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Training & Support

Preparing Your Franchise Business for Success

Plato’s Closet® has been the fastest growing brand at Winmark® since we began franchising it in 1999, and it is the largest brand in a unique franchise system that has been in the resale-retail business since 1988. If you haven’t worked in retail since your high school days—don’t worry! Most of our new franchisees did not come from an extensive retail background. But what they all share is the drive to be successful and see their own business thrive in their community. It is up to our training team to teach you the ins and outs of retail and ensure you have the foundation for a successful future!

Have questions about how Winmark prepares our franchise partners for success? Contact us today or call our friendly franchise team at (866) 668-0681.

Our Franchisee Training

Once you sign our franchise agreement, we'll enroll you in our training program. With more than 65 hours of classroom and in-store training on topics such as employee management, merchandising, store operations, buying used merchandise and customer service, you’ll gain the knowledge you’ll need to start your own business.

Key topics during your first week include:

Business Planning
Banks today want to see a solid business plan with a strong financial plan and committed ownership. Winmark will help you build that plan based on our years of experience and history with financing with these banks. One full day of training is dedicated to building a detailed three-year plan and pro forma that you will use to secure your loan. And while Winmark does not provide financing, the banks know the Plato’s Closet brand very well. In addition, all brands are listed on the Franchise Registry which helps streamline the loan process.

Retail Site Selection
With over 30 years of experience and over 1,250 stores in North America, Winmark understands commercial real estate and what our franchisees need in terms of location. Our franchisees have signed literally hundreds of leases across the US and Canada and we’ve provided the guidance and oversight necessary to help them complete these successful transactions.

Style and Trend Training
Concerned you may not be in tune with the current styles of the teen and twenty-something demographic? Don’t be. Our training staff will educate you on what’s hot and what’s not in today’s fashion trends. As styles change from season to season, you’re provided updates as well. To hear more about what our franchisees' training experience with us, click here.

Ongoing Support

At Winmark, we know that the key to a successful business is staying vigilant in the face of marketplace shifts and challenges. That is why we have a robust infrastructure that continues to assist our franchisees long after they've completed their initial training with us.

Field Operations
Our field operations personnel are far more than a retail consultant. They will help guide you on financial management, cash flow, marketing, merchandising and store operations. Winmark's Field Operations Managers have come from some of the best retail training programs in the world, such as Target®, JC Penney®, Best Buy®, Old Navy®, Kohl’s®, Saks 5th Avenue®, and more. They’re your front line partner and liaison to the rest of the home office team.

Marketing and Advertising
The Plato’s Closet marketing team delivers professionally produced television and radio commercials, event marketing materials, digital and social assets, local store marketing materials, and so much more. As a Winmark franchisee, you have a media buyer experienced in working with the Plato’s Closet brand. They’ll work with you to plan and place your TV, radio, and digital advertising to help you maximize your return on investment.

Ready to take your first step toward becoming a Plato's Closet franchisee? Submit our qualification form to our franchise team today!

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