The resale retail category is experiencing an incredible period of growth, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. Deloitte’s first quarter 2025 retail outlook lists resale as one of the top three trends of the year. For entrepreneurs and potential franchisees interested in retail, the resale category should not be ignored!
Winmark has more than three decades of experience creating and building resale brands that meet the diverse needs of today’s Millennial and Gen Z consumers. To better understand the Winmark difference, let’s take a quick look at the resale phenomenon and what makes our resale brands — Style Encore, Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Once Upon a Child and Music Go Round — stand out among the rest.
Savvy Spenders Make Thoughtful Purchase Decisions
Reams of data have been compiled on the spending preferences and habits of Millennials and Gen Z shoppers. According to Nielsen IQ, Millennials comprise the largest consumer segment (29%), but will soon be overtaken by Gen Z (currently at 24%).
- These two key demographics possess a unique understanding of the power of their dollars. Many acknowledge that it’s unlikely they’ll make as much as their parents or grandparents did and, in response, have developed smart spending habits.
- Gen Z and Millennial shoppers seek items that reflect their individual personalities and sense of style. Scoring a resale or upcycled “find” is an achievement, one that supports their ability to express authenticity.
- These younger shoppers are also conscious about the impact they, as consumers, have on the planet. Sustainability is one of their top purchase considerations, and they recognized that the reuse of viable merchandise is a key way to reduce environmental harm. They will seek out brands that practice sustainability and are willing to pay more for low-impact items.
- Millennials and Gen Z consumers’ frugality and (conversely) willingness to spend on thoughtfully-made and resale products reflect the nature of their emphasis on value and values. These generations readily share their thrifting and consignment finds, often discussing the benefits of eco-conscious consumerism with one another and the public.
Winmark Leads the Way
Winmark’s five resale retail brands have helped shape this rapidly expanding category. From trendy apparel and shoes for teens and adults to sporting goods and equipment, as well as musical instruments and items for kids, our resale ecosystem is built on prioritizing our franchisees’ success and promoting sustainability in the communities we serve. Our industry-leading ecommerce storefronts for Play It Again Sports, Music Go Round, and Style Encore further extend our reach online. That means our franchisees can bring resale to everyone — no matter where they live.
Winmark’s business model upends traditional retail. Our unique franchise program is tailored for entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals within their communities and on the planet, while running a successful business. Our business model is based on 100% franchisee ownership of stores, so the corporation can focus on marketing and developing new ideas.
Recently, Winmark celebrated a major milestone in our values-based approach — with the help of our franchisees and the people who sell their used items to our stores, we have kept over 2 billion items out of landfills since 2010. Our model is working. That’s why we have an industry-leading, 98% franchise renewal rate, and many Winmark franchisees invest in multiple brands.
We genuinely approach our franchisees as partners and continually gather their feedback on both current operations and future concepts so that we can continue to innovate and stay at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry. This circular business model is well-positioned for the challenges of the future, with new opportunities available in both the U.S. and Canada.
Winmark has been leading the category for decades with resale store brands that resonate with consumers and create deep professional satisfaction among our franchise partners.