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The back-to-school season is not just about new notebooks and pencils; it’s also a prime time for entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities and dive into the thriving world of resale. For businesses that sell clothing and other back-to-school essentials, it could be a more successful year than ever before.
And this year, with 59% of consumers planning to spend more on back-to-school shopping, the demand for school essentials is skyrocketing. Higher demands make it an ideal time to consider franchising with Winmark - the Resale Company® as our diverse resale brands offer parents everywhere a convenient solution for their back-to-school needs.
Riding the Wave of Demand
The back-to-school season brings with it a surge in demand for various items like clothing, footwear, sports equipment, musical instruments, and more. Winmark has five successful resale brands, including Plato's Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Music Go Round®, Style Encore®, and Play It Again Sports®. These varied brands help franchisees tap into a wide range of preferences, enabling them to cater to diverse community needs year-round.
Back-to-school expenses are also at an all-time high in 2023. The National Retail Federation’s annual survey shows back-to-school spending expects to reach an unprecedented $41.5 billion across the U.S. this year, compared to $36.9 billion last year. That’s not all, back-to-college spending projects to climb an astonishing $20 billion higher than last year. This sharp increase in spending and pricing leads many families to hunt for the best deals, and at Winmark, our resale stores stand ready to offer families an alternative to spending an arm and a leg on back-to-school shopping.
We offer high-quality, gently used items at affordable prices, which appeals to parents looking for cost-effective options that don’t compromise quality. Franchisees benefit from the customer loyalty that comes with providing budget-friendly solutions and helping families and communities get back to school more effectively.
Trusting the Name
When you franchise with Winmark, it means joining forces with a well-respected brand that has been a prominent player in the resale industry for over 30 years. Our reputation translates into immediate trust and recognition among customers. This gives business owners a head start, saving precious time and effort in establishing a business and a customer base.
Since we have extensive experience in the resale industry, the Winmark franchise model gives our franchisees a proven path to success to help them not only navigate through the bustling back-to-school season but also throughout their entire business journeys. From site selection and inventory management to marketing strategies and more, Winmark supports our franchisees with comprehensive training and ongoing guidance. Franchisees benefit from the collective wisdom of experienced professionals on the Winmark team who understand the resale business.
Sustainable Business Practices
As environmental consciousness grows, consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that emphasize sustainability and echo their values. Forbes recently highlighted that 82% of shoppers want brands to embrace sustainable and people-first practices.
Winmark has one of the most sustainable concepts in the industry and aligns perfectly with this. By offering high-quality secondhand merchandise and being locally owned, our franchisees contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing waste, minimizing their carbon footprint, and promoting a circular economy. Back-to-school shoppers seeking sustainable options find value in our environmentally-conscious brands, which improves value for franchisees.
Community Engagement
At Winmark, community engagement is not just a checkbox, it’s a passion. For years, our franchisees have been providing quality, eco-friendly shopping options and giving back through donation drives and volunteering for community events. We’re not just serving neighborhoods, we’re building relationships. Our brands take pride in providing Resale for Everyone®.
During the back-to-school season, the opportunities to make a difference multiply. Imagine being part of events that support students and families, and contributing to the local fabric in ways that really matter. Such community involvement is one of the most fulfilling things franchisees highlight about owning one of our stores.
Looking for an opportunity to make an impact this back-to-school season? Contact us today to learn more about opening one of our industry-leading Winmark stores in your area.