As 2025 comes to a close, Winmark and its five franchise brands are gearing up for an even more successful year ahead. The resale retail category is booming, and our 100% franchisee-owned stores — Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round — are perfectly positioned to take full advantage of this growing market.
Why Motivated Entrepreneurs Should Consider Franchising
Winmark leads the way in creating a resale ecosystem that delivers top clothing brands and gently-used sports and musical equipment to consumers. For more than 35 years, we’ve pioneered retail concepts that:
- Help the planet through sustainable practices
- Reward customers with value and convenience
- Empower entrepreneurs with purpose-driven business ownership
Franchising offers a structured, proven path to building a thriving business — especially in high-growth categories like resale retail.
New Year, New Goals: Key Considerations for Entrepreneurs
- Evaluate and adjust: Review what worked and what didn’t. Learn from mistakes and replicate successes.
- Understand the “why”: Analyze operational breakdowns or surprise wins to refine your strategy.
- Self-assess: Define your life stage, goals, and passions. Let these guide your entrepreneurial decisions.
- Do your homework: Stay informed about consumer trends (Gen Z, Gen Alpha), economic forecasts, and industry shifts.
- Research franchise options: Compare opportunities, costs, and support systems. Speak with current franchisees for real-world insights.
- Network and share ideas: Talk about your goals with friends and community members. Their feedback may reveal untapped opportunities.
Winmark is Different
We’re on a mission to make resale accessible for everyone while staying true to our core values:
- Sustainability: Our model reduces waste and pays customers cash for gently used items. Winmark and its franchisees have kept over 2 billion items out of landfills since 2010.
- Purpose-driven partnerships: We seek entrepreneurs who share our community-focused values and ambition.
- Best-in-class training and support: From business planning and site selection to marketing and operations, we provide ongoing training and support to equip you for success.
Proven Results You Can Trust
Our franchise model delivers results:
- 98.7% renewal rate after 10 years
- Consistently ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500
- A strong track record of environmental impact and owner success
Make Winmark Part of Your 2026 Plans
The New Year is the perfect time to start fresh or pivot toward a purpose-driven business. If you’re ready to explore opportunities in the booming resale retail sector, Winmark is here to help.
Let us know if you’re ready to start building your next business.
“We are exceptionally proud of our business model, environmental record, and the successes of our franchise partners.”