Winmark Corporation supports franchise owners across five resale retail brands — Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Music Go Round, and Style Encore — with proprietary technology, dedicated operations coaching, and ongoing training programs designed to improve store performance at every stage of ownership.
Owning a franchise is a uniquely challenging entrepreneurial experience. From managing financials and hiring staff to navigating marketing and inventory, franchise retail requires clear communication and reliable support from the franchisor — both before and after opening day. Winmark’s franchise support system is built specifically for that reality.
What Sets Winmark's Franchise Support System Apart?
Winmark’s franchisee partner support program sets the industry standard for transparency, training, innovation, and responsiveness. Unlike traditional retail franchises, resale retail requires a more customized, adaptive level of support — because our owners are simultaneously managing a buying operation, a retail floor, and a data-driven pricing strategy. Our playbook is built around that complexity.
Ongoing Operational Support and Training
Winmark provides monthly training classes and a dedicated support staff to help franchise owners manage the unique complexities of resale retail operations.
- Ongoing educational opportunities for new and existing franchisees cover tracking, reporting, and back-end operations.
- Dedicated operational support staff are available to answer owner questions in real time.
Operations Coaching
Our operations managers work directly with owners to identify growth opportunities and build performance strategies tailored to each store.
- Day-to-day operations analysis to surface inefficiencies and opportunities.
- Franchise performance metrics and KPI development to guide future sales decisions.
- Ongoing business strategy advice from experienced resale retail professionals.
Inventory Control & Pricing Strategies
Because store inventory comes from multiple sources — customers walking in the door — Winmark has developed a proprietary inventory management platform built specifically for resale retail.
- Our Data Recycling System integrates directly with point-of-sale systems to provide comprehensive sales data.
- Every item is tracked from purchase to sale, including which employee bought it and when.
- Buying trends can be analyzed by brand, category, seasonality, and merchandise condition.
- Our Buy Matrix makes pricing inventory easy and takes out the guess work.
Technology and Training: How Winmark Helps Franchisees Operate Smarter
Winmark’s resale franchise opportunity is built on more than operational tools. We believe resale retail isn’t just today’s hottest trend — it’s the socially and environmentally responsible way to build a circular, regenerative economy.
Our franchise owners are community leaders. They coach little league and hockey teams. They hire local musicians and sports fans to staff their stores. Supporting these entrepreneurs is central to our mission, not just as a business strategy, but as a reflection of what Winmark stands for.
Ready to explore a resale franchise opportunity with one of North America’s leading resale retail brands? Start by completing your no-obligation franchise application today.