Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/20/2019
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Holiday shopping is in full swing and stores have a lot to offer those looking for the perfect gift.
Stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy offer shoppers hundreds of new gift options each year, but according to Peninsula Sanitary Service, Inc. and the Stanford Recycling Center from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Americans throw away 25 percent more trash than any other time of year.
One way to reduce your holiday waste is to buy gently used items from a local thrift or second-hand consignment store. Once Upon A Child in West Springfield prides themselves on selling new and gently used utilities, toys and clothes for children of all ages.
Owner Larry White told Reminder Publishing while the West Springfield location at 1458 Riverdale St. is one of 400 locations across the country, they’re the only store in Massachusetts.
He said, “People will bring in items they don’t have a need for, clothing from within the last three years, toys, equipment.” Equipment such as highchairs, strollers and cribs must be in “good condition” and “working order,” clothes should be “stain free” and “free of tears and holes” and toys must have all parts included.
White said after a customer brings in items to sell, an employee will check for any recalls related to the product and that it is working properly. After that, customers will be offered cash for items White said “we think we can resell.” From there, he said, the items either go onto the floor immediately to be sold or go into backstock to be sold at a later date.
During the four years they’ve been in business, White said by purchasing used items and reselling them, the store has recycled hundreds of thousands of items. “We’re approaching two million items we’ve recycled,” he told Reminder Publishing.
In addition to helping the environment, White said another good reason to shop for holiday gifts at Once Upon A Child is the savings. “It’s a good way to get some money for items you probably would not use otherwise,” he said. “You’re going to save a lot of money, everything in the store is 50 to 70 percent off retail value.”
He also noted that Once Upon A Child is a “local, family owned, community-based business,” and shopping at the store means “supporting a local business, people trying to make an impact in the community.”
White said the store has several upcoming events and sales including an event at Blossoming Acres Farm in Southwick and a Black Friday sale.
The store will be open normal hours on Black Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Black Friday. While White couldn’t confirm exact details of the Nov. 29 sale, he did say it would be a “large sale” and details would be announced on the store’s Facebook page.
White said they are always looking to purchase more items. “Equipment like high chairs, strollers and walkers are always in high demand. A lot of the time they’ll be on the floor and sell the same day,” he explained. “Toys are solid year round, we’re always chasing toys trying to buy more toys. There’s not much we’re not looking for.”
There’s no limit to how many items a customer can bring it to the store, but not all items are guaranteed to be purchased by the store. White said, “People bring in one small bag to 13, 14 bags.”
Those looking for more information on how to sell gently-used items to Once Upon A Child and what types of items the store offers can visit https://onceuponachildwestspringfield.com/how-it-works.