The Benefits of Gen Z Ditching Fast Fashion and Shopping Resale

Of all the trends that have come and gone throughout the years, ditching fast fashion and shopping resale retail has been the most environmentally friendly trend yet. 

Although Gen Z isn't the first generation to shop resale retail, they're the generation that's making it widely popular.

Gen Z Wants to Save Money 

Never have we seen so much interest in shopping secondhand. Gen Z is raving over resale stores because they can purchase the big box brands they love without spending an arm and a leg.

At Plato's Closet®, we help consumers shop the brands they love at up to 70% off the retail price, allowing them to save money. On top of that, we put money back in their pockets with our buy-and-sell model, creating recurring business for our franchisees. 

With this newfound interest in sustainability combined with their desire to save and make money, Gen Z is championing their peers to shop resale. Recently, teenagers and young adults have been using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to record clothing hauls, showing what gems they find at resale stores. These videos are used to encourage their peers to reevaluate their fashion decisions, encouraging them to ditch the overpriced retail stores and start shopping at local resale stores.

Our franchisees are reaping the benefits of this growing trend among Gen Z. 

Gen Z Cares About the Environment

In addition to being affordable, shopping resale retail also helps the planet.

Gen Z is aware of the damage fast fashion has caused to our environment, and they've taken the lead in finding more eco-friendly and sustainable ways to get the items they love. 

While fast fashion has acted as a convenient, low-cost way for consumers to keep up with the latest fashion trends, the fashion industry is responsible for 8% of carbon emissions. Additionally, the average American throws away around 81 pounds of clothing each year.

On top of that, the industry uses synthetic materials such as plastic microfibers that are harmful when they enter our oceans. Plastic is harmful to oceans because it's slow to degrade, and when it finally breaks down, it creates a toxic substance harming the marine ecosystems. 

With our retail franchise models, consumers can shop for quality secondhand products at an affordable price instead of purchasing a fast fashion item that will likely need to be replaced much sooner. Our model cuts down on the cost of continually replacing low-quality products and, in turn, decreases each person's waste output.

Our resale franchises are committed to contributing to a greener environment. With the gently used clothes and shoes Plato’s Closet purchased last year, it significantly contributed to the more than 158 million items Winmark brands recycled in 2021, which has allowed us to reduce landfills and bring consumers quality used products that fit within their budget.

Gen Z Likes to Express Themselves

Another favored benefit among Gen Z is the wide variety of clothes and shoes that resale stores offer. With so many options and brands under one roof, resale stores provide Gen Z with a budget-friendly way for them to create a distinctive personal style.

Gen Z consumers prioritize expressing themselves through clothing, and they're adamant about not repeating outfits. This has proven beneficial for our resale store franchisees because they can always count on their Gen Z consumers to keep coming back. 

At Plato's Closet, shoppers can find all their favorite brands in one place, which saves them time and money since they won't have to travel to more than one store to get what they're looking for. 

Plato's Closet is Gen Z's Go-To Retail Store

Gen Z loves Plato's Closet because we stay on top of the hottest and latest trends by offering high-quality gently used clothes at a discounted price.

In addition to being fashionable and affordable, Gen Z consumers can always count on Plato's Closet to be sustainable and eco-friendly. With over 450 locations across North America and Canada, our hard-working franchisees are dedicated to fulfilling the fashion needs of young people. 

At Winmark Corporation®, we understand the value of affordable, accessible and eco-friendly fashion. When you become a franchisee of one of our resale brands, you aren't just owning and operating a business, you're making a positive impact in your community.

Contact us today to learn more about Plato's Closet franchise opportunities.