Nashville’s children’s consignment market splits into two distinct models: franchise-operated “buy on the spot” stores (Kid to Kid, Once Upon A Child) and traditional consignment shops where sellers wait for items to sell and receive a percentage. The franchise model dominates the market with approximately 70% market share in Metro Nashville, offering immediate cash payouts ranging from 30-40% of the resale price versus traditional consignment’s 50-70% split paid only after sale. Geography matters here: the affluent Brentwood-Franklin corridor commands higher resale values for designer brands (Hanna Andersson, Tea Collection, Janie and Jack fetch 40-60% of retail), while Antioch and east Nashville locations move higher volume at lower price points. The critical decision variable isn’t location or model type but timing: inventory quality peaks in late August and late February when families purge before school transitions, while selection bottoms out in November and May.
1. Kid to Kid Brentwood
Contact Information
- Address: 95 Seaboard Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027
- Phone: (615) 309-0903
- Website: kidtokid.com/location/brentwood
- Email: Available via website contact form
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 4.6 stars (approximately 200+ reviews)
- Yelp: 4.5 stars (64 reviews)
- Nextdoor: Neighborhood Favorite designation for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024)
Services
- Immediate cash payment for accepted items (no appointment required)
- Store credit option (20% bonus over cash payout)
- VIP loyalty program with points accumulation
- Size range: Newborn through Youth 14-16
- Categories accepted: Clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, outdoor equipment, sports gear, dance wear, costumes, books
Pricing Structure
- Clothing: $2-12 typical range (designer brands higher)
- Toys: 50-70% below retail
- Baby gear: Varies significantly by brand and condition
- Seller payout: Approximately 30-40% of resale price in cash, 40-50% in store credit
What Makes Them Different
Kid to Kid operates on a “buy it now” franchise model where they purchase inventory outright rather than consigning. This means sellers walk out with cash immediately rather than waiting weeks for items to sell. The Brentwood location benefits from the affluent surrounding demographics, which translates to consistently higher-quality inventory with more designer and boutique brands than other area resale stores. The store actively tracks brand demand and adjusts buying criteria seasonally, meaning they’re more selective but also pay better rates for in-demand items.
Best For
Families in the Brentwood-Franklin-Nolensville corridor who prioritize convenience over maximum payout. Parents with boutique or designer children’s clothing who want immediate compensation rather than the uncertainty of traditional consignment. The location beneath Brentwood Children’s Clinic creates natural traffic for new parents outfitting quickly.
Pricing Reality
Cash payouts feel low when you first experience them (that $45 Tea Collection dress might get you $6-8), but the immediate liquidity and no-hassle process has value. Expect to receive 30-35% of what the store will price items at, which itself is 40-70% below original retail. Store credit bumps this to approximately 40-45%. The math works better for parents doing continuous cycling (sell outgrown, buy next size up in same trip) than for one-time sellers seeking maximum return.
Red Flags/Data Gaps
Peak times (Saturday mornings, back-to-school season) can mean 45-60 minute waits for selling appointments. The buying team has significant discretion, and brand preferences shift without notice, leading to occasional frustration when previously accepted brands get declined.
2. Once Upon A Child – Franklin
Contact Information
- Address: 7090 Bakers Bridge Ave, Franklin, TN 37067
- Phone: (615) 790-8081
- Website: onceuponachild.com/locations/franklin-tn
- Email: Via website contact form
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 3.8 stars (approximately 340 reviews)
- Yelp: 3.5 stars (31 reviews)
- Yellow Pages: 4.5 stars
Services
- Immediate cash purchase for accepted items
- No appointment needed for selling
- Size range: Preemie through Youth 20, Shoes to 7.5Y
- Categories: Clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, furniture, strollers, car seats (within expiration)
- Equipment safety checking for all baby gear
Pricing Structure
- Clothing: $1-15 range
- Toys: $2-25 typical
- Large equipment (strollers, high chairs): $15-75 depending on brand/condition
- Furniture: $25-150
- Seller payout: Similar to Kid to Kid (30-40% of resale value)
What Makes Them Different
Once Upon A Child Franklin stocks a broader range of baby equipment and furniture than most competitors. Car seats, strollers, cribs, and other large items create a one-stop shopping experience that pure clothing consignment can’t match. The Franklin location sits in a high-traffic retail corridor near Cool Springs Galleria, capturing both destination shoppers and impulse browsers. Their equipment safety verification process provides buyer confidence that’s absent from Facebook Marketplace transactions.
Best For
Parents outfitting for a new baby who need to acquire multiple categories (clothing, gear, furniture) in a single trip. Also ideal for families who want to offload large equipment without coordinating Facebook Marketplace pickups. The extended hours (9 AM start on weekdays) accommodate working parents who need early morning errands.
Pricing Reality
Prices run slightly higher than Antioch location due to demographic positioning, but inventory quality generally justifies the premium. Equipment pricing reflects brand hierarchy sharply: a UPPAbaby stroller commands 2-3x the price of a Graco equivalent. Furniture prices vary widely based on condition scoring that isn’t always transparent to buyers.
Red Flags/Data Gaps
Review sentiment shows inconsistent experiences with staff, ranging from “exceptionally helpful” to “curt and dismissive.” Wait times for selling reportedly exceed 90 minutes during peak Saturday hours. Limited selection in sizes 10-16 compared to infant/toddler inventory.
3. Once Upon A Child – Antioch
Contact Information
- Address: 5364 Mt View Rd, Antioch, TN 37013
- Phone: (615) 731-7409
- Website: onceuponachild.com/locations/antioch-tn
- Email: Via website
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 3.8 stars (168 reviews)
- Yelp: 3.0 stars (6 reviews)
Services
- Same-day cash purchase model
- Size range: Preemie through Youth 20
- Extended evening hours (until 8 PM weekdays)
- Categories: Clothing, shoes, toys, books, equipment, furniture
Pricing Structure
- Clothing: $1-10 (generally 15-20% lower than Franklin location)
- Toys: $2-20
- Baby gear: Variable
- Seller payout: 30-40% of resale price
What Makes Them Different
The Antioch location offers Nashville’s most affordable children’s consignment pricing and the longest operating hours of any permanent store in the market. The extended hours (open until 8 PM weekdays, until 7 PM Sunday) accommodate shift workers and families who can’t shop during traditional retail hours. Higher turnover at lower price points means finding deals requires more frequent visits but rewards dedicated bargain hunters.
Best For
Budget-conscious families prioritizing lowest out-of-pocket cost over brand names or store ambiance. Parents working non-traditional schedules who need evening or Sunday shopping options. Families doing bulk purchasing for fast-growing children where quantity matters more than individual piece quality.
Pricing Reality
Genuinely the lowest prices in Metro Nashville’s permanent children’s consignment market. A typical outfit runs $3-6 versus $6-12 at Brentwood/Franklin locations. The tradeoff: inventory organization suffers, brand selection tilts toward mass-market (Carter’s, Cat & Jack, Old Navy) over boutique, and the shopping environment requires patience.
Red Flags/Data Gaps
Consistently cited organization problems in reviews: “stuff all over the floor,” “hard to find sizes,” “dark and cramped.” Staff interactions draw polarized responses. Several recent reviews (2024-2025) mention long wait times and limit enforcement on selling that wasn’t communicated upfront. The gap between Google (3.8) and Yelp (3.0) ratings suggests inconsistent experiences.
4. Second Time Around Consignment
Contact Information
- Address: 14807 Lebanon Rd, Old Hickory (Nashville), TN 37138
- Phone: (615) 553-4586
- Website: None verified
- Email: Not publicly listed
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Sunday-Monday)
Ratings
- Yelp: Listed but limited reviews
- Google: Limited data available
Services
- Traditional consignment model (items sell, then you’re paid)
- Children’s clothing, maternity wear, vintage/used items
- Mixed inventory (children’s alongside adult consignment)
Pricing Structure
- Children’s clothing: $2-15 range
- Consignor split: Typically 50-60% to seller (industry standard for traditional consignment)
- Consignment period: Usually 60-90 days before markdown or return
What Makes Them Different
Second Time Around operates on the traditional consignment model rather than the buy-outright franchise system. This means sellers potentially earn more per item (50-60% versus 30-40%) but must wait for items to sell and accept the risk they may not. The Old Hickory/Hermitage location serves the eastern Nashville corridor that’s underserved by the franchise stores concentrated in south Nashville. Mixed-inventory model means parents can browse for themselves while shopping for kids.
Best For
Sellers who prioritize maximum return over immediate payment and are willing to wait. Families in the Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, or Old Hickory areas who want to avoid driving to Antioch or Brentwood. Parents who want to combine adult and children’s consignment in a single drop-off.
Pricing Reality
Traditional consignment economics favor patient sellers with quality items. A $40 retail dress might price at $12, with the seller receiving $6-7 after sale versus $3-4 at a buy-outright store. The catch: items must actually sell within the consignment window, and markdown policies can erode returns on slower-moving inventory.
Red Flags/Data Gaps
Limited online presence makes verification difficult. No website, limited reviews, unclear consignment terms without calling. The Tuesday-Saturday schedule and 5 PM closing time limits accessibility. Inventory mix (children’s plus adult) means smaller dedicated kids’ section than pure children’s stores.
5. Whirlygig’s Kids Consignment
Contact Information
- Address: 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy, Suite B-4, Spring Hill, TN 37174
- Phone: (931) 982-1041
- Website: Facebook and Instagram presence
- Email: Not publicly listed
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Sunday-Monday)
Ratings
- Google: 4.8 stars (limited reviews)
- Yelp: 5.0 stars (2 reviews)
- Community sentiment: Highly positive on local parenting forums
Services
- Traditional consignment model
- Size range: Infant through Size 16
- Categories: Clothing, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, crafts, games, seasonal items
- Play area for children while parents shop
- Appointment-based drop-off for consignors
Pricing Structure
- Clothing: $3-18 range
- Toys: $2-25
- Consignor split: 60-70% to seller
- 30-day return policy on clothing/shoes with tags attached
What Makes Them Different
Whirlygig’s operates as a locally-owned traditional consignment store rather than a franchise, creating a curated inventory with community connection that chain stores can’t replicate. The owner-operated model means buying decisions reflect local family preferences rather than corporate mandates. The in-store play area genuinely differentiates the shopping experience for parents with children in tow. Spring Hill location serves the rapidly growing southern Williamson County corridor that’s been underserved by children’s retail.
Best For
Families in Spring Hill, Thompson’s Station, and Columbia who don’t want to drive 30+ minutes to Franklin or Brentwood. Sellers who prefer relationship-based consignment with consistent communication over franchise anonymity. Parents who need to shop with young children and value an engaging environment over pure efficiency.
Pricing Reality
The 60-70% consignor split is the most favorable in the Nashville market for sellers willing to wait. However, the smaller store footprint and limited hours mean longer sell-through times than high-traffic franchise locations. Quality expectations are high (appointment-based drop-off includes inspection), so casual sellers with borderline-condition items may face rejection.
Red Flags/Data Gaps
Very limited hours (closed Sunday-Monday, closes 3 PM Saturday) significantly restrict shopping accessibility. Appointment-required selling adds friction compared to walk-in competitors. Small review sample size makes rating reliability uncertain. The Spring Hill location puts this 25-35 minutes south of Nashville proper, limiting relevance for central Nashville families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which store handles infant/newborn sizing best?
Second Time Around and Whirlygig’s offer more comprehensive newborn-3T inventory because their consignment model attracts sellers offloading entire first-year wardrobes rather than piecemeal. Kid to Kid Brentwood maintains strong infant inventory due to the proximity to pediatric clinics and new parent traffic. Once Upon A Child locations excel at equipment for this age range but clothing selection varies daily.
What’s the real price difference between the buy-outright stores versus traditional consignment for sellers?
Buy-outright stores (Kid to Kid, Once Upon A Child) pay 30-40% of resale price immediately. Traditional consignment (Whirlygig’s, Second Time Around) pays 50-70% after sale, typically within 60-90 days. On a $30 retail item priced at $10 resale: buy-outright yields $3-4 today, traditional consignment yields $5-7 in 1-3 months if it sells. The breakeven is seller time-value: immediate cash rewards convenience, delayed payment rewards patience.
Who handles large equipment (strollers, cribs, car seats) most effectively?
Once Upon A Child Franklin has the largest equipment selection and floor space dedicated to gear. They verify safety compliance on car seats (checking expiration dates, recall status) and provide the widest stroller variety. Kid to Kid Brentwood accepts equipment but prioritizes clothing inventory. Neither traditional consignment store (Second Time Around, Whirlygig’s) handles significant equipment volume.
Are there same-day selling options, and which stores have shortest wait times?
All four franchise locations (Kid to Kid Brentwood, Once Upon A Child Franklin, Once Upon A Child Antioch) offer same-day selling with no appointment. Wait times vary dramatically: Tuesday-Thursday mornings average 15-30 minutes, Saturday mornings can exceed 90 minutes. Whirlygig’s requires appointments, which eliminates waiting but requires advance planning. Second Time Around accepts drop-offs during business hours.
Which store offers the best value for back-to-school shopping (sizes 6-14)?
Once Upon A Child Antioch provides the lowest prices for this size range, though selection requires patience. Kid to Kid Brentwood offers the best combination of selection and quality in larger youth sizes, particularly for athletic wear and brand-name casual clothing. Whirlygig’s specifically emphasizes sizes 2-16 as a specialty area. Traditional wisdom: visit early August before inventory gets picked over; sizes 8-12 deplete fastest.
Comparison Matrix
| Factor | Kid to Kid Brentwood | Once Upon A Child Franklin | Once Upon A Child Antioch | Second Time Around | Whirlygig's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <strong>Location</strong> | South Nashville/Brentwood | South Nashville/Franklin | Southeast Nashville | East Nashville/Old Hickory | South (Spring Hill) |
| <strong>Google Rating</strong> | 4.6 stars | 3.8 stars | 3.8 stars | Limited data | 4.8 stars |
| <strong>Price Tier</strong> | $$ | $$ | $ | $-$$ | $$ |
| <strong>Payment Model</strong> | Cash on spot | Cash on spot | Cash on spot | Traditional consignment | Traditional consignment |
| <strong>Seller Payout</strong> | 30-40% | 30-40% | 30-40% | 50-60% | 60-70% |
| <strong>Equipment Selection</strong> | Moderate | Extensive | Moderate | Limited | Limited |
| <strong>Size Strength</strong> | Infant-10 | Infant-8 | Infant-8 | Mixed | 2T-16 |
| <strong>Weekend Hours</strong> | Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5 | Sat 10-6, Sun 1-6 | Sat 10-8, Sun 11-7 | Sat only, 10-5 | Sat only, 10-3 |
| <strong>Best For</strong> | Designer brands, convenience | Equipment + clothing combo | Budget maximizers | Patient sellers, East Nashville | Community-focused, Spring Hill |
Kid to Kid Brentwood suits families who value curated inventory, immediate payment, and don’t mind paying slightly more for higher average quality. Once Upon A Child Franklin works best for one-stop shopping combining clothing with baby equipment, particularly for new parents outfitting comprehensively. Once Upon A Child Antioch delivers the lowest prices in Metro Nashville with the longest hours, trading ambiance for accessibility and value. Second Time Around serves the eastern corridor with traditional consignment terms for sellers prioritizing maximum return over speed. Whirlygig’s offers the most favorable seller terms and community-oriented experience but requires significant time investment due to limited hours and appointment requirements. The franchise stores cluster in southern Nashville (Brentwood, Franklin, Antioch), leaving gaps in the northern corridor (Hendersonville, Goodlettsville) and central Nashville that seasonal pop-up sales partially fill.