As the end of October draws closer, the retail industry is gearing up for one of the year's most exciting and important times – the holiday season. This is when the resale industry, in particular, experiences a surge in demand and records the highest sales of the year. At Winmark - the Resale Company®, we recognize the significance of this period and are well-prepared to help potential franchisees understand holiday demands.
The Retail Industry's Holiday Surge
While the retail industry witnesses a significant surge during the holidays, just how important this time is can get overlooked. The retail and resale industries routinely set record highs and experience higher demands than ever before every year during this time period. In fact, industry experts state that holiday sales have shown a consistent upward trend over the past few years, alongside the fast rise of the resale industry.
Studies indicate that 74% of holiday shoppers plan to spend about the same or more on holiday gifts this year compared to last year, while 41% plan to start shopping by the end of October. Additionally, almost half of consumers plan to buy a used item for themselves during the holiday season.
Consumers are not only planning to spend more and start shopping earlier but are also becoming more eco-conscious. That means that during the holiday season, more consumers are choosing brands that align with their values, more are shopping at stores that satisfy their holiday gift demands, and more are choosing the resale industry over regular retail options.
The Winmark Advantage
While the holiday season is a crucial time, franchising with Winmark ensures you get the resources and support you need during it. Our brand name and reputation as a leader in the resale industry help us provide knowledge and experience to our franchisees, many of whom are first-time business owners.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or looking to start your first business venture, Winmark offers a rare opportunity to fill a marketplace gap that doesn't offer unattainable retail prices or low-quality secondhand experiences but rather a polished retail format that offers a mix of new merchandise and carefully-selected, high-quality used items.
Winmark prioritizes community and making a difference during the holiday season, too. Our five resale brands Plato's Closet®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore®, Music Go Round®, and Once Upon a Child® all appeal to a different audience of people. Our brands allow our franchisees to provide affordable, quality shopping options to communities that need them and preserve the environment. Many of our current franchisees highlight the rewarding impact they are making on their communities as one of the best reasons to franchise with us.
Supporting Our Franchisees
The holiday season is one of the most important times of the year, but you’re not alone with Winmark. Our seasoned support ensures you have the knowledge, experience, and the right product to capitalize on the soaring holiday demands. We've been nurturing partnerships with our franchisees for over 30 years and have an impressive track record of success. We offer guidance on every aspect of your business, including:
Site selection
Inventory management assistance
Business plan development
Franchise-specific product and trend training
Store layout and design
Merchandising and marketing materials
Store retail operations training and support
Ready to make this holiday season unforgettable? Contact us at Winmark today to explore the gifts of franchising with us.