New Look For East Saint John Retailer

An east Saint John store that sells gently used kids’ clothing and toys recently completed an expansion.

Once Upon A Child reopened its refurbished location on Westmorland Road just before Christmas.

Owner Sharon Branch said after eight years in business, they were starting to run out of space.

“When the opportunity came about and our next-door neighbours moved out, we decided we’d snatch up their space, knock down the wall and double our size,” Branch said in an interview.

Branch said they were in negotiations with the building’s landlord for some time to make the expansion happen.

However, once the work began in late November, it only took about five weeks to complete, she said.

Branch said the store was closed from Dec. 6 through Dec. 22 so they could give their existing space a facelift — new paint, flooring and counters, among other things.

“It’s amazing to watch customers walk in the door that have shopped with us before because as soon as they walk in the door, they stop dead in their tracks and their jaw drops to the floor and they can’t even fathom the difference from before and after,” she said.

Branch said the expanded location gives them more space to display their products, which include kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, furniture, and baby gear.

She said it also means more room in their aisles, which is especially helpful for customers with strollers.

“Especially with COVID nowadays, you want extra shopping space, so it’s a pleasant shopping experience,” said Branch.

While COVID-19 has forced some businesses to close their doors for good, Branch said the community has stood behind them throughout the pandemic.

“We’re a great asset when it comes to hard economic times because we buy our inventory directly from our customers,” she said.

“They bring in stuff and we pay them cash on the spot the same day, or they can grade up to something they need. It works really well that way.”

Once Upon A Time is located at 533 Westmorland Road.