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Training & Support for Your Franchise Business

Building Success with Winmark Corporation

Once Upon A Child® is part of Winmark Corporation, a unique franchise system that has been supporting resale-retail franchise opportunities since 1988. If you have never worked in retail, or did so years ago and don’t think this is the right opportunity for you—think again! Most of our franchisees had little to no retail experience before owning their own franchise. What they do bring to the table is the passion and excitement they have for the brand and for their customers! That passion is infused from Day 1 with our team during the training process.

Interested in learning more about how Winmark® prepares our franchise partners for long-term success? Contact us at (866) 593-0262 today!

The Training We Provide

With over 65 hours of classroom and in-store training on topics such as business planning, marketing, merchandising, store operations, and customer service; you’ll get the experience you need to successfully open your franchise!

Key topics during your first week include:

Business Planning
The banking world is different today than it was a few years ago. Banks are more averse to risk than before and want to lend based on their history with a brand and its performance. Winmark Corporation’s brands deliver with both a solid history of lending and superior performance.

One full day of training is dedicated to building a detailed three-year plan and proforma that that you will take to the bank. While Winmark does not provide direct financing, lenders are very familiar with our brands since some have been doing business with us for over two decades. In addition, all of our brands are listed on the Franchise Registry which helps streamline the loan process.

Retail Site Selection
We have five retail brands and more than 1,250 stores, so we understand commercial real estate and the needs of our franchisees from demographics to required lease terms. Our franchisees have completed transactions across the US and Canada and we’re here to provide you with help from site selection to lease signing.

Style and Trend Training
Concerned you may not be in tune with the many categories in juvenile apparel and accessories? Don’t be. Our training staff will educate you on the latest apparel trends from infants to tweens as well as toys and equipment. You’ll learn how to buy used items and what new inventory is appropriate for your store. To hear more about our training programs from our current franchisees, click here.

Ongoing Support

At Winmark, we remain committed to staying engaged with our franchisees and ensuring they have the tools they need to navigate the marketplace. That is why our franchise support staff offers ongoing resources to help our franchise partners continue to build upon their success.

Field Operations
Concerned about ongoing support in the field from qualified personnel? Don’t worry. Winmark’s Field Operations Managers are retail experts with years of experience from some of the top retailers like Target®, JC Penney®, Kohl’s®, GAP®, Best Buy® and more. They’re your front line partner and liaison to the rest of the home office team.

Marketing and Advertising
Once Upon A Child has their own Marketing Manager dedicated to delivering professionally produced television and radio commercials, digital and social marketing assets, event marketing materials, local store marketing programs and so much more. As a Winmark franchisee, you will also have access to a media buyer experienced in working with the Once Upon A Child brand. They’ll work with you to lay out your local media plan ensuring your marketing dollars are spent in the right places to reach your target demographic and generate the best return on your investment.

Are you ready to take the first step toward owning and operating your own Once Upon A Child® location? Fill out our qualification form today!

Contact Us Today to Receive Your

Free Franchise Report!

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Fill out our full application if you are ready to get ahead and become part of the Winmark family.