Consumers today want more from the brands they support. Beyond price and convenience, they are looking for purpose, sustainability, and authenticity. This shift is especially pronounced among Millennials, Gen Z, and the emerging Gen Alpha—groups that increasingly choose businesses aligned with their values.
Winmark’s resale retail brands—Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round—sit at the center of this transformation. By pairing local ownership with a proven resale model, Winmark connects passionate franchise owners with value-driven consumers, while helping extend the life of everyday goods and reduce waste.
Why Resale Retail Is One of the Fastest-Growing Retail Categories
Resale has evolved far beyond traditional thrift shopping. Industry leaders now describe it as an essential part of modern retail, with used and e-commerce options becoming standard both online and in-store.
Several long-term trends are driving this growth:
- Sustainability awareness: Shoppers are actively seeking ways to reduce waste and support circular business models.
- Value-conscious spending: Families want quality goods at prices that fit their budgets.
- Transparency and ethics: Consumers favor brands that are open about sourcing, labor practices, and community involvement.
Looking ahead, industry outlooks continue to project strong demand for brands that deliver both personal value and positive environmental impact—making resale retail a durable, future-ready category.
Pairing Passion with Performance: The Winmark Franchise Advantage
Winmark offers prospective franchisees a rare combination: brands that are good for the planet, good for communities, and good for business. Rather than chasing trends, Winmark has spent more than three decades refining a resale system designed for long-term performance.
Industry-Leading Franchisee Support
Winmark is built around franchisee success from day one. Its comprehensive support model includes:
- A proven development and training program that prepares owners before opening
- Hands-on guidance with site selection, inventory strategy, marketing, and systems training
- Ongoing operational support designed to scale with the business
This structured approach allows owners to focus on execution and community engagement, rather than reinventing the wheel.
100% Owner-Operated Model
Unlike many franchise systems, Winmark does not operate corporate-owned stores. Every location is locally owned and operated, which means:
- Corporate resources are fully dedicated to franchisee support and innovation
- Owners are encouraged to collaborate, share insights, and learn from one another
- Decisions are made with franchisee performance as the top priority
This alignment helps foster a strong culture of trust, accountability, and shared success.
Retail Concepts Today’s Consumers Actively Seek Out
Winmark’s brands address real, recurring consumer needs while supporting sustainability through reuse:
- Fashion for youth and teens that delivers popular styles at accessible prices
- Gently used sports equipment that reduces the cost of constantly replacing seasonal gear
- Quality men’s and women’s apparel with the confidence of in-store shopping
- Musical instruments and equipment that make creative pursuits more accessible
- Children’s merchandise spanning clothing, toys, books, and essentials
Together, these concepts help break the cycle of buy-once, discard-later consumption, replacing it with a smarter, more sustainable approach to retail.
Community-Focused Ownership with Real Local Impact
Winmark franchisees are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Many are parents, coaches, mentors, and neighbors who reinvest locally through employment, partnerships, and outreach.
Examples of community impact include:
- Supporting youth sports and local programs
- Providing first-time job opportunities
- Reinvesting profits back into neighborhood economies
This local-first ownership model strengthens community ties while building trust with customers who prefer to shop small and shop local.
Cash-Back Resale: Value for Customers and Families
A defining feature of Winmark’s model is its cash-on-the-spot resale experience. Customers are paid immediately for gently used items, creating value on both sides of the transaction.
For families, this means:
- Extra cash for categories they shop most often
- Reduced financial pressure when kids’ interests and sizes change
- An easy, transparent way to participate in the resale economy
This approach helps strengthen customer loyalty while reinforcing the circular flow of goods.
Built on a Proven Circular Economy Model
At its core, resale retail is circular—and Winmark has spent decades perfecting this model. From inventory systems to marketing and resale pricing, every part of the business is designed to keep products in use longer and out of landfills.
Since 2010, Winmark’s system has helped keep more than 2 billion items out of landfills, while also reducing the need for new material extraction and processing—two major contributors to pollution in the apparel lifecycle.
Passionate Franchise Partners, Positioned for the Future
Winmark franchisees are notably purpose-driven. Many owners begin as customers who believe in the brands before turning that passion into a business. This alignment shows in long-term commitment, with 98.7% of franchise partners renewing after 10 years—a powerful indicator of system strength and franchisee satisfaction.
As sustainability continues to shape consumer behavior, and younger generations prioritize social and environmental impact, Winmark franchisees are well-positioned to serve today’s customers and tomorrow’s.
Is a Winmark Franchise Right for You?
If you’re looking to build a business that aligns profit with purpose, Winmark offers a transparent, collaborative franchise process backed by decades of resale expertise.
Ready to explore the opportunity? Connect with Winmark to learn how you can turn your passion for business and sustainability into a franchise you’re proud to own