The inaugural “Best of Largo” award, sponsored by the Largo Leader and the city of Largo, has been given to Once Upon a Child Largo, a non-traditional and family-owned store.
For the past 20 years, the store has been selling used clothes for children, toys, and equipment that are in perfect condition. Kate Rosa, owner of the store for the last eight years, finds the philosophy of the store rewarding, as often parents tell her that her store has made it possible for them to give gifts that they might not have otherwise been able to afford.
The way the store works is that people bring in their items, donations are checked to make sure they are clean and like new, and then the people are given cash on the spot. To insure that the offers are fair, a computer system keeps updated values of equipment and clothing.
Baby shower gifts are popular items in the store as many families receive more clothes than their child will ever wear. They often sell their items to the store with the original tags still on them.
The business has become very popular, most likely due to word of mouth, but possibly also to poster printing attracting people to the store to learn of its benefits and offers.
Daycare centers a 10% discount and visitors can request that the store look for specific equipment they may need.
