The holiday season typically leads to heightened shopping demands as customers look for higher-quality items for their loved ones. Studies by Forbes indicate that holiday shoppers plan to spend more this year than last year. Budgets are up by 31.7%, with the average consumer planning to spend $1,261, a sharp increase from last year’s $958.
Winmark - The Resale Company® and our franchised brands are uniquely positioned to meet these demands by offering value-conscious and sustainability-focused shopping options to consumers. With over 1,300 franchised locations across North America, our brands—Plato's Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore®, and Music Go Round®—provide accessible, quality resale options for holiday shoppers looking to blend new merchandise with high-quality, gently used products.
Winmark’s Approach to the Holiday Market
This time of year, there is an increase in demand for retail and resale items across all demographics. Plato’s Closet caters to teens and tweens looking for fashionable clothing, while Style Encore provides men’s and women’s clothing for those seeking stylish and affordable holiday attire. For those needing quality used musical equipment, sports gear, or children’s toys, Music Go Round, Play It Again Sports, and Once Upon a Child offers specialized options that make for thoughtful gifts. By franchising with Winmark, you can tap into one or many of these demographics and fill a critical marketplace gap in your community.
Community Engagement
For too many customers, their choices for shopping options involve unattainable retail prices and a lack of locations or low-quality, "bargain" secondhand experiences. Winmark's brands fit right in between these two options, offering a blend of high-quality, used items with some new merchandise. Additionally, the buy-and-sell model at Winmark gives consumers cash on the spot for their gently-used items and helps franchisees maintain a rotating inventory, creating a win-win for both groups. This creates value in community engagement as Winmark stores become local hubs for sustainability and economic exchange.
By providing a space where community members can sell their gently used items and find quality products at affordable prices, Winmark's brands foster a sense of connection and support among residents. Franchisees often engage with their neighborhoods through events, sponsorships, and partnerships too, further enhancing their visibility and building relationships with customers. This community-centric approach not only drives foot traffic to Winmark locations but also encourages repeat visits, as customers recognize their local store as a reliable and valuable resource for both shopping and selling. Ultimately, Winmark’s commitment to community engagement not only benefits our franchisees but also enriches the lives of people in the neighborhoods they serve, creating a positive impact that extends beyond retail transactions.
Supporting Our Franchisees for Seasonal Demands
Winmark offers more than a trusted name in the resale industry; our franchisees benefit from the support of our dedicated training, marketing, and operations teams, ensuring they’re prepared to handle holiday surges. Each franchisee has access to valuable resources that clarify start-up costs and aid in the business planning process.
Our goal is to equip store owners with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in their local communities, especially during the busy holiday season. With nearly half of our franchisees managing multiple stores, and some with cross-branded portfolios too, our structure encourages operational growth across our brands.
A Sustainable Choice for Shoppers
As more customers seek out resale as a way to make eco-friendly purchases that are in line with their values, our model of blending gently used and new merchandise aligns with a growing shift toward sustainability. Each purchase extends product life spans, helping keep more than 158 million items out of landfills. By choosing to shop at any Winmark location, customers are directly supporting a sustainable and community-focused business model that supports their area.
A Holiday Season Tailored for Franchisee Success
At Winmark, it’s the commitment of each franchisee that drives the success of our resale model. With varied brands that cover a range of items from sports equipment to clothing and musical instruments, franchisees have the ability to connect with other store owners across our network. Whether you’re interested in exploring multiple Winmark brands or focusing on one, our franchise structure is designed to support your entrepreneurial vision this holiday season.
Are you ready to explore business ownership in a proven resale format? Contact us today to learn how you can open one of our five renowned brands in your community and start making a difference.