2001
130
$100,000
$25,000
$395,500
No
Clothes Mentor is a leading women's resale fashion franchise that offers high-quality, gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories at up to 70% off original retail prices. With a commitment to sustainability and affordability, Clothes Mentor provides an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs to enter the thriving second-hand retail industry. Each independently owned franchise specializes in curating a selection of desirable styles for women aged 25 and older, including sizes 0–28, petite, missy, plus-size, and maternity.
Thriving Industry: The resale fashion market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumers' increasing interest in sustainable and budget-friendly shopping options.
Proven Business Model: With over 130 locations across the United States, Clothes Mentor has a successful track record and a well-established brand presence.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, marketing, and operational guidance.
Attractive Financials: The franchise offers a relatively low initial investment compared to other retail opportunities, with potential for strong returns.
Established Year:
Clothes Mentor was founded in 2001 with a vision to create a retail environment where women could buy and sell gently used, high-quality clothing and accessories. The brand focuses on providing stylish, affordable, and sustainable fashion for women of all sizes.
Franchising History:
Clothes Mentor began franchising in 2007, expanding its presence across the United States. Since then, it has grown steadily to over 130 franchise locations in more than 30 states, demonstrating a successful and replicable business model.
Founders and Ownership:
The company was founded by experienced entrepreneurs in the retail sector (specific founder names are not publicly detailed in available sources). Clothes Mentor is privately held, meaning it is not publicly traded, and decisions are managed internally to maintain the brand's quality and reputation.
Brand Journey & Company History:
2001: First store opened, focusing on high-quality resale fashion for women.
2007: Expanded into franchising to allow local entrepreneurs to operate under the Clothes Mentor brand.
2007–Present: Growth through franchising, creating a nationwide presence in the resale fashion sector.
Present: Recognized as a leading franchise in women’s resale fashion, emphasizing sustainability, affordability, and community engagement.
Market Presence in the USA:
Clothes Mentor has a strong national footprint, with franchise stores strategically located in shopping centers and high-foot-traffic retail areas. The brand targets women aged 25+ and provides clothing in a variety of sizes, from petite to plus-size and maternity.
Industry Category:
Clothes Mentor operates in the Retail sector, specifically in Women’s Resale Fashion, a growing segment driven by consumer interest in sustainable shopping, budget-friendly fashion, and unique style offerings.
Other Relevant Information:
Clothes Mentor is part of the second-hand retail revolution, offering a business model that appeals both to eco-conscious consumers and savvy investors.
Each franchise location benefits from a proven operational model, training programs, and marketing support, ensuring consistent quality and brand recognition across all stores.
The franchise is designed for hands-on entrepreneurs who are passionate about fashion, retail, and community engagement.
Clothes Mentor offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection Assistance: Guidance in choosing a prime location for the store.
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Support in negotiating favorable lease terms.
Store Design and Build-Out Support: Assistance with store layout and setup.
Training Programs:
Business Training: 2.5 days covering real estate/site selection, business planning, new store development, marketing, personnel management, and QuickBooks.
Operations Training: 5 days focusing on back-of-house administration, loss prevention, inventory management, customer service, and store standards.
In-Store Training: 2 days at a corporate store covering POS training, store procedures, product buying, local store marketing, customer service, and visual merchandising.
Ongoing Support:
Marketing Assistance: Cooperative advertising, social media, and SEO strategies.
Operational Guidance: Continuous support through an intranet platform and access to proprietary POS software.
Grand Opening Support: Assistance with launching the new store to ensure a successful start.
The Clothes Mentor franchise is designed for entrepreneurs who are not just investors, but hands-on operators passionate about fashion, retail, and community engagement. The ideal franchisee possesses a mix of business acumen, retail experience, and interpersonal skills that align with the brand’s goals.
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Motivated, self-driven individuals who are ready to take initiative in running a retail business.
Comfortable with managing daily operations, making strategic decisions, and handling challenges that come with retail management.
Excited by the idea of building a brand presence in their local community.
2. Business & Retail Experience:
While prior retail experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory—Clothes Mentor provides extensive training and operational support.
Understanding of sales, customer service, inventory management, and staff supervision is advantageous.
Experience in managing finances, marketing, and business planning can accelerate success.
3. Passion for Fashion & Sustainability:
Enthusiasm for women’s fashion and resale clothing is essential.
A commitment to sustainable retail practices and helping customers find high-quality, gently used fashion items.
4. Operational Involvement:
Hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations is highly recommended for optimal results.
Interest in personally engaging with customers, staff, and the community.
5. Financial Capability:
Ability to meet the franchise investment requirements, including liquid capital and net worth thresholds.
Prepared to invest in store build-out, inventory, marketing, and operational costs.
6. Community Engagement:
Franchisees should be proactive in building relationships within their community.
Skills in networking, local marketing, and customer relationship management are key to driving store traffic and loyalty.
7. Location Preference:
Preference for retail-friendly areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping centers, strip malls, and urban commercial districts.
Ability to assess market demand and adapt store offerings to the local demographic.
8. Personal Traits:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Detail-oriented and organized to maintain store standards and operational efficiency.
Resilient and adaptable to market trends and customer preferences.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $272,000 – $395,500 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 4% of gross sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | $2,000 per year |
| Infrastructure Costs | Included in total investment (store build-out, fixtures, equipment, and initial inventory) |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment to cover initial operations |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location and operational efficiency; refer to Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Retail sales of gently used clothing and accessories - Buy-back program revenue from customer items |
| Franchise Units | Over 130 locations across 30+ states |
| Additional Costs | Local marketing budget, staffing, and store operating expenses may apply |
