New Once Upon A Child Store Opens in Wilson, Offering Sustainable Shopping Options for Families

The opening of Once Upon A Child in Wilson represents a significant development for local families seeking affordable, sustainable shopping options for children's items. Located at 2101 Tarboro St., the store offers gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, and equipment at reduced prices while providing parents with immediate payment for items they sell. The store's grand opening on October 30 marks the culmination of owner Rease Newton's vision to bring the resale concept to her hometown after regularly traveling 45 minutes to the nearest location.

Newton, a mother of three and former educator, recognized the need for such a resource in Wilson's family-oriented community. She operates the business alongside her parents, Tom and Tonya Allen, creating a family-run enterprise focused on serving local parents. The store's approach differs from traditional consignment shops by eliminating appointment requirements and providing on-the-spot payments, making it more accessible for busy families. This business model not only helps families save money but also contributes to environmental sustainability by keeping usable items out of landfills.

The grand opening celebration extends through the weekend with various community activities designed to engage local families. Events include a bounce house courtesy of Bounce-N-Style, raffle giveaways from local businesses, and special daily attractions. Opening day features free face painting, a petting zoo, traveling goats from The Painted Farmer, and complimentary cupcakes for the first visitors. Subsequent days include coffee service from El Cafecito, superhero appearances, costume trick-or-treating, food sales from William's Creations, and a Double Point Sunday where customers earn double loyalty points for purchases.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits to families, the store's operation supports broader environmental goals through its resale model. Once Upon A Child ensures all products meet mandatory and voluntary safety standards, with staff trained to identify and remove recalled items immediately. This safety commitment, combined with the store's accessibility and community focus, positions it as a valuable resource for Wilson residents. The store can be contacted at (252)-265-3010 or through their website at https://onceuponachild.com/locations/wilson-nc/ for information about store hours and the buying process.

As part of Winmark – the Resale Company, Once Upon A Child operates within a network of over 435 franchised stores across the United States and Canada. The parent company has facilitated the recycling of over 2 billion items since 2010, demonstrating the significant environmental impact of the resale industry. The Wilson location represents both a business opportunity and a community service, addressing multiple needs for local families while promoting sustainable consumption practices that benefit both household budgets and environmental conservation efforts.