Having a positive environmental impact as a company is increasingly influential in how consumers choose where to buy their products. They’ve become progressively more aware of the detrimental impact of fast fashion, as well as the importance of reducing unnecessary waste.
Winmark Corporation® has been able to promote a positive environmental impact since 1988, and we have since continued to evolve our sustainability initiatives through each of our five franchise companies under the Winmark umbrella.
In 2019, our five resale brands purchased a cumulative total of almost 155 million units of clothing, toys, books, musical instruments and sports equipment, keeping each of these items out of landfills and bringing consumers quality used products that fit within their budget.
Quality on a Budget
Fast fashion has created a severe strain on the planet, with textile waste now accounting for 15 million tons of garbage. However, in a society that is budget-conscious, fast fashion has been able to sustain consumers willing to sacrifice quality for a lower price point.
On the other hand, resale allows consumers to shop for durable, quality products at an affordable price, instead of purchasing a fast fashion item that will need to be replaced much sooner. This cuts down on the cost of constantly replacing a low-quality product, as well as decreasing each person’s waste output.
Resale has the ability to provide consumers with options that may be out of their price range, whether it’s a new instrument for their child joining the middle school band or a new dress for their best friend’s wedding. Saving money on items that can get outgrown quickly helps fund family vacations, or contribute to retirement and college savings, easing the burden of financial stress on newly independent adults or parents.
Ability to Adapt While Implementing Change
When consumers resell and/or buy a quality used item, they have the ability to extend the life cycle of their purchase, which reduces the item’s carbon footprint by 82 percent. As a whole, our society is slowly making the change from disposing to a recycling society, no matter the economic climate. Resale is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it has also proven to be recession-resistant.
The resale industry’s resilience and adaptability provide an advantage over normal retailers during times of market fluctuation and economic change. When ecommerce began to grow its appeal with consumers, this created a new advantage opportunity for resellers, while some retailers ended up unable to adapt and close their doors.
Industry Growth
Currently, resale is estimated to be a $24 billion range industry, and it looks to continue growing in the future, especially with industry growth of 14 percent over the past two years. Today, there are more than 25,000 resale, consignment and not-for-profit shops in the United States alone.
Our franchisees are given the opportunity to join a thriving retail industry while becoming a part of something bigger than themselves. Winmark franchisees can see the positive impact they have on both their community and the environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about a franchise opportunity that is focused on a greener future, take a look at our infographic here.
