Each year, about 21 billion pounds of textile waste end up in landfills. The fashion industry alone contributes 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with discarded clothing fueling the need for new production. It takes approximately 2,000 gallons of water just to make the material for a single pair of shoes. Sustainably conscious are looking for better alternatives, and Winmark's brands are positioned to provide them.
Sustainability is no longer just a trend. It's a growing force in consumer spending. A recent consumer report found that 62% of shoppers frequently consider sustainability an important factor when making purchasing decisions. As demand for eco-friendly shopping grows, resale provides an opportunity for both franchise owners and consumers to embrace sustainability, reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint. As a Winmark franchisee, you can meet this growing demand while making a meaningful impact on the planet.
How Winmark Extends Product Lifespans
Our brands offer an eco-friendly solution by keeping clothing, sporting goods, music equipment, toys and baby gear in circulation. With 1,350 high-quality secondhand shops across North America, these stores give gently used items a second life while helping reduce landfill waste.
Since 2010, Winmark brands have helped recycle over Winmark brands have helped recycle over 1.9 billion items. This breaks down to 185 million per year, 510,000 per day and six every second. By extending the life of these products, Winmark stores help reduce landfill waste while offering consumers an affordable and sustainable shopping option.
Quality Meets Profitability
While Winmark stores specialize in secondhand goods, quality is never sacrificed. Each store carefully selects its inventory year-round to reflect current consumer trends, local demand and seasonal needs, ensuring shoppers find high-quality, gently used items that fit their lifestyle.
Stores buy product of all seasons, year-round, ensuring they are able to select the best quality and gently used products to sell in their stores.
Whether they are shopping for name-brand fashion, sports equipment or children’s essentials, Winmark stores provide a curated selection that feels just like traditional retail at a fraction of the cost.
Join the Resale Movement
As a franchise owner, you will benefit from a proven business model that balances sustainability with a thriving partnership. Customers save money, products get a second life, and you build a trusted, community-focused business while helping to create a more sustainable future.
The resale business is one of the fastest-growing segments in the retail industry. Each year, more than 59 million Americans shop at a thrift store, and up to 49 million shop at a resale store. As consumer demand for sustainable shopping continues to rise, Winmark brands are leading the way in meeting this growing need.
Owning a resale franchise means more than just running a store, it means joining Winmark's commitment to reducing waste to Provide Resale for Everyone™. Winmark has more than 35 years of experience supporting franchise owners with training, operational guidance and long-term business strategies.
If you are ready to build a business that makes a difference this Earth Day and every day, contact us today to learn more about becoming a Winmark franchise owner.