Business often emphasizes appealing to the ideal customer, but a one-size-fits-all approach can be tough to maintain over the long haul. It’s like taking a road trip. Put on an audio book or podcast, and someone wants Top 40 tunes or puts in earbuds. Adjust the air, and someone feels too hot or too cold. Even choosing seats involves everyone having adequate legroom.
At Winmark, we understand that navigating an ever-changing marketplace means connecting with not just one or two ideal customers but a diverse range of individuals. That’s why we offer a diverse brand portfolio that serves them throughout their lives.
Such synergy has allowed Winmark to thrive, with roughly 1,350 locations connecting with families in communities across North America for more than 35 years.
A Network of Brands for All Ways of Life
People’s tastes change constantly, giving new businesses a difficult hurdle. Beyond considerations such as fashion and function, consumers in 2025 also want affordable and sustainable goods.
Winmark meets these needs through our distinct yet interconnected brands, with polished retail environments where families can sell high-quality, gently used items and buy others that are new to them. In fact, since 2010, Winmark’s brands have recycled more than 1.9 billion items, or about 182 million each year.
And because Winmark brands serve families with very young kids through the teen years and into adulthood, there’s a synergy in how the brands grow with families, too.
Conscientious families on a budget can reduce waste and find more for their money, regardless of what they’re shopping for, including:
Children’s apparel, toys and baby gear: Families needn’t worry about newborns, toddlers and elementary-age children outgrowing shoes, shirts and more every few months at Once Upon A Child®. Our stores pay cash for gently used high chairs, books, puzzles, clothing and more, and sell those goods at discounted prices, enabling families to find affordable items through each stage of childhood.
Trendy tops, jeans, jackets and jewelry: Plato's Closet® caters to teens through twenty-somethings, a demographic on top of the latest style trends. Guys and gals with an allowance, a first job or a budding career can snag hip looks at a discount and trade in or cash in on whatever they have at home that they’ve grown tired of.
Stylish clothes and accessories for work and play: Style Encore® focuses on the brand names for stylish men and women who know how to rock what’s been on the runway, from luxury and value brands for the workplace to athleisurewear for a relaxing weekend. In addition to paying cash for stylish clothes, our top-notch selection and courteous staff makes finding flair and sophistication a snap.
Musical equipment and gear: From beginners taking their first lessons to band members lining up their next gig, Music Go Round® provides an extensive inventory of quality used guitars, flutes, drums and other instruments, along with equipment such as amps and mikes, at affordable prices for musicians of all ages.
Sports and fitness equipment: Play It Again Sports® has both new and quality used sporting goods on deck for active families. Whether they have youngsters and teens cycling through team sports, want to get back in shape, or expand the home gym, families can rely on this brand to keep them in the game and score cash, when needed.
Synergy Behind the Scenes
The Winmark network of franchisees receive exceptional training and ongoing support, regardless of the brand or whether they’re first-time business owners or seasoned pros.
What’s more, franchise owners establish relationships with their staff, customers and community, providing welcoming locations sellers and shoppers love. Many give back to their communities by sponsoring local teams and leagues, volunteering with or donating to local organizations.
Put Yourself in the Driver’s Seat
If you’re looking for a career where you can get to know regular customers while nurturing your interests and making a positive community impact, check out our nationally acclaimed franchise company that knows how to sustain itself through market swerves and detours. Contact us today to learn more about how your own style and interests can find a home at Winmark.