Once Upon A Child Katy — Local services in Katy

In order to give you a real sense of my review, let me explain who I am as a buyer. I'm a grandmother, whose family lives out of state. Nowadays, when I shop for my children or granddaughters, I shop online and have Nordstrom, JCPenney's, Kohl's, Carter's or Children's Place ship directly to them. I love sales, clearances, BOGOs. I often go overboard; so now my sons are very specific with what I can buy. My grandchildren have extensive extended family who also want to spoil them.

When I purchase for myself, neighboring family, friends, or coworkers, I wear light clothes, comfortable shoes, and bring a small cooler of ice cold water to make sure I accomplish my goals without passing out. I'm practical - new parents get some jumbo diapers and baby wipes. Let others vy for the best present ever from their wish list.

I have a duo birthday party coming up for some new friends I've made and solicited advice for shopping locally. As a friend of the family of the birthday children, my goal was to find fun, inexpensive, quick clothes selections (their preference for us to buy, in lieu of toys). But also, I'm a stranger to the kids. I don't need to one-up anyone blood related. I certainly don't want to set a high bar for myself, either!

Once Upon a Child in Katy is 1000% better than the Once Upon a Child in Colonial Heights, VA. We were greeted at the door. Most likely because they were having a wonderful 50%-70% (divided into different time frames of the day) to explain inclusions and exclusions. ** I emphasize this because I've read reviews here that shoppers weren't greeted or felt ignored. The store is clean; racks are FULL; an abundance of large play toys and equipment fill the upper shelves; display walls leave a bit to be desired - I have a small suggestion and it will be mentioned soon. For the young toddler boy, who wears 4T; omgoddess! so very many shorts in fantastic condition. The drawback - it's not my kid; give me some grab-n-go 2 piece (charge, each is fine by me! I'm not looking for an extra deal, just a quicker check out!) to look through soo many shirts - no, not for this new friend of the family who never met the little. Perfect example of the display wall with the "new" bottles, hair bows. Put some 2-3 piece outfits together. Even for the parents shopping with kids - they'll sell like hot syrup smothered pancakes!

I didn't buy anything for the young man here. But, for the girl who is a part of the duo party, found about 5 dresses - all were 1/2 off. This was an amazing surprise. Now, to find out how to get rid of the "resale rack" smell.

The aisles are narrow-ish. Dad accompanied me and uses a cane. Had he needed his walker, he would have missed out on the escapade and had to sit out in the SUV.

A PLEASANT experience otherwise and looking forward to more purchases...

The prices and selection of baby, toddler & kid’s clothing, shoes (OMG! I have found some of the CUTEST shoes for my daughter here!), furniture and toys are absolutely amazing! I have been to other stores of the same chain (specifically the Baybrook location) and comparably this location is the cleanest and most well organized one I have been to. Regardless of cleanliness and organization, the quality & quantity of merchandise is consistently fantastic at every location.

They also purchase gently used clothes, shoes, toys & furniture. I have personally sold many of my daughter’s clothing items to them and understand how their system works, and know what to expect to receive in return for them. That said, I’ve also witnessed people there to sell their items who are shocked with the amount they’re offered for items they may have paid a hefty amount for, leading them to believe they are getting ripped off. This is definitely not the case. It is the reason the chain is able to sell items at such a low price. The staff are trained to be extremely diligent when sifting through the items brought in by sellers, and only take in the highest quality items - meaning that, hypothetically, they may only buy 3 items of the 50 a seller has brought in. Here is how they determine the amount a seller receives for their items (as it's been explained by the manager at the Baybrook location): The store prices the items for 50% of the item’s retail value. The seller receives 30% of that 50%.

Each store constantly acquires new items, so if you’re looking for something specific it’s best to call them beforehand to ask if they have it. If they don’t have what you're looking for at that moment I would suggest calling back every few days to inquire about the item. Depending on the staff member you speak with they may even write your name and number down and let you know if the item you’re looking for comes in. Unfortunately, as goes for the retail industry, there is a high turnover rate. So you may not be able to speak to the same person you initially spoke with when calling back. Even with a high turnover rate, I have never had trouble with any of the staff members being rude or unwilling to help me. They have all been friendly and have always been available to answer any questions I've had.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best quality & quantity of new/gently used baby/toddler/kid clothing, shoes, toys and/or furniture, this is the place to go. I’ve never seen another resale shop that does business as well and has such quality items at ridiculously low prices. It’s also nice to be able to get some kind of return back on clothing you bought for your child who undoubtedly outgrows them in a...

My first time at this location since I moved to katy, I used to go to kid to kid by the galleria and once upon a child in Pearland (so I’m not new to resale) . First time I have ever experienced this in all my years of resale! As I browsed for clothes with my 2 kids in tow one of the employees decides it’s the perfect time to squeeze in front (stepping on me ) to go adjust some clothes , which was avoidable by just going behind me ! Totally didn’t matter that a paying customer was standing there looking at clothes. Then again down another aisle except this time the girl bombarded her way in front and behind me several times to the point where I had to stop what I “the customer” was doing so she can hang clothes up in front of me !! Then my son is a couple aisles in front of me by the toys (I told him he could pick a toy) when I here the same girl telling my son the toys are not to play with “go find your mom” .(mind you when I arrived at the store kids were running around and playing with toys, I even put some away myself) Strike #3 , you picked the wrong kid and the wrong mom ! So I go get him and am ready to pay for my items and leave but I ask another sales associate for the name of that rude employees name (with green hair ) and she pops up saying she is the manager and her excuse for her behavior is she is just doing her job and nobody else has a problem with stepping aside for 2seconds so they can do their job !! Are you freaking kidding me , not only did the manager and employee disturb my shopping experience multiple times , step on me ,but you also stepped over your boundaries with my kid !! What a joke !! Then several items were dirty or stained that were for sale (I had to put back an item I planned on buying due to stains ) !! Do better , and have a little bit more respect for...