The Top 10 Retail Clothing Franchise Concepts

These 10 retail clothing franchise concepts cater to different niches, from high-end apparel to sustainable children's resale. Discover the distinctive features that set each brand apart, and find the perfect fit for your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Uptown Cheapskate

Initial Investment: $376,936 to $610,986

Unit Count: 110

Uptown Cheapskate is a chain of buy-and-sell retail franchise stores that offer brand-name clothing, accessories and shoes geared for teens and young adults. The products (and stores themselves) are high-end and chic, and the brand is recognized for its charitable donations to a buildOn, a non-profit organization that builds schools in developing nations. 

Apricot Lane Boutique

Initial Investment: $189,500

Unit Count: 110

Apricot Lane Boutique sells trending-yet-affordable apparel, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories and gifts. Every brick-and-mortar store also has a website, offering franchisees e-commerce opportunities. Each location has company stylists and buyers who hand-select inventory for each store individually to keep the trends tailored to the local community’s tastes. 

Plato’s Closet

Initial Investment: $281,000 to $410,000

Unit Count: 500

Plato’s Closet specializes in selling gently used brand-name clothing, shoes and accessories. Consumers can bring in second-hand items to exchange for cash or store credit. The buy-and-sell chain primarily focuses on curating current fashions for teens and young adults. Owned by parent company Winmark Brands, the Plato’s Closet brand is well-known across the country. 

Mainstream Boutique

Initial Investment: $140,175 to $270,925

Unit Count: 80

Mainstream Boutique was founded in 1991 by Marie DeNicola, who previously worked in the LA garment district as a buyer, merchandiser and planner. The brand became a franchised retail concept in 1998 and currently offers apparel and accessories in stores across the country. 

Pro Image Sports

Initial Investment: $155,500 to $536,700

Unit Count: 160

Pro Image Sports sells novelty sports items, along with licensed professional and collegiate sports jerseys and apparel. The brand sells fan gear in support of the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, as well as NCAA sports teams. 

Clothes Mentor

Initial Investment: $272,000 to $396,000

Unit Count: 121

Clothes Mentor is a second-hand clothing store franchise that specializes in designer clothing for women of all ages and sizes, including maternity clothing. The brand was founded in 2001 and began franchising in 2007.

Kid to Kid

Initial Investment: $359,661 to $594,911

Unit Count: 110

Kid to Kid is a children’s resale franchise concept that addresses both issues of sustainability and the expense of quick-growing children. The store pays consumers for gently used kids’ clothing and sells the clothing back to the community at an affordable price. 

fab’rik

Initial Investment: $114,000 to  $221,000

Unit Count: 42

fab’rik clothing boutique first opened in 2002 with the mission of creating an affordable shopping experience without sacrificing quality materials. The brand has its own non-profit, free fab’rik, which hosts free shopping sprees for women in need, such as those staying at safe houses.

Style Encore

Initial Investment: $246,800 to $391,200

Unit Count: 71

Situated under the same Winmark Corporation umbrella as Plato’s Closet, Style Encore focuses on recycling trendy women’s apparel and accessories within the community, offering cash to locals who bring in gently used clothing. 

Gap, Inc.

Initial Investment: Varies

Unit Count: 3,352

Gap, Inc. includes a bunch of brands with excellent name recognition, such as Old Navy, Athleta and Banana Republic. Prospective franchisees must meet high expectations for previous business ownership experience and acumen to be considered. 

As the retail clothing landscape continues to evolve, franchise concepts provide a gateway for aspiring business owners to tap into established markets. From charitable initiatives to a focus on sustainability, each brand brings something unique to the table. Remember to assess your business model preferences, local market dynamics and business goals when selecting the franchise that aligns best with your vision.

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