Franchisor and operator of retail store concepts that buy, sell, and trade gently used merchandise under brands like Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child.
Winmark Corporation operates as a franchisor of retail store concepts across the United States and Canada, specializing in the buying, selling, trading, and consignment of used merchandise. The company is structured into two main segments: Franchising and Leasing. Under its Franchising segment, Winmark oversees a diverse portfolio of retail brands including Plato's Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round. Each brand caters to specific consumer markets with unique offerings ranging from used clothing and accessories for teenagers and young adults to children's apparel, toys, and sporting goods.
Plato's Closet stores focus on fashionable used clothing and accessories for teens and young adults, while Once Upon A Child specializes in children's apparel, toys, and equipment for infants to 12-year-olds. Play It Again Sports stores offer new and used sporting goods and equipment across various athletic disciplines, from team sports to fitness and outdoor activities. Style Encore provides a retail platform for buying and selling used women's apparel, shoes, and accessories, while Music Go Round stores cater to musicians by buying, selling, and trading new and used musical instruments and related electronics.
Beyond its retail operations, Winmark Corporation also engages in the middle-market equipment leasing business, focusing on technology and essential business equipment. This leasing arm complements its franchising activities by providing additional revenue streams and diversification. Winmark Corporation's extensive network comprises 1,271 franchised stores as of February 2022, supplemented by online sales through dedicated websites for its brands. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company continues to expand its footprint in the resale market while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.