Winmark’s resale brands — Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round — are locally owned franchises committed to supporting families and communities. Our business model is designed to improve lives at the neighborhood level while contributing to a global circular economy.
The Winmark Franchise Model: Built on Community and Sustainability
Being an active, positive force in the community is central to Winmark’s mission. Our resale stores offer an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to big-box retail and online shopping. Beyond saving customers money, our brands help strengthen the social fabric of the towns and cities where they operate. How Winmark-brand stores make a difference:
- Meeting the Needs of Active Families: Local owners understand that today’s purchase will probably be outgrown or unused next season. That’s why they continuously pay customers for gently used clothing and equipment, then sell it at a fraction of the cost of what a consumer would pay for brand new.
- Putting Cash Back in Customer’s Pockets: Winmark’s industry-leading business model pays customers for merchandise, on the spot. This simple, transparent process builds trust and makes seasonal closet clean-outs easy.
- Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: Winmark seeks values-driven store owners who want to build businesses that matter. Our ideal franchisee partners are deeply connected to their communities and thrive on creating local impact.
- Connecting People and Passions: We hear so many inspiring stories from our franchisees about building meaningful businesses with a Winmark store. From supporting youth sports leagues to empowering women entering the workforce, our franchisees create meaningful connections every day.
- Affordable Sustainability for All: Our resale system has kept over 2 billion items out of landfills, reducing environmental impact while making sustainable shopping accessible to everyone.
Franchise Owners Embody Our Mission
From the latest teen fashions to sporting goods and gear to musical instruments and equipment, Winmark’s franchisees offer value-driven, socially responsible shopping options for their communities. The average Winmark franchise returns more than $400,000 per year to its customers for their gently owned goods. Our franchisees are making a real difference in the lives of their neighbors:
- Mikki Fitzer, owner of a Plato’s Closet, supports local charitable organizations and opens her store to the community with an annual “Take What You Need” Day.
- Chantelle Harder, who recently added a Style Encore to her resale retail portfolio (she also owns a Plato’s Closet and a Once Upon a Child), credits the community’s enthusiasm for her continued success.
- Alain Villafranca puts his corporate business management and economics skills to use to bring joy to his Music Go Round customers.
Thriving Businesses Built on Purpose
With over 30 years of experience, Winmark has proven that purpose-driven franchising works. Our model benefits communities and the planet — keeping 180+ million items out of landfills each year.
Imagine owning a business that succeeds financially while uplifting your community. If you’re an entrepreneur driven by purpose, Winmark offers the opportunity to make an impact that matters.
Ready to Learn More? Let’s Talk
Winmark’s franchise brands stand out in a crowded market. If you’re ready to build a business that gives back, contact us today.
Beyond saving customers money, our brands help strengthen the social fabric of the towns and cities where they operate.