When it comes to multi-unit ownership, many entrepreneurs face two options: owning several units of the same brand or signing agreements with different franchisors. At Winmark - the Resale Company®, our franchisees get to experience owning diverse brands without having to work with separate corporate teams and learn separate processes.
Ahead of National Simplicity Day on July 12th, we’re taking a look at how Winmark simplifies multi-unit ownership, including taking the steps to becoming a multi-unit owner, hearing from our dual-branded franchisees and taking a closer look at the model that makes it all possible.
A Flexible Resale Franchise Opportunity
Between Winmark’s five resale brands - Play It Again Sports®, Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Music Go Round® and Style Encore® - there are 120 combinations franchisees can choose from when opening multiple units.
Perhaps you have a passion for athletics and the arts; you may choose to open a Play It Again Sports location and a Music Go Round in your local market. Meanwhile, others may use their “passion for fashion” to operate Plato’s Closet and Style Encore stores. Many of our Once Upon A Child franchisees were one-time customers and recognized the value it provided to their local community. At Winmark, there are options for everyone.
The best part? Our operations are completely streamlined, so you’ll be able to use the same familiar systems, strategies and support teams for each of your businesses no matter the brand.
No Retail Experience? No Problem!
The best part about owning multiple brands under the same franchisor is how much easier it is to operate them. Our franchisees come from all different backgrounds, so whether you have years of retail experience or none at all, the Winmark team is here for you every step of the way.
When you show interest in Winmark, you’ll meet with one of our franchise development specialists to learn more about the opportunity, your eligibility and the next steps.
Once you’ve signed your agreement, Winmark provides over 65 hours of training and in-store support that covers everything from business plans to real estate support, merchandising, point-of-sale training, advertising, marketing and store operations. We also offer ongoing support in each of these areas to ensure your business is set up for success. With this hands-on approach, most franchisees are able to open their first resale location within nine months.
“All the tools you need to run a successful business are wrapped up for you. You don’t have to invent them all yourself. The help is all there,” said Mike Kemp, Play It Again Sports and Style Encore franchisee in the Greensboro, N.C. market.
A Business Model that Really Works
For over 30 years, our team of experts has helped franchisees bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life. Over the last decade, our strong partnership model has encouraged over 95% of our franchisees to renew their franchise agreements.
Between our brand recognition, resilience, proprietary point-of-sale software, robust infrastructure and commitment to giving back, franchisees continue to expand with our umbrella of resale brands. Our supportive franchise is also the perfect model for a family-run business.
Just ask former stay-at-home mom Becky Finger, who stepped into entrepreneurship at the age of 40 and now owns 10 Once Upon A Child stores and 8 Plato’s Closet locations with her two daughters:
“I have learned so much from my peers, and I like a plan, so I always felt if I followed the model, I would be successful, and I am!” said Becky.
Looking to diversify your portfolio with an umbrella of successful resale brands? Contact us today to learn more about opening a Winmark store in your area.
