In today's world, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a successful business—it’s about making a difference in other people's lives. 91% of small businesses believe all companies should give back to their local communities, and 77% of consumers are motivated to purchase from businesses committed to making the world a better place.
For those looking to make a positive impact on their community while running a profitable business, Winmark – The Resale Company® offers the perfect opportunity. With over 1,300 franchises across North America and a focus on sustainability, our five resale brands—Plato's Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore®, and Music Go Round®—give franchisees the chance to achieve their business goals while making a difference.
Reducing Waste and Prioritizing Sustainability
At the heart of our five Winmark resale brands is a commitment to sustainability. We focus on extending product life through resale, allowing customers to purchase affordable, gently used items. Since 1988, Winmark has been proud to be a sustainability leader by shaping and growing some of the most beloved brands in resale shopping, and our efforts have led to over 1.8 billion items recycled since 2010. Whether it’s clothing, sports equipment, or musical instruments, Winmark franchisees help reduce waste and promote sustainability in their local communities.
This dedication resonates with today’s environmentally conscious consumers, offering franchisees a unique way to build strong customer loyalty while making a real difference. The growing global resale market, which is projected to double in value by 2027, underscores the demand for sustainable business solutions—making right now the perfect time to invest in a Winmark franchise.
Creating a Difference Through Community Engagement
For many Winmark franchisees, the most rewarding part of business ownership is the opportunity to become a valuable asset to their community. Our franchisees believe in our business model of buying and selling locally sourced, gently-used products, bringing value and deeply rooting them in their local areas. Our franchisees also build relationships with their staff, repeat customers, and families, fostering a family-like atmosphere in their stores. Additionally, many of our franchisees turn their locations into hubs for local charity support, sponsoring children, and donating to local hospitals.
Whether it’s providing a welcoming space for parents at Once Upon a Child or supporting athletes at Play It Again Sports, Winmark franchisees consistently find ways to give back. Plato’s Closet and Style Encore help young people and adults express their style at a fraction of the cost, while Music Go Round allows musicians to afford quality instruments. This focus on community-driven business fosters a sense of loyalty and trust, creating long-lasting relationships between franchisees and their customers.
Dedicated Support for Entrepreneurial Success
Winmark offers franchisees comprehensive training and ongoing support from a seasoned team of experts to help them get on the right path to building a business that makes a positive impact. Entrepreneurs are given the tools they need to succeed, including assistance in marketing, operations, and customer service. This support system enables franchisees to focus on growing their businesses while receiving the guidance necessary to navigate the resale industry.
Many Winmark franchisees also go on to open multiple stores, with 47% managing more than one location, often across different brands. Expanding with our brands offers entrepreneurs increased growth potential and the chance to make a greater impact through their businesses. For example, if their local community needs a hub for accessible and affordable children’s items and sports equipment, they could fulfill those needs by opening a Once Upon a Child and a Play It Again Sports.
Choosing Winmark for Meaningful Entrepreneurship
For those who want to pursue entrepreneurship that goes beyond traditional business ownership, Winmark provides the ideal franchise model. By choosing us, franchisees can build a profitable business while positively impacting the environment and their community. From reducing waste through resale to offering affordable, high-quality goods to communities in need, Winmark’s brands align with the values of today’s purpose-driven consumers.
If you’re ready to make a difference through meaningful entrepreneurship, contact us today to explore how we can help you achieve your goals.