Local family opens Once Upon a Child in Steubenville
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STEUBENVILLE -- Local people serving local people is a concept Jeannie Kern believes in.
"It's very important because these are the people in our community," Kern said Thursday, right before opening the doors of her new business, Once Upon a Child. "Everything you see here is what the community has brought in. These are things that they have loved. They've seen their children in their first little outfits.
"There have been lots of pictures taken in these adorable outfits that we're selling," she added. "So now, they're getting a second chance for somebody else to do it."
Located in the Tri-State Plaza, the store held its grand opening, with employees, family members and representatives from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce on hand. The location is part of Winmark, which places a focus on sustainability and small-business formation across its brands.
"It's a store that sells gently used children's items, all the way from baby to youth sizes," Kern added. "We also sell books; equipment, such as strollers, bassinets and high chairs; and we sell toys. We also carry a line of newer products for grandparents and people who are trying to buy for separate baby showers. We carry some great brands."
The store pays cash for items it purchases from consumers, the company explained. That allows families to save money when they purchase items for their children while turning their gently used items into cash.
Reselling and purchasing those items not only helps families on a budget, but also keeps those items from being disposed of in a landfill.
It's a concept area residents have been excited about, Kern said. That was evident by the line of people who had gathered outside the shop to become a part of the grand opening and be one of the first 25 customers to receive a $25 gift card for the business.
Kern, a resident of Toronto, said the business has 30 employees.
"They are all local -- and we are locally owned," she said.
She's assisted by her husband, Gary; her son, Alexander Granger, who serves as manager; and her daughter, Jessicka Nicholson.
Kern added that she was inspired to open her business by her family, explaining there are four granddaughters and they wanted to leave a legacy for them.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Thursday's ribbon-cutting and grand opening was the start of several days of events planned at the location.
Today, the first 50 customers will receive $5 in Baby Bucks; everyone who spends $50 or more will get a tote bag; and the first 50 customers who come between 3 and 5 p.m. will receive free Kona Ice.
On Saturday, the first 50 customers will receive $5 in Baby Bucks; a touch-a-truck will be held from noon to 2 p.m.; a meet-and-greet with characters from "Heroes and Tiaras" will be held from noon to 2 p.m.; the bookmobile from the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County will be on hand from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and will offer story time, a free craft and a free book; and customers will be able to register to win a 7 Ranges bowling package.
On Sunday, the first 25 customers will receive $5 in free Baby Bucks, and customers will earn double loyalty points and have the chance to enter a drawing for one of three 7 Ranges 30-minute gift cards.