bother spending 5 hours digging through piles and piles just to find a decent deal because you won’t. Place has gone down hill in the last year or two.

Allison K

Went there to find some cheap clothing for my son. Found some cute leggings style pants from Walmart (George brand) for $7. Thought it was a good deal but ended up putting them back. Went to Walmart after and found the EXACT pair for only $4! Thankfully I didn’t buy the pair from Once upon a child because they were charging more then retail price for a new pair. Highly bummed on the prices in this store.

Lane Bratt

It is well managed and the staff are very friendly.

Cindy Klassen

Visited this store on the weekend for the first time after hearing about the big sale they were having... Unbelievable sale prices and selection. Regular priced clothing was extremely reasonable as well.

Terryn Lapp

Sold some clothes here and was happy with what I received. Also found a great selection for my son.

Sara Mculley

Went in to look at some shoes for my 7 year old daughter. Pulled down the box of shoes to find old, dirty looking shoes. I moved some shoes around to see if better ones where at the bottom but NOPE. Some looked like they were 10 years old! Awful condition. Not even sure why this place would try and sell stuff in that crappy condition. I put the box back and told my daughter we’d find shoes some where else. She looked at me and said “ya mom these shoes are gross looking”. Not going here again for sure. :(

Kirsten D

Used to love shopping here but the last year the store has gone downhill. It’s not worth selling anymore and the prices are compareable to new

Dawn Tibedault

Was needing some snow pants because my daughter lost hers (again) and even though they had put away all the winter gear, they brought a tub of pants from the back and let me dig through it. Thanks guys!

Shayla Edwards

Don't waste your time trying to sell here!! My sister brought a TON of hardly used baby clothes, some even brand name and some not even worn, and they didn't take any of it. She even had snowsuits with the tags still on and they wouldn't take them. I'm not even sure they looked at everything! Like I said, do not waste your time!

Marion B.

Love that they offer online shopping through Covid. The items we got were priced fairly and in great shape! I ordered online and the process was simple and efficient. The items were delivered that same evening. Thanks Once Upon A Child! :)

Bae Englund

Good prices. Wish they had a bit better selection of size4 girls clothes.

Kaylie Montgomery

Some deals are great, most are meh unless you come in for sales or text offers. Lots of good toys though! Much of the clothing is overpriced for used and tends to have damage or wear, which is very odd because the one time we brought stuff in they barely took anything and it was all almost mint condition. The girl I dealt with seemed very selective yet I never find much good stuff when shopping unless my son's size is very popular. I wouldn't sell to them again, they separated many matching sets like Nike sweatsuits and such only taking pants and breaking up sets even though both pieces should have clearly stayed together which I didn't notice until we went through everything left at home a couple of weeks later which would have been much too late to do anything if I cared enough to do something about it. Maybe I just got unlucky with the girl going through clothing. But also tend to not have much luck as a shopper here either. We come by to check things out once in a blue moon if I get texted a good enough deal or offer through their loyalty program and happen to be in Red Deer or planning to go. It usually just ends up being mainly toys although we always look through clothes too. Kind of disappointing in there most of the time, maybe we just have bad timing of when we go. At least the staff is always very friendly and helpful

Sylvia D.

Great, helpful staff. They've really done a nice job organizing the store and great prices!

R. Hamilton

First time shopping here and we'll be back! Very good prices and staff are super helpful!

Dana

Sadly, this store has become another government pawn and I won't be supporting this business even after mask exemption papers are no longer being unethically requested to see. It's none of your business Mike, I don't care how "comfortable" you are with the policy. It will cost you in loyal customers.

Carson W.

This place has a ton of clothing at a great price and very helpful staff. Lots of brand names for cheap. Locally owned.

Dorian Cooper-Walker

I shop at this store on a regular basis and for the most part, I've had positive experiences. Sometimes in gets crowded and a little disorganized looking but I always find what I'm looking for. Updated Feb. 6 - Love this place!

Peter Cookson

WORST OWNER!!!! Never shopping there again. The owner started to harass a young mom in the store while she was shopping. He went up to her yelling why she left a low review on Facebook. She told him she found some prices unfair but still liked shopping there. Yet the Onwer still decided to yell at her in front of other customers and in front of the young moms child. I’ve never seen anything worse. This owner should be ashamed of himself. 0 stars. I’d advise to never shop or sell there.

Nate Staffer

Great prices on lightly used items. Store is a little overwhelming and busy but we navigated through without too much headache. Items purchased we in perfect shape, clean and well organized.

tony painter

We got there for their 90%off bag sale at 12pm all that was there was one rack of baby stuff and 6 totes of baby shoes.Was just a waist of time.

Mitch

Lots of brand new things still in packaging for slightly cheaper than retail, as well as tons of good quality used items. The staff are very friendly and helpful

Mckenna Hawkins

Was very disappointed with the service. The girls don’t seem to be interested in helping customers in any way I was having trouble getting in the door with my baby and items and the worker litterally walked past the door and just looked at me and kept walking. If your going to have a children’s store maybe you should hire people that actually life kids and don’t just seem annoyed the whole time your up at the counter. Absolutely horrible service

Gordon Gray

Has some decent used kids stuff

Andrea Grauman

Absolutely disgusted will never go back. I remember when a single mother could afford to shop there. Went to try to save money for back to school shopping what a joke. I will never spend another dollar there. They should be ashamed of themselves and to work for such an establishment. I would give 0 star but I had to at least give 1 to leave my input. Thanks for ruining my and my kids day

Tara G.

Went looking for a winter coat for my daughter and all though they'd put away all the winter gear, the girls went to the back and brought out a selection of coats in her size. Great staff!

Carmen Y

Great place to find affordable infant and teen clothing. Lots of high end brands, unlike Value Village.

Megan Macula

My mother in law went in there to sell some of my daughters old things. (I live out of town so she went for me) There was a couple big boxes of toys that were in great shape and some clothing new with tags or washed but never worn. They basically gave me pennies and dimes for what they took. I was blown away with how little they paid for items that were in great shape or even brand new. Absolutely disappointed with this shop. Not worth it. Take your items somewhere else or sell them on Facebook. Don’t bother taking them here. This place has gone down hill since the new owner and it’s a disappointment.

Danielle Cornell

Rude. Snotty. Disappointing. Lesson learned.

Marilee David

Pleasant, got done what I needed to do. Overall a good place to shop

All The Money

I love the last 2 reviews... Both obviously hadn't read the last couple FB posts about "limited selection in some sizes" and that this was a sale process lasting many weeks until the final event AND the bit in posts about "shop early for best selection" WOW!! Also, I feel sorry for the young lady who wrote the review about this store being "greedy" and selling for way more than what they pay. Hello... This is called capitalism! She thinks this stores bad, ha, at least this is recycling. She should see what a place like Walmart marks things up for and sells product at! Jeesh people educate before you spout off! Lol

Nicole K.

My first time selling to them. Dropped off a bin of clothes and an infant swing. I was happy with what I got and the clothes that they couldn't take were donated to a thrift store.

dfreeman712

Great store to buy high quality used clothes, books and toys for kids, staff is very friendly.

colleen

Lots of stuff good deals on clothes but toys are over priced. Friendly staffers even when they are in training. Need a new reasonably priced underwear & socks section.