Many families face the problem of spending money on new clothing their children will soon outgrow. Purchasing clothing with the thought of it soon becoming useless makes the cycle a bit depressing. However, children’s clothing is given a second life with Once Upon A Child. Not only does this help individuals get back some of the money spent on these purchases, it also gives growing families the chance to dress their children in affordable, yet high-quality clothing.
When Sandy and Mike Legnon of Slidell, Louisiana were introduced to Once Upon A Child, they considered all the benefits of having this resale store in their own community. Initially attracted to the franchise opportunity to assist local families, their personal experiences of raising their own children also affected their decision to invest in the brand.
One Family’s Struggle Can Be Another Family’s Good Fortune
Before deciding to invest in a Once Upon A Child franchise, Sandy gave birth to two premature babies on two separate occasions. While their children have now grown into healthy teenagers, the Legnons empathize with growing families in their community who may have intensive needs. Not only has Sandy become a business owner of a family-friendly resale shop, she also has dedicated 15 years of her life to working as a neonatal nurse and aiding premature newborns. With her experience as a mother and a nurse, she knows how difficult raising a premature baby can be.
“Our merchandise includes clothing, equipment, toys, shoes, and everything else your child might need,” Sandy explained. “We also welcome clothing that ranges in sizes from premature all the way to pre-teen.”
Spreading Love in the Community: The Winmark Way
After being a franchisee of the Once Upon A Child brand for a little more than a year, the Legnons have made huge impacts in their community. Besides circulating gently used clothing for up to 70% off retail price, the Legnons have also sponsored special events in their community.
Last February, the Legnons ran a Valentine’s Day special including the additional sale of 50% off children’s coats along with a “buy-two, get-two” deal on sleepwear. Sandy’s sale lowered the price of these coats to an affordable $5. The Legnons’ willingness to give back is core to their mission to bring hope and opportunity to the people in their community.
In addition to their coat sale, the Legnons were involved in donating to the “Coats for Kids” initiative along with other Once Upon a Child franchisees in Mandeville, LA and Metairie, LA. While “Coats For Kids” has just completed its 15th consecutive coat drive, the Once Upon a Child franchisees have helped collect more than one thousand coats over the past couple years. This past winter, these coats were directly delivered to elementary schools with students in need.
Like the Legnon’s, many Winmark franchisees around the country provide their surrounding communities with support along with affordable clothing. If you are interested in making a difference in your city, you can learn more about the Winmark network of franchise brands here.