MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - October 12, 2010) -  For parents, the return to school and cooler weather may bring thoughts of replacing last year's outgrown fall clothes. But for children, autumn leaves and pumpkins mean just one thing -- Halloween is coming! According to Susan Baustian, director of the Once Upon A Child^® brand, this children's resale store is the place to shop for both. 

"Our stores are brimming with the latest fall fashions for children," says Baustian. "And our selection of reasonably priced and fun Halloween costumes has something for every imagination. We hope you'll visit our Facebook page to share your Halloween memories and take our poll about where your children's imaginations will take them this year."

Once Upon A Child offers high quality, gently-used children's clothing newborn - youth size 16 and more at significant savings over retail. Parents are also encouraged to trade their children's outgrown outfits and toys in good condition for payment on the spot.

"We want to see both children and parents leave our stores excited about what they have found, whether it's a new fall outfit or the perfect Halloween costume," says Baustian. "Our new Halloween Facebook polls give you a chance to tell us what you're looking for in both."

And, while parents may have safety concerns on their mind as they select their child's Halloween outfit, Baustian encourages parents to remember that fall's shorter days combined with after-school activities often mean that their children are leaving for school or arriving home after dark.

"As parents select outerwear and cool weather accessories for their children, they should keep their children's schedules in mind," advises Baustian. "The safety tips that apply to dressing your children for Halloween trick-or-treating apply to everyday comings-and-goings, too." 

Here are some everyday clothing safety tips from the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to keep in mind as your children travel to and from home or get set to make the rounds on Halloween:

• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim outerwear (and costumes) with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of car or school bus headlights.
• Choose light colored backpacks (and trick-or-treat bags) or decorate them with reflective tape, available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
• Select well-fitting, sturdy shoes for your children. Sacrificing safety for style could lead to trips and falls. 
• Accessorize with light-colored hats and scarves for extra visibility. And check for a secure fit to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.

Halloween night presents some special clothing safety challenges, so consider these CPSC tips as you prepare your children for trick-or-treating.

• Adjust costumes to be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
• Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If your child must wear a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Check to see that swords, knives, and similar costume accessories are made of soft and flexible material.

"We are committed to quality, safety and value in everything we sell, and that applies to Halloween costumes, too," says Baustian. "Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect costume for a fun and safe Halloween night, or the perfect fall outfit for your child." 

For more information about Once Upon A Child, please visit Once Upon A Child homepage.

About Once Upon A Child^®
Once Upon A Child^® leads the nation in the buying and selling of name brand, gently used kids stuff. There are over 235 franchised stores in the United States and Canada. Once Upon A Child buys and sells quality, gently used children's apparel, baby equipment and furniture, books, toys, and more. Once Upon A Child is franchised by Winmark Corporation^®, which also franchises Play It Again Sports^®, Plato's Closet^®, Music Go Round^®, and Wirth Business Credit^®. For more information visit www.onceuponachild.com.

About Winmark Corporation^®
Winmark Corporation^®, based in Minneapolis, creates, supports and finances business. Specializing in leasing and developing franchises for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise, it is the parent company of Play It Again Sports^®, Once Upon A Child^®, Plato's Closet^®, Music Go Round^®, Wirth Business Credit^®, Winmark Capital^® and www.WBSOnline.com. Winmark has more than 900 franchise territories and is publicly traded at (NASDAQ: WINA). For more information visit www.winmarkcorporation.com.