Winmark Franchise Brands: Stability in the Growing Resale Market

According to dozens of industry websites, resale is poised, yet again, to be the hottest trend in retail this year. Economic uncertainty and shifting generational values make this category one of the fastest growing in the retail industry. Winmark’s brands — Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round — deliver a seamless resale experience for customers while helping communities repurpose quality merchandise.

Why Winmark’s Franchise Model Leads the Resale Industry

For over 35 years, Winmark has set the standard for resale retail. Our franchise model creates value for families, simplifies shopping, and keeps billions of items out of landfills. Here’s what makes us different:

• Payment on the Spot. Customers bring in gently used items and receive instant cash or a digital payment method — helping families stretch budgets while reducing waste.
• Locally Owned & Community-Focused. Every Winmark store is 100% franchisee-owned. Our owners are entrepreneurs, parents, coaches, and neighbors, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
• In-Store Shopping Experience. Unlike online-only resale platforms, our stores offer an environment where customers can touch, try, and buy with confidence — no chatbots, no shipping.
• No Shipping and Return Headaches. Because you can purchase items in store, there are no unwelcome surprises. Forget return nightmares. The ability for customers to shop in store eliminates shipping and ensures customers get exactly what they want.
• Hybrid E-Commerce Advantage. Franchisees of Music Go Round, Play It Again Sports, and Style Encore utilize an exclusive e-commerce platform tied to their store inventory, giving customers the flexibility to shop online or reserve items for in-store pickup.
• True Circular Economy. Our resale model reduces manufacturing waste and supply chain challenges, promotes ethical consumption, and reinvests money directly into local communities.

Franchise Opportunities with Purpose and Profit

For entrepreneurs seeking a proven franchise model, across covers key categories with our five brands:

• Teen and young adult fashion: Plato’s Closet
• Sporting equipment and athletic uniforms: Play It Again Sports
• Men’s & women’s apparel and accessories: Style Encore
• Musical instruments and services: Music Go Round
• Kids’ clothing & gear: Once Upon a Child

With a 98.7% renewal rate after 10 years, our franchisees succeed because we provide comprehensive onboarding and ongoing support, including:

• Site selection
• Business planning
• Product knowledge
• Technology systems
• Merchandising & inventory setup
• Marketing & advertising
• Store operations

Ready to Join the Resale Revolution?

Resale retail is surging — and Winmark is leading the way. If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur who values sustainability and community impact, we’d love to connect.