Winmark#Plato's Closet

Ron Olson and Jeffrey Dahlberg started a consulting firm, Franchise Business Systems,{{cite news|last=Feuerbach |first=Lynn |date=1997-04-20 |title=Something Old Something New – Used merchandise chain finds success in Cedar Rapids |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAFE8D533CBA3CA?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Gazette |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527225933/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLBI2sJ?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAFE8D533CBA3CA%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} in 1986.{{cite news|last=McCartney |first=Jim |date=1995-06-11 |title=Large-Scale Garage Sale//Grow Biz International, With Its Five Franchise Concepts That Push Used and New Merchandise, Is Still on a Massive and Much-Touted Growth Spurt. But Rapid Growth Has Come with its Share of Problems for the Golden Valley Firm. |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5DF2AB6DB03AE?p=AWNB |newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230012/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLCKPa2?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5DF2AB6DB03AE%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Olson had been the president of R.J. Brandon Galleries and Dahlberg had been the chief executive officer of his father Kenneth H. Dahlberg's company, Dahlberg Inc. (now Miracle-Ear). Martha Morris was an initial customer of Olson and Dahlberg's consulting company. Morris, who started Play It Again Sports in 1983 in Uptown, Minneapolis, had purchased camping and backpacking supplies, found out she was not interested in camping, and decided to sell her used goods.{{cite news|last=Bust |first=Will |date=2007-10-08 |title=Trio of Used-Product Franchises Flourish in the Metro-East |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/11C3713A5A96E668?p=AWNB |newspaper=Belleville News-Democrat |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230052/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLG2Ya4?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/11C3713A5A96E668%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} She had attempted to sell a costly, lightly used backpack through making ads and visiting a sports shop, where an employee told her, "We don't sell used equipment." Morris decided to start her own store since she believed other people might have used sports equipment they would like to sell.

Morris expressed a desire to make her idea a franchise. Although Olson and Dahlberg were first concerned about the idea's outlook for success, their worries disappeared after they dropped by her outlet a Saturday morning and found a line of 10 customers before Morris' store had even opened. Their strategy to captivate franchisees was to add urbanity to something they called a "garage sale-looking environment" but not harm the initial idea. Olson and Dahlberg quickly realized they preferred to be the owners of a company instead of be advisers. Morris sold her Play It Again Sports franchise rights to Olson and Dahlberg in 1988. She sold her stores to them in 1990. Play It Again Sports became Winmark's first division.

The company was incorporated as Play It Again Sports Franchise Corporation in 1988 and was renamed to Grow Biz International Inc. in June 1993. It went public in August 1993.{{cite news|last=Walden |first=Gene |date=2009-02-02 |title=Used merchandise a hit for Winmark – Income for the Minneapolis owner of such franchise-based businesses as Music Go Round and Play It Again Sports is growing during recession |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/129E6CB3EE5CBA88?p=AWNB |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230132/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLGmNZE?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/129E6CB3EE5CBA88%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} The company was listed on NASDAQ as GBIZ;{{cite news|last=Campbell |first=Genie |date=1997-08-10 |title=Previously Played and Profitable. Business is Brisk at Used Instrument Store in Madison |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF0FF343A96489?p=AWNB |newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230214/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLKflzt?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF0FF343A96489%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} it is now listed on NASDAQ as WINA.{{cite news|last=Pesquera |first=Adolfo |date=2006-12-20 |title=Credit where credit is due |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/116278E9B08D5240?p=AWNB |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230255/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLN3zFt?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/116278E9B08D5240%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} In 1995, a significant number of the company's franchises were on Entrepreneur{{'}}s annual "Franchise 500" list. In 2001, Grow Biz was renamed to Winmark Corporation.{{cite news|last=Wehrwein |first=Sven |date=2013-10-04 |title=Candid Winmark leader John Morgan has no filter |url=https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2013/10/candid-winmark-leader-john-morgan-has-no-filter |newspaper=MinnPost |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906034848/https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2013/10/candid-winmark-leader-john-morgan-has-no-filter |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Okon |first=Bob |date=2006-05-28 |title=Play It Again Sports . again |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/118384FC7B404620?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Herald-News |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230333/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLTvzky?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/118384FC7B404620%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Winmark Corporation is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.{{cite news|last=Nelson |first=Todd |date=2009-11-06 |title=Like a business adviser on your desktop – Website wbsonline.com is free now, but owner Winmark hopes to turn a profit with it eventually. |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/12C5204F7AED53C0?p=AWNB |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230414/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLW8MDc?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/12C5204F7AED53C0%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }}

In March 2000, John Morgan took over as CEO from Jeff Dahlberg. By a year after joining the company as CEO, Morgan rescued Winmark from the precipice of bankruptcy by introducing stringent review of franchisee finances, shuttering failing Play It Again Sports stores, and appointing his own people to executive and board positions.{{cite news|last=Crosby |first=Jackie |date=2008-08-03 |title=Heard on the prairie – The secondhand-store company looks to equipping offices for increased success. |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/12271E8867D34060?p=AWNB |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230455/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLZ6dAT?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/12271E8867D34060%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Morgan chose Steve Briggs, who had been at Valspar, as the company's president. He selected as board members Kirk MacKenzie, whom he had worked with at Winthrop Resources, and Paul Reyelts, the chief financial officer at Valspar.{{cite news|last=St. Anthony |first=Neal |date=2004-04-10 |title=Once again, Morgan delivers the goods – Under his control, Winmark posts record earnings |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/101F53420FF83D93?p=AWNB |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230535/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLcAWgf?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/101F53420FF83D93%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} In June 2000, Winmark sold its corporate headquarters building to Koch Trucking.{{cite news|last=Moore |first=Janet |date=2000-07-08 |title=For $3 million, Grow Biz sells Computer Renaissance concept |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EFCCF05592C64BB?p=AWNB |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230617/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLeho3h?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EFCCF05592C64BB%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} The company had lost $350,700 in 2000; in 2001, it had a net income of $3.2 million.{{cite news|last=Daniel |first=Fran |date=2002-08-21 |title=No Stopping Them – Couple Continue to Reuse the Idea of Opening Recycled-Clothes Stores |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0F5925ACEE19C923?p=AWNB |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230656/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLh8PEC?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0F5925ACEE19C923%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Morgan said in a 2009 interview with the Star Tribune about the state of Winmark before he joined, "The company was very good at selling franchises, but it was still losing money." Around 2002, Winmark sold the franchises Retool, Computer Renaissance and Disc-Go-Round.{{cite news|last=Ewoldt |first=John |date=2002-08-08 |title=Dollars & Sense – Frugal Fashions – At Plato's Closet, everything from Abercrombie to Zumiez sells for a fraction of retail. Just don't tell teens it's used. |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0F54B84B0FAC9AC1?p=AWNB |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723135950/http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0F54B84B0FAC9AC1?p=AWNB |archive-date=2023-07-23 |url-status=dead }}

In 2011, Winmark was ranked the 11th company on Forbes{{'}}s "The Top 20 Small Public Companies In America".{{cite news|last=Radford |first=Bill |date=2012-03-16 |title=Wave of resale, consignment shops pops up in Springs |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15E9D47849026968?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Gazette |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230738/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJLzAo3x?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15E9D47849026968%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Around 2013, research company IBISWorld found that in the used goods outlet market, Goodwill Industries was first with a 21.5% share, Winmark was second with nearly 6%, and The Salvation Army was third with nearly 4%.{{cite news|last=Valverde |first=Miriam |date=2013-04-04 |title=Plato's Closet opens in Fort Lauderdale, selling and buying trendy apparel |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-04-04/business/fl-platos-closet-opening-20130404_1_closet-plato-plantation-store |newspaper=Sun-Sentinel |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906035435/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-04-04/business/fl-platos-closet-opening-20130404_1_closet-plato-plantation-store |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }} In 2016, the company had a $1 billion market share in the $17 billion resell industry through its 1,170 franchisees.{{cite news|last=O'Connell |first=Jon |date=2016-08-07 |title=Reselling goods is big business in U.S. |url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/reselling-goods-is-big-business-in-u-s-1.2075362 |newspaper=The Scranton Times-Tribune |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906035444/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/reselling-goods-is-big-business-in-u-s-1.2075362 |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}

In February 2016, President Brett Heffes was chosen as Winmark's next CEO, succeeding John Morgan, who became the executive chairman.{{cite news|last=Reyes |first=Robin |date=2016-02-25 |title=Winmark Names President Brett Heffes as New CEO, Succeeding John Morgan |url=http://sonoranweeklyreview.com/winmark-names-president-brett-heffes-as-new-ceo-succeeding-john-morgan-nasdaqwina/ |newspaper=Sonoran Weekly Review |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906035528/http://sonoranweeklyreview.com/winmark-names-president-brett-heffes-as-new-ceo-succeeding-john-morgan-nasdaqwina/ |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }} According to a 2014 article in The Toronto Star, Morgan holds the most shares in the company.{{cite news|last=Kopun |first=Francine |date=2014-03-14 |title=Can selling second-hand clothes be profitable? |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2014/03/14/can_selling_secondhand_clothes_be_profitable.html |newspaper=Toronto Star |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906035535/https://www.thestar.com/business/2014/03/14/can_selling_secondhand_clothes_be_profitable.html |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}

Winmark Corporation owns five franchise-based retail companies that focus on used goods: Music Go Round (musical instruments), Once Upon a Child (children's clothes and toys), Plato's Closet (adolescent and young adult clothes), Play It Again Sports (sports equipment), and Style Encore (women's clothing).{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Kevin |date=2013-01-24 |title=Winmark to open resale stores in the San Gabriel Valley |url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/article/ZZ/20130124/NEWS/130128416 |newspaper=Pasadena Star-News |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906035547/http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/article/ZZ/20130124/NEWS/130128416 |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Webb |first=Tom |date=2014-05-28 |title=Eagan's Style Encore offers curtain call for used clothing |url=http://www.twincities.com/2014/05/28/eagans-style-encore-offers-curtain-call-for-used-clothing/ |newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906035600/http://www.twincities.com/2014/05/28/eagans-style-encore-offers-curtain-call-for-used-clothing/ |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }} Winmark sold four franchise-based retailed companies: Computer Renaissance (computer equipment), Disc Go Round (CDs), It's About Game (computer games and video games), and ReTool (tools).

The cost to become a franchisee in 2009 was $25,000 and five percent of the franchisee's gross revenue. Franchisees further are required to pay Winmark for advertising and miscellaneous assistance. Although Winmark's contract with franchisees does not allot them territories, the contract ensures that any rival outlets must be located five or more miles away.{{cite news|last=Nelson |first=Jonathan |date=2008-04-17 |title='Very picky' Plato's |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/1202365048602A40?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Columbian |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230815/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJM7T6pV?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/1202365048602A40%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }}

Despite Winmark's specializing in used goods, its stores sell new goods too. Through its many stores, Winmark uses its buying power to negotiate competitive prices for the stores' new goods.{{cite news|last=Okon |first=Bob |date=2003-04-27 |title=Bursting at the seams – Store: Once Upon a Child moving to new location |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0FEBFDC913D640EE?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Herald-News |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230859/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMBC2rY?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0FEBFDC913D640EE%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} It also teaches franchisees about the used goods industry and offers pricing software to establish standards for the used goods they purchase.

Between 2006 and 2010, Winmark started around 50 stores annually.{{cite news|last=Nixon |first=Alex |date=2010-08-27 |title=Franchise opportunities open with Winmark |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/131E6135F9A5A508?p=AWNB |newspaper=Kalamazoo Gazette |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231016/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMLc1Qh?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/131E6135F9A5A508%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} In 2013, Winmark had over 1,000 franchised stores—none of which it owned—that in total had sales of over $900 million.

Music Go Round purchases, sells, and exchanges used musical instruments and paraphernalia. Founded as Hi-Tech Consignments in Minneapolis by Bill Shell in 1986, Winmark purchased it in 1993 and renamed it to Music Go Round.{{cite news|last=McCartney |first=Jim |date=1998-09-23 |title=Playing a New Tune//A Strong Economy Has Made Franchising a Less Popular Business Option. Franchisor Music Go Round is Adjusting to that Reality by Operating More Corporately Owned Stores. |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5E32D1833B08D?p=AWNB |newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527230937/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMEDwf3?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5E32D1833B08D%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} In 2009, roughly 30% of Music Go Round's musical instruments purchased were new. In 2011, it had 35 locations in the United States. In 2010, the complete cost to start a Music Go Round was $300,000 and the average yearly sales were between $650,000 and $725,000.

Once Upon a Child purchases and sells used children's attire and toys. The first Once Upon a Child store was opened in 1985 in Perrysburg, Ohio, by Dennis and Lynn Blum in 1985 after they observed Goodwill Industries accepting and selling used baby attire.{{cite news|last=Nevius |first=C.W. |date=2005-06-10 |title=Dublin: Plato's Closet resells 'in' clothes before they are 'out' |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Dublin-Plato-s-Closet-resells-in-clothes-2663458.php |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906040342/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Dublin-Plato-s-Closet-resells-in-clothes-2663458.php |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }} Prior to opening a store, Lynn Blum had been selling her three sons' and friends' and neighbors' clothing in a garage sale from her house every week. Her husband resigned from his employment in 1989 to work with Lynn .{{cite news|last=Yeomans |first=Michael |date=2002-07-10 |title=Some new clothing chains happy to take the shirt off your back |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/152DB36D15C86A80?p=AWNB |newspaper=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231059/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMOhzhC?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/152DB36D15C86A80%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Winmark purchased the company in 1992. In 2009, roughly 10% of Once Upon a Child's children's attire and playthings purchased were new. In 2011, it had 240 locations in the United States and 24 in Canada. In 2010, the complete cost to start a Once Upon a Child was between $200,000 and $250,000 and the average yearly sales were between $650,000 and $725,000.

Plato's Closet purchases and sells used brand name teenager and young adult clothing, shoes, and accessories.{{cite news|last=Hughes |first=Christopher J. |date=2011-05-08 |title=Winmark branches out |url=http://archives.timesleader.com/2011_7/2011_05_08_Winmark_branches_out_-Scranton.html |newspaper=Times Leader |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906040406/http://archives.timesleader.com/2011_7/2011_05_08_Winmark_branches_out_-Scranton.html |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }} It focuses on clothes for people ages 12 to 24.{{cite news|last=Maben |first=Scott |date=2009-08-07 |title=New Plato's Closet coming |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/07/new-platos-closet-coming/ |newspaper=The Spokesman-Review |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906040451/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/07/new-platos-closet-coming/ |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Wells |first=Devona |date=2005-10-06 |title=Retailer's resales hit Inland area |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/10D1745CEA2FE570?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Press-Enterprise |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231138/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMU589x?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/10D1745CEA2FE570%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Winmark purchased Plato's Closet from Dennis and Lynn Blum, the founders of Once Upon a Child, in 1998.{{cite news|last=Verdon |first=Joan |date=2003-10-31 |title=Store turns used teen clothes into gold |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0FE8AA632C133CE3?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Record |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231220/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMXkHNn?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0FE8AA632C133CE3%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} The store's name was inspired by a Blum son's schoolwork about Plato who had been an early advocate of recycling, which paralleled the aim to recycle used clothes. In 2011, there were over 280 franchisees in the United States and Canada. In 2010, the complete cost to start a Plato's Closet was between $200,000 and $250,000 and the average yearly sales were $825,000.

A 2001 article in the Star Tribune noted that Plato's Closet in 2001 stocked up on brand names such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Inc., Silver Jeans Co., Sean John, Express, Inc., and Dr. Martens that they sold at a markdown of between 50% and 75%. Unlike consignment shops, Plato's Closet pays sellers on the spot. Used clothes are purchased at between 30% and 40% of what Plato's Closet intends to sell them at. In a 2009 interview with Star Tribune, CEO John Morgan said Plato's Closet did the best during the Great Recession among Winmark's franchises because people were more likely to sell used clothing to make money and to buy used clothing to save money.

{{main|Play It Again Sports}}

Play It Again Sports purchases and sells used sports goods and is Winmark's largest chain. Roughly 70% of Play It Again Sports' sports equipment is new. In 2011, it had over 330 locations in the United States and Canada. In 2010, the complete cost to start a Play It Again Sports was $300,000 and the average yearly sales were between $650,000 and $725,000.

Style Encore buys and sells used women's and men's clothing. In January 2013, Winmark announced that it would start a new franchise, Style Encore, that would focus on used women's clothing. The first store opened in Texas in August 2013. Style Encore immediately pays cash to people looking to sell used women's and men's attire, footwear, handbags, and jewelry.{{cite news|last=Neyens |first=Deborah |date=2016-02-08 |title=Ground Floor: Cedar Rapids couple finds retail resale to be good fit. Style Encore buys, sells women's apparel |url=http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/business/ground-floor-cedar-rapids-couple-finds-retail-resale-to-be-good-fit-20160208 |newspaper=The Gazette |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906040714/http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/business/ground-floor-cedar-rapids-couple-finds-retail-resale-to-be-good-fit-20160208 |archive-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}

Computer Renaissance bought and sold new and used computer supplies such as computers, computer memory, computer monitors, and printers.{{cite news|last=Hostetter |first=George |date=1997-10-21 |title=Used-Computer Chain Opens Clovis Outlet. Computer Renaissance Opens First Valley Store in Clovis. |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAE8A2A30F716B5?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Fresno Bee |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231259/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMdOnmi?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAE8A2A30F716B5%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} The store also sold computer games and books and helped customers build custom computers.{{cite news|last=Hunt |first=Mary Beth |date=1996-06-14 |title=Selling high tech without high price |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB52E19747C7671?p=AWNB |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231342/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMg7JaF?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB52E19747C7671%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Computer Renaissance was started in 1993.{{cite news|last=Chang |first=Ellen Y. |date=1996-07-08 |title=Store Will Buy, Sell Used PCs: Franchiser Will Open in City July 23 |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB782D695318E9C?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Journal Gazette |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231422/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMjVB7n?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB782D695318E9C%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} On July 7, 2000, Winmark sold Computer Renaissance, which had 209 stores, to Jack Hollis' Hollis Technologies LLC in Lakeland, Florida, for $3 million. Hollis had been a Computer Renaissance franchisee. CEO John Morgan stated that the business was spun off as unlike durable products like musical instruments and sporting goods that always have a strong resale market, Computer Renaissance's used equipment and software had a lower resale value due to the era's rapidly-changing technology.{{cite news|last=Maler |first=Kevin |date=2000-10-22 |title=C.H. Robinson Worldwide's Stock Stays on the Move, Should Continue to Grow |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB73A4043F56F12?p=AWNB |newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231459/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMmAiUo?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB73A4043F56F12%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }}

Disc Go Round bought and sold new and used compact discs (CDs). In July 1994, Winmark spent $2.3 million to purchase CDX Audio, which used the name CD Exchange in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When Winmark purchased the company, it had 42 stores.{{cite news|last=Hogan |first=Gypsy |date=1998-06-18 |title=CD Warehouse Makes Acquisition |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB46F9AF30077D3?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Oklahoman |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231541/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMopHko?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB46F9AF30077D3%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} Winmark renamed the used CD store to Disc Go Round because they could not nationally trademark the name "CD Exchange".{{cite news|last=Ford |first=George C. |date=1994-10-23 |title=Men make 'sound' investment selling used CDs |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAFE7AD17682239?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Gazette |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231622/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMqpjs4?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAFE7AD17682239%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} The outlet had an electronic system that recorded all the CDs a store had so customers did not have to browse the shelves trying to determine whether a particular CD was present. Disc Go Around also had "listening stations" for customers to listen to CDs. Winmark sold Disc Go Round, which had increased to 137 stores, to CD Warehouse on June 26, 1998, for $7.4 million.

It's About Games bought and sold used PC games, video games, and board games. It was founded in Cleveland as Video Game Exchange in 1990 and grew to 83 stores by the end of 1994, but its excessive expansion resulted in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 1995 and the closure of half its stores.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97090223/grow-biz-buys-video-game-exchange/ |title=Grow Biz to buy video game retailer |newspaper=The Marion Star |page=18 |date=July 8, 1997 |access-date=March 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97091027/computer-renaissance-gives-new-life-to-u/ |title=Computer Renaissance gives new life to used computers |last=Levy |first=Melissa |newspaper=Star Tribune |date=August 5, 1997 |page=28 |access-date=March 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Winmark spent roughly $6.8 million to acquire Video Game Exchange in 1997 and renamed it to It's About Games. It's About Games locations were largely in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia and Maryland. It made money for Winmark until 1998. During its last year under Winmark management, It's About Games lost $3.4 million due to excessive inventory, a buggy computer system, poorly chosen products, and improperly trained employees. Winmark owned 60 of the 64 It's About Games stores in the franchise and would have been profitable without It's About Games. Winmark sold or closed all its It's About Games stores in 1999 to reduce losses. Winmark also aimed to cut down on the number of stores it owned because it wanted to focus on franchisee-owned stores.{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=October 15, 1999 |title=Grow Biz to sell games chain |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97088728/grow-biz-sells-its-about-games/ |newspaper=Star Tribune |page=49 |access-date=March 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97089075/grow-biz-sells-its-about-games-part-2/ |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=October 15, 1999 |title=Series of mistakes led chain to have abysmal Christmas |newspaper=Star Tribune |page=56 |access-date=March 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

ReTool bought and sold used tools. Winmark opened the first ReTool on November 10, 1999, in Chicago.{{cite news|last=Peters |first=Jim |date=1999-11-11 |title=Company Launches Store That Sells Used Tools |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB097341B3E48AC?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Herald-News |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620012205/http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB097341B3E48AC?p=AWNB |archive-date=2022-06-20 |url-status=dead }} Roughly 65% of ReTool's goods were purchased from people, while the remainder was purchased from factories that produced too many tools or from closing businesses.{{cite news|last=Bond |first=Pati |date=1999-11-19 |title=Tool recycle franchise a boon for the handy |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EADA4C5B33E89DA?p=AWNB |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=2016-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527231659/https://www.webcitation.org/6kJMyt0y9?url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EADA4C5B33E89DA%3Fp=AWNB |archive-date=2024-05-27 |url-status=dead }} CEO John Morgan said in an October 2000 interview that many people did not sell tools they did not use so it was hard to accumulate used tools at ReTool. Winmark sold ReTool around 2002.

Wirth Business Credit is a small-business supplies leasing company owned by Winmark. In a 2008 interview with the Star Tribune, CEO John Morgan said Winmark plowed the $9 million to $10 million in profit from its franchisees into Wirth Business Credit because they believed leasing supplies will become a profitable business even though the current growth had been slow. In 2008, there were 27 Wirth Business Credit franchises.

In 2004, Winmark created Winmark Business Solutions, a website for small businesses owners. Winmark Business Solutions was intended to help franchisees and clients of Wirth Business Credit. The website hosted 6,000 pages related to business such as how to found a company and how to sell a company. It had a forum for people to discuss small business issues and its articles also discussed finance, insurance, and technology topics with a focus on business.

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|https://winmarkcorporation.com/}}

{{Portal bar|Companies|United States}}

{{authority control}}

Category:American companies established in 1988

Category:Companies based in Minneapolis

Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq

Category:Franchises

Category:Retail companies established in 1988