As a retail franchise focused on community and sustainability, Winmark – the Resale Company ® is always looking for new ways to give back. One of the most rewarding parts of owning a resale store is providing families the same quality items they’d get from big retail stores at more economical prices. In addition to our franchisees taking on their own fundraising projects, our corporate team continues to develop new ways to support our local communities.
Our Mission in Southern California
One of our most recent initiatives is the partnership between Play It Again Sports® and the LA Kings. Together, we provide underserved youth with access to quality used sports equipment they otherwise may not have been able to afford.
Throughout the hockey season, we are collecting donations at six community ice rinks across Southern California. Our stores then resell the equipment and donate the proceeds to the Kings Care Foundation. This partnership marked our first with an NHL team.
Supporting the Kings Care Foundation
By supporting the Kings Care Foundation, we provide financial assistance resources to families in need throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The foundation centers its efforts around causes like wellness, sustainability, advocacy and inclusion.
This partnership also developed an apparel resale program to benefit the organization. Select Play It Again Sports locations are now reselling exclusive apparel worn by players to generate more proceeds for the Kings Care Foundation.
This is just the beginning of a lasting partnership, with Winmark also becoming a sponsoring partner for the organization’s events and standing behind our mission to provide Resale for Everyone™.
Giving Back Through our Resale Franchise
Of course, our efforts to give back do not stop there. Throughout Winmark’s nearly 1,300 locations across North America, our franchisees get to know the people in their communities, host or participate in fundraisers, give back to local schools and more. Because our resale stores offer something for everyone, they truly get to know people from all walks of life and help those in need.
Owning a resale store is also a much more environmentally friendly way for people to shop than traditional stores. Every year, millions of items that are no longer needed get thrown away — even when they are in top-tier condition. Resale stores give these items a new life by making them accessible to those who could really use them.