Once Upon A Child - Salem, OR

Once Upon A Child in Salem, OR is a go-to destination for parents who want quality kids' clothing, gear, and toys without the steep price tags. Unlike a typical thrift store, Once Upon A Child specializes exclusively in children's items, and the staff carefully inspects every piece before it hits the floor — so you're not digging through worn-out castoffs. Shoppers consistently return because the inventory turns over quickly and the selection genuinely reflects what Salem families need season to season. Located on Lancaster Drive NE, one of Salem's busiest retail corridors, this store draws a loyal crowd of budget-savvy parents, grandparents, and caregivers from across the Willamette Valley. Whether you're outfitting a newborn or keeping up with a fast-growing toddler, Once Upon A Child Salem makes it surprisingly easy to find gently used name brands at a fraction of retail cost. With nearly 200 community reviews already behind it, this store has clearly earned its place as a Salem shopping staple.

Store Information

2385 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305

Phone: +1 503-362-2229

3.7★ average across 204 reviews on Google

Store Hours

  • Monday: 10AM-8PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM-8PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM-8PM
  • Thursday: 10AM-8PM
  • Friday: 10AM-8PM
  • Saturday: 10AM-8PM
  • Sunday: 11AM-6PM

What They Sell

Once Upon A Child Salem specializes in secondhand children's merchandise that has been vetted for quality before hitting the sales floor. Shoppers can expect to find gently used baby clothing, toddler and kids' apparel in a wide range of sizes, shoes, outerwear, and accessories. Beyond clothing, the store typically stocks strollers, car seats, high chairs, baby carriers, books, and toys — the kind of inventory that makes it a one-stop shop for growing families. Name brands like Carter's, Nike, Gap Kids, and Old Navy regularly show up at deeply discounted prices.

The Neighborhood

Situated on Lancaster Drive NE, Once Upon A Child sits in one of Salem's most accessible and well-traveled commercial zones. The area is close to Keizer and just a short drive from downtown Salem, making it convenient for shoppers across the metro area. Neighboring retailers and easy access from I-5 make this stretch of Lancaster a natural stop for errand-running families throughout the week.

Parking

Once Upon A Child at 2385 Lancaster Drive NE benefits from its location in a busy commercial plaza with ample surface lot parking directly in front of the store. Parking is generally plentiful even during peak weekend hours. The lot is easy to navigate with a stroller, making drop-in shopping with little ones stress-free.

Shopping Tips

  • Sell before you shop: Once Upon A Child buys gently used kids' items directly from the public — bring in a bag of outgrown clothes or gear and use your store credit toward your purchase the same day.
  • Check the racks by size, not season: Inventory rotates constantly, so off-season finds are common and priced even lower — great for buying ahead.
  • Visit mid-week for the freshest selection: Tuesday through Thursday mornings often see newly processed items hitting the floor before the weekend rush picks them clean.
  • Inspect gear carefully: While staff does quality checks, always test zippers, straps, and buckles on equipment like strollers or car seats before purchasing.
  • Follow up regularly: Because families in Salem sell and shop here frequently, the inventory at Once Upon A Child changes week to week — a return visit often turns up exactly what you missed the first time.

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