The Value of the Winmark Franchise Model: Unlocking Success Across Five Brands

The world of entrepreneurship is evolving, with owners increasingly drawn to business and franchise models that offer both financial growth and community impact. Winmark – The Resale Company® has mastered this balance by providing a proven franchise system thriving in the booming resale market. Our buy-and-sell resale model, diverse brand portfolio, and over 35 years of proven experience create a winning formula for our franchisees who want sustainable, profitable businesses.

The Benefits of the Buy-and-Sell Resale Model

The resale industry has exploded recently, driven by growing consumer demand for more affordable and eco-friendly goods. We understand that consumers often have to choose between expensive retail stores with limited locations or lower-quality secondhand shops - and our brands address this vital need in communities. Through our buy-and-sell resale model, Winmark franchisees can create a circular economy where consumers can sell their gently used and high-quality items and buy new-to-them goods at a fraction of retail prices. By providing accessibility and affordability, our franchisees bring value to their stores and their communities.

Unlike traditional retail models, where inventory is purchased from manufacturers, Winmark franchisees source much of their inventory from local communities. This method allows them to operate with lower inventory costs while offering customers a continually changing selection of gently used, high-quality items. The buy-and-sell model also drives repeat customers as they return to sell items and shop for new ones.

Diverse Value

Each of the five brands under Winmark's umbrella serves a different segment of the resale market. Whether it's sports gear, children's clothing, trendy fashion, or musical equipment, our brands offer gently used items that meet the needs of families, teens, and adults alike. This allows our franchisees to choose the business that best aligns with their interests and community needs:

1. Plato's Closet® targets tweens and teens, offering trendy, gently used clothing and accessories at a fraction of the retail price.

2. Once Upon A Child® caters to parents seeking affordable, high-quality clothing, toys, and gear for their children.

3. Play It Again Sports® focuses on sports enthusiasts looking for new and used sporting equipment for a wide range of activities.

4. Style Encore® offers stylish women's and men's apparel, accessories, and shoes, blending both used and new merchandise.

5. Music Go Round® is dedicated to musicians, providing a marketplace for used musical instruments and gear.

This diversity within our portfolio allows franchisees to explore multiple business opportunities throughout their journeys with us, and up to 47% of franchisees end up becoming multi-unit owners—often choosing to open up another one of our brands in their community to address a different audience and different needs.

Proven Support Dedicated to Your Success

Creating a business through a trusted franchisor can give you the guidance you need. With over 1,300 locations in North America and our award-winning portfolio of brands, we are exceeding the competition by number of stores and average sales volume—giving us the knowledge to put you on the right path to fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams and building a lasting business.

Whether in the setup phase of their business or years later, Winmark franchisees receive guidance in areas like marketing, operations, and customer service, fully equipping them with the tools to build a successful business.

Partnering with the right exterior people outside your business helps it grow, too. Winmark has developed fruitful, long-term relationships with third-party vendors that provide everything from business insurance to fixtures, supplies, and credit card processing to help our franchisees have more time to focus on the operations in their store and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Sustainable and Community-Focused

A significant strength of both our business practices and our worldwide impact is our commitment to sustainability. By promoting the resale of gently used goods, Winmark's brands contribute to reducing waste and extending product lifespan, leading to over 1.8 billion items recycled since 2010. Franchisees are empowered to make a positive environmental impact while also supporting their local communities.

This focus on sustainability resonates with today's consumers, who increasingly value eco-friendly business practices. For franchisees, this creates a unique selling proposition that drives customer loyalty and repeat business.

The Winmark franchise model offers an unmatched opportunity for entrepreneurs to thrive in the resale industry. Whether you want to start your first business or expand an existing portfolio, we provide the experience, tools, and community to help you unlock your full potential. With five strong brands, a growing demand for sustainable shopping options, and a comprehensive support system, Winmark franchisees are well-positioned for success.

Are you ready to take the next step towards business ownership? Reach out to us today to see how we can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.