Company History

More than 30 Years of Success in the Resale Franchise Industry

Winmark has built an enduring legacy since its inception more than three decades ago. Spanning several different business categories, it is clear why there is such enthusiasm for Winmark’s franchising opportunities. Driven by our mission to provide Resale for Everyone®, we specialize in collaborating with small businesses and empowering them to make a significant impact in the local community. By providing guidance, support, and advocacy, we help entrepreneurs create locally-owned franchises that drive sustainable growth in their communities. Our ultimate goal is to help transform both individuals and neighborhoods through the power of entrepreneurship.

Join a franchise network with a rich history and proven success. Contact us to get started today!

Invest in an Award-Winning
Resale Franchise

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Learn More About Our History

  • 1988

    Founded in 1988, Winmark started with the establishment of Play it Again Sports® and continued to build a legacy of beloved secondhand shops.

  • 1993

    Over the years, we expanded our portfolio with the purchase of Once Upon A Child® and Music Go Round®.

  • 1998

    It didn't take long for Winmark to gain recognition, being named Fortune and Inc. magazines’ Fastest Growing Public Company just a few years after our start. We further expanded our portfolio with the acquisition of Plato's Closet®. Winmark's commitment to creating successful business ventures continues to thrive.

  • 2007

    By the time we reached the milestone of $500 million in enterprise sales in 2007, we had established a competitive edge through our remarkable track record of sustained prosperity. Today, Winmark stands as a testament to the power of a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future.

  • 2013

    Winmark’s 2013 addition, Style Encore®, only added to our success. It was a brand built from the ground up for shoppers who are fashion-, bargain-, and recycling-conscious.

  • 2015

    By 2015, Winmark had reached a milestone of $1 billion in sales. Shoppers embrace secondhand shopping not only for its affordability but also for its sustainability. Winmark maintains its position as a leader in the resale industry, blazing an exciting path toward the future.

  • 2022

    Winmark Corporation transformed into Winmark – the Resale Company® in 2022, aiming to make Resale for Everyone a reality. Several exciting milestones were achieved:

    • Plato's Closet proudly opened its 500th store.

    • System-wide sales exceeded $1.5 billion.

    • Our franchised locations extended the lives of 169 million items and over 1.5 billion in items since 2010.

    Winmark's business model is helping to secure a better future by providing accessible and sustainable options for countless communities across North America.

Looking Toward the Future

Let’s Build Something Amazing

Winmark - the Resale Company, recently exceeded 1,300 stores in operation and is positioned to extend its leadership in the fast growing and dynamic resale industry. We are looking for qualified franchise partners to help us achieve our mission to provide Resale for Everyone®

Winmark is proud to have helped so many business owners reach their goals. We are excited to now bring the same opportunity to more people, giving them the chance to become their own boss in a resale retail franchise. Our success has been achieved through hard work, dedication, and innovation, and these are some of the qualities that we look for in prospective franchisees.

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People Love Buying & Selling Used Items
Capitalize on a Unique Retail Franchise Opportunity
  • Environmentally
    Friendly
    More consumers than ever before care about the environment. Rather than disposing of gently used items, people are now choosing to sell their unwanted items to resale shops to promote sustainability.
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  • Widespread
    Appeal
    Resale shopping appeals to a wide range of demographics and income levels. Smart consumers are always looking for a good deal and are frequently shopping for high-quality items at a great value.
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  • High
    Demand
    The resale business is currently one of the fastest growing segments in the retail industry. On an annual basis, over 59 million Americans will shop at a thrift store and up to 49 million will shop at a resale store.
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  • Changing the World

    For more than 30 years, our resale franchise has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement by supporting entrepreneurs interested in owning a resale franchise.

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Discover the
Winmark Difference

Explore what makes Winmark Corporations the ultimate choice for your franchise journey. From industry leadership to sustainability, we redefine the resale experience. Reach out to us today!

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