Clothes are necessary for everyone, starting from kids to the senior community. But besides necessity, clothes let people express themself adapting to the newest trends. The apparel and accessories retail market has different options so everyone can find a business that fits them: from eco-conscious stores that buy and sell gently used garments to upscale dresses for red carpets. The stores can stand out by focusing on narrow markets such as footwear or screen printing. It is an enormous industry that generates trillions of revenues around the globe and does not seem to decrease.
We collected for you 25 very different but successful franchises in the industry.
1. Plato's Closet
- Founded: 1998
- Franchising since: 1998
- Initial investment: $255,000 – $400,900
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Plato's Closet is a retail store company. The company specializes in buying and selling gently used, brand-name apparel for teens and young adults. The franchise also sells used accessories, books, games, picture frames, and other items. The franchisor offers business planning assistance, proprietary computer systems, advertising and marketing materials.
2. Uptown Cheapskate
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $259,660 – $443,160
- Initial franchise fee:$25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Uptown Cheapskate is a family-owned company retail store chain. The franchise buys and sells name-brand apparel, shoes, and accessories to the target audience are 14 to 25 years old young adults. The best practices of the company’s stores are the foundation of the business model. The franchisor provides management packages for easier store management. Management or retail experience required for candidates, as well as be good at managing people and be comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
3. Clothes Mentor
- Founded: 1992
- Franchising since: 2001
- Initial investment: $46,150 – $236,100
- Initial franchise fee:$4,000 - $8,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%/9%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $175,000
Clothes Mentor stores buy and sell like-new women’s name-brand and designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. Some stores also offer free personal shoppers or fun private events.
The franchisees will get proprietary, cloud-based point-of-sale systemб operating standards and marketing procedures.
4. Mainstream Boutique
- Founded: 1991
- Franchising since: 1998
- Initial investment: $115,000 – $241,500
- Initial franchise fee:$35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7.5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$100,000
The opening of Mainstream Boutique is an inspiring story of Marie DeNicola. She started the company in a small bedroom when her family moved to Minnesota. DeNicola used her experience as a buyer, merchandiser, and planner to provide women with fashionable clothing, jewelry, giftware, and accessories. A few years later, the company evolved into a franchised retail concept. The average footprint of the store is 1,500 square feet. The franchise has full-time and semi-absentee business models.
5. Apricot Lane Boutique
- Founded: 1991
- Franchising since: 2004
- Initial investment: $136,050 – $333,000
- Initial franchise fee:$34,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5.5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Apricot Lane Boutique specializes in fashion apparel and accessories for women from ages 16-50+. Aside from that, the company has its own brand of bath and body products, wall decor, gifts, and other merchandise that sells in the stores. The stores are typically located in high-traffic shopping centers. The franchisor offers a comprehensive training program, ongoing support, and marketing support.
6. Flip Flop Shops
- Founded: 2004
- Franchising since: 2007
- Initial investment: $174,300 – $279,500
- Initial franchise fee:$35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$100,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Flip Flop Shops specializes in casual footwear like flip flops and sandals. The company was started by Sarah Towne and Todd Giatrelis, and after opening several company-owned stores, they teamed with franchise industry experts to start franchising. As a result, franchisees get turn-key business with extensive training, comprehensive operational and marketing plans. The franchisor provides both single and multi-unit options.
7. Destination Athlete LLC
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $46,150 – $236,100
- Initial franchise fee:$4,000 - $8,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%/9%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $175,000
Destination Athlete offers sports and field equipment, uniforms, spirit wear, varsity jackets for school athletic teams and athletes. The franchise offers a flexible, home-based business model; a retail store is optional. Franchise candidates must have relationships with local sports leagues or school athletics.
8. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts Inc.
- Founded: 2007
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $114,501 – $244,800
- Initial franchise fee: $13,500 - $39,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts franchise has a unique concept of custom decorated apparel. Printing can be applied to all types of clothing, including tote bags and dog clothes. The franchisees use fabric dyeing technology that is all-digital and eco-friendly. The franchise advantages are a small 1,200 sq. f. footprint, minimum employee requirement, and low overhead.
9. Winnie Couture
- Founded: 2001
- Franchising since: 2001
- Initial investment: $299,000 – $550,000
- Initial franchise fee:
- Ongoing royalty fee:
- Net-Worth Requirement:$300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Winnie Couture was founded by Winnie and Chris Lee, who is passionate about the bridal fashion industry. The franchise salons offer high-end attire for brides and luxurious red carpet dresses loved by industry insiders and Hollywood celebrities.
The franchise is a semi-absentee ownership model with comprehensive support and marketing programs. The franchisor is looking for a person interested in the bridal and fashion industry with leadership qualities.
10. Rhea Lana's
- Founded: 1997
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $19,050 – $38,950
- Initial franchise fee: $10,000 - $13,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 1-3%
Rhea Lana's is a children's clothing pop-up event franchise. The franchise expanded in 80 different locations nationwide and held six profitable flagship events per year. The business model offers a flexible lifestyle and is suitable for those who are looking for additional income. A corporate mentor and manual, weekly webinars will be provided to franchises. Successful franchise owners will be able to purchase new territories.
11. Once Upon A Child
- Founded: 1984
- Franchising since: 1992
- Initial investment: $268,500 – $396,900
- Initial franchise fee:$25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Once Upon A Child is the nation’s largest chain of retail stores of used and new children’s apparel, toys, furniture, and accessories. The franchise also buys clothes from customers.
Franchise owners will have business planning assistance, help with site selection, including demographic studies and area market potential analysis.
12. Style Encore
- Founded: 2013
- Franchising since: 2013
- Initial investment: $257,050 – $392,000
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Style Encore is part of the franchise family of Plato’s Closet and Once Upon A Child. The franchise stores specialize in buying and selling gently-used casual and business apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories. The target audience is young professionals, career women, moms in the late 20s to mid- 50s. The franchise business model includes a proprietary computer system, three-year business plan, classroom instructions, and more.
13. Pro Image Sports
- Founded: 1985
- Franchising since: 1986
- Initial investment: $155,500 – $536,700
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Pro Image Sports provides its customers authentic, licensed sports apparel. Each store has a unique range of items depending on market needs. The franchise stores are typically located in high-traffic malls and outlet centers; the size varies from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet. The franchisor offers ongoing help support. Many franchisees re-invest in multiple locations.
14. fab'rik
- Founded: 2002
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $113,700 – $190,800
- Initial franchise fee:$35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
fab'rik’s concept provides women trendy clothing priced under $100 with friendly service. The company also owns a private fashion line. Corporate support from the franchisor includes training and business consultant, store buildout, marketing. The franchise owner has to be ready for a full-time commitment. A service-oriented personality and an overall understanding of retail sales are preferred.
15. TaylorMarie's
- Founded: 2003
- Franchising since: 2009
- Initial investment: $103,650 – $173,600
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
TaylorMarie's offers fine quality clothing and accessories. The main audience is the senior women, who often under-represented in fashion. The business model is low-tech and easily operated. The franchise doesn’t have stores; it provides fashion shows and luncheons where customers can buy clothes. The franchisor will help owners with the organization of events, business controls, accounting, and local advertising.
16. Kid to Kid
- Founded: 1992
- Franchising since: 1994
- Initial investment: $280,942 – $471,442
- Initial franchise fee:$25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$20,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Kid to Kid was founded by Shauna Sloan and her husband. The couple, who have six kids and shopping center executive experience, saw the potential of the children’s resale store concept. Now, the franchise store sells new and gently used children's apparel, shoes, baby gear and maternity wear, as well as toys and books.
The candidates must have previous experience in management or retail and be ready for full-time commitment, at least for the first year.
17. Hometown Threads
- Founded: 1998
- Franchising since: 2001
- Initial investment: $165,000
- Initial franchise fee:$29,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $60,000
Hometown Threads franchise offers personalized apparel and goods for families, small businesses, schools and teams. The franchise location is placed in highly convenient locations and typically located inside neighborhood centers, Wal-Mart Supercenters, Meijer Stores. The franchisor is looking for qualified entrepreneurs who are ready for full-time commitment in the first year.
18. Bellies to Babies
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment: $55,475 – $150,525
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement:$100,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
The idea of Bellies to Babies came to the founder when she was pregnant and wanted to find good-looking clothes but not spend a fortune on them. The franchise stores buy and sell pre-loved maternity items. The franchisor provides an intense training program at the headquarters, marketing programs tailored for the pregnancy items market, a pricing and evaluation guide. The future owners must truly want to help mamas to look fancy.
19. Fleet Feet Sports
- Founded: 1976
- Franchising since: 1978
- Initial investment: $180,000 – $338,000
- Initial franchise fee:$38,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
Fleet Feet is a specialty store that offers running and fitness merchandise helping runners find the right athletic shoes and other athletic apparel.
The franchise owners are individuals with entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to customer satisfaction. They will get comprehensive training and assistance, including a personally assigned specialist.
20. Children's Orchard LLC
- Founded: 1980
- Franchising since: 1985
- Initial investment: $174,700 – $275,500
- Initial franchise fee:$25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Children's Orchard is a resale store that buys and sells gently-used, high-quality apparel, toys, and equipment for kids. The franchise team has over 80 years of combined experience in franchise and retail, which used to create a proven business model. Аranchisees will receive assistance from day one in opening and successfully managing a store.
21. Klein Epstein & Parker
- Founded: 2011
- Franchising since: 2014
- Initial investment: $135,617 – $241,467
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Klein Epstein & Parker occupy a unique niche in the industry: their concept combines personalized fashion and approachable price. The stores offer made-to-measure men's wardrobe items like suits, polos, jackets, pants, shirts. The franchise owners must be motivated to own and operate the business because stores require a full-time commitment from the executive team.
22. Monkee's
- Founded: 1995
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $273,818 – $540,105
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Monkee's is an upscale ladies boutique that sells clothing, shoes, and accessories and is known for its personalized customer service. The franchisees can adjust the assortment of the apparel in the stores to meet the market needs. The support from the franchisor includes but is not limited to a comprehensive operations manual, marketing, and advertising services.
23. Foot Solutions Inc.
- Founded: 2000
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $196,500 – $242,000
- Initial franchise fee: $32,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Started in 2000 by pedorthics Raymond J. Margiano, Ph.D., Foot Solutions became an international success with locations in 13 countries. The franchise stores offer comfortable shoes and premium inserts, orthotics that are customized using medical technology. The company provides comprehensive, ongoing support from the start: store design and layout guidance, training program, marketing planning, central warehouse.
24. Instant Imprints
- Founded: 1992
- Franchising since: 2001
- Initial investment: $196,500 – $242,000
- Initial franchise fee: $32,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Instant Imprints franchise is a one-stop imprinting solution. The stores offer screen printing, embroidery, sign-making for custom t-shirts, school & team wear, promo products, business apparel, signs and banners. The business turnkey model fits both newcomers and experienced franchisees. The new franchisees will get extensive training; all franchisees will get ongoing support.
25. BareBones WorkWear
- Founded: 1998
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment: $345,000 – $393,800
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $120,000
BareBones WorkWear is a retail store franchise specializing in apparel, footwear, and accessories for work, the outdoors, and active life. The franchise business model provides multiple revenue streams, a loyal customer base, and an innovative marketing program.
