Any business owner would want a foothold in the marketplace, but the value of owning your own business goes beyond turning a profit.
Winmark franchisees across North America often share how much they value making a difference in people’s lives through their successful businesses — and they’re not alone. Small businesses in particular work hard to “shape and enrich their communities,” according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates on behalf of small and independent business owners nationwide.
In fact, in one NFIB survey of about 600 small business owners in 2024, 95% said being involved in community activities is important to their personal fulfillment and satisfaction. While 71% said such involvement is important to their business’s success to some degree, they found more meaning in helping others, whether creating a better local business climate (82%) or making their communities better places to live (92%).
With its distinct yet interconnected brands, Winmark has a business model that fosters such connections, rewarding communities, customers and staff, as well as your bottom line.
Providing Safe and Supportive Spaces
In the NFIB survey, 76% of respondents said they volunteered their time to work on behalf of charities, civic organizations and other local programs, while 63% said they provided in-kind contributions. Among the community groups they supported, the most common (72%) were education- or school-related; the second most-cited category was sports-related activities (66%).
Winmark’s franchised brands have a philosophy and a resale format that’s ideal for connecting with school, sports and community groups. Many of our 1,350 locations report that they’ve turned their Once Upon A Child®, Plato’s Closet®, Style Encore®, Music Go Round® or Play It Again Sports® into a hub for local families, schools and charities.
Some sponsor a particular child or family in need, sponsor a sports team or collect donations for a local domestic violence shelter or other nonprofit.
Sustainable Places to Shop and Inspire
The overall vibe at these locations helps make these places trusted spots to shop, especially for schools and families in need of athletic equipment, musical instruments or even sponsorships at school- and sports-related events.
That synergy creates a valuable relationship for further success. Consumers frequently say they want sustainable and affordable goods, with 77% in one survey say they’re more motivated to shop from businesses that commit to making the world a better place.
Winmark has built its resale brands on such environmental consciousness since 1988, providing new-to-them upcycled items to consumers long before this current trend. We’re proud to note that our brands have recycled more than 1.9 billion items since 2010, or roughly 185 million each year.
The global resale market for clothing alone is expected to hit $350 billion by 2027, according to Fortune. This gives franchisees even greater opportunity for a purpose-driven business that sells high-quality, gently used items to people at various stages of life.
If you’d like to make a positive impact in your community through a proven and sustainable business, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started with a free franchise report and learn how building your business can enrich your portfolio, your neighborhood and your life.