Training & Support

Preparing Your Franchise Business for Success

Plato’s Closet® has been the fastest growing brand at Winmark® since we began franchising it in 1999, and it is the largest brand in a unique franchise system that has been in the resale retail business since 1988. If you haven’t worked in retail since your high school days—don’t worry! Most of our new franchisees did not come from an extensive retail background. But what they all share is the drive to be successful and see their own business thrive in their community. It is up to our training team to teach you the ins and outs of retail and ensure you have the foundation for a successful future!

Have questions about how Winmark prepares our franchise partners for success?  Contact us today or call our friendly franchising team at (866) 668-0681!

Our Franchisee Training

  • Business
    Planning
    Business Planning

    • Banks today want to see a solid business plan with a strong financial plan and committed ownership.

    • Winmark will help you build that plan based on our years of experience.

    • One full day of training is dedicated to building a detailed three-year plan and written narrative.

    • Together, these tools create a financial strategy for you to share with the bank to obtain financing.

  • Retail Site
    Selection
    Retail Site Selection

    • Training on site criteria such as economics, size, visibility, parking and co-tenants

    • Lease information training including retail terminology, lease basics and hiring a broker

    • Provide necessary information to landlord

    • Monitor the progress from letter of intent to lease signing

  • Style and Trend Training
    Style and Trend Training

    • Monthly What's Hot communication in fashion trends product training

    • Detailed hands on training of what to buy and how to buy it

    • Hands on mall training to see the latest styles

Ongoing Support 

At Winmark, we know that the key to a successful business is staying vigilant in the face of marketplace shifts and challenges. That is why we have a robust infrastructure that continues to assist our franchisees long after they've completed their initial training with us.

Field Operations

Our field operations personnel are far more than a retail consultant. They will help guide you on financial management, cash flow, marketing, merchandising and store operations. Winmark's Field Operations Managers have come from some of the best retail training programs in the world, such as Target®, JC Penney®, Best Buy®, Old Navy®, Kohl’s®, Saks 5th Avenue®, and more. They’re your front line partner and liaison to the rest of the home office team.

Marketing and Advertising

The Plato’s Closet marketing team delivers professionally produced television and radio commercials, event marketing materials, digital and social assets, local store marketing materials, and so much more. As a Winmark franchisee, you have a media buyer experienced in working with the Plato’s Closet brand. They’ll work with you to plan and place your TV, radio, and digital advertising to help you maximize your return on investment.

Ready to take your first step toward becoming a Plato's Closet franchisee? Submit our qualification form to our franchise team today! 

Plato's Closet Store Owners Love to Franchise with Winmark

  • "I needed that support. I was young, I didn't have a lot of background or, classes in college, in business, on the business side of things."
    - Jordan P.
  • "It changed my whole life."
    - Marnie M.
  • "To me that's the best part of owning a business is being able to employ people and make a difference in their life."
    - Kate F.
  • "It's still just surreal to be a small business owner. It's very rewarding and I, and I'm very thankful."
    - Rena M.
  • "I’ve always wanted to open a business and I didn’t really have the courage. I had no business training. We did a lot of research and were impressed so we went for it and I’ve never looked back."
    - Shawna N.
  • "Winmark is growing, they come up with new ideas each year; and we grow with them."
    - Multiple Winmark Franchise Owners

Learn About The Process

Discover the step-by-step journey to becoming a franchise owner. From meeting requirements to joining the brand, we'll guide you through the process. Start your exciting entrepreneurial journey today!

Ready to Take the First Step?

Fill out the form below to get started and receive your free franchise report!
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