Whether it's excessive water consumption or high emissions, it’s easy to point to any number of visibly wasteful practices in the retail industry. Many of these habits can be damaging to the environment, but consumers are forcing change. Here are some ways shopping habits can affect the environment and how resale stores like our brands at Winmark - the Resale Company®, are helping consumers lessen their impact.
Environmental Impact
The reality of retail shopping habits and their impact on the environment can be quite staggering. Approximately 2,000 gallons are needed to make the materials for just one pair of shoes. The fashion industry is also the second-highest polluting industry in the world, and every year, Americans alone send about 21 billion pounds of textile waste to landfills.
Sustainability is important because it minimizes those impacts by reducing water consumption, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing excessive waste. Consumers have realized how important protecting the planet is, and more than ever before, they are shifting to sustainable shopping options as a result. Studies indicate that 85% of consumers have become more eco-friendly in their purchasing habits in recent years.
Resale Concepts Cut Costs for Consumers and the Environment
By spending more time shopping at resale businesses, consumers can reduce their environmental impact and save money in countless ways. Shopping resale is an easy, accessible way to upcycle items that can find their way into new homes without placing a demand on clothing manufacturers. And, when shopping at resale stores like the Winmark brands, Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore®, and Music Go Round®, consumers can further reduce their environmental footprint since our resale concepts promote a culture of sustainability, prevent waste and overproduction of goods, and preserve water and other resources.
Not only do local resale concepts circumvent the negative environmental impact of unnecessary retail waste, but they also allow eco-conscious consumers an opportunity to take part in a greener lifestyle in countless other ways—and with every purchase.
The Winmark Example
For more than 30 years, Winmark has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement by guiding entrepreneurs interested in opening one of our retail resale brands. Through Winmark’s resale model, and backed by widespread consumer support, we have kept more than 158 million items of clothing, toys, books, musical instruments, and sports equipment from landfills in 2021 alone. Our brands have recycled over 1.6 billion items since 2010, which comes out to 5 items recycled every second.
Winmark does not sacrifice quality for our sustainable commitment. Our brands fit right in between unattainable retail prices and low-quality, bargain experiences for a polished retail format that offers a mix of new merchandise and carefully selected, high-quality used items. Our franchise partners offer the sustainable and affordable options consumers want, while still maintaining high quality.
When you choose to franchise with Winmark, you also get our reputation as a leader in the resale industry. We give our franchise partners continued support and training, and we have a proven track record of putting first-time franchisees and family teams on the right path to success. Our business opportunity allows business owners to not only lead a rewarding business venture but also make a lasting, positive impact on their community and the environment.
Are you an aspiring business owner interested in making a positive impact on the environment and your community? Contact Winmark today about our resale franchise opportunities.
