Established
2001
Franchise Units
118
Minimum Investment
$272,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$395,500
Home Based
No
Description
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.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Thriving Industry: The resale fashion market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumers' increasing interest in sustainable and budget-friendly shopping options.
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Proven Business Model: With over 130 locations across the United States, Clothes Mentor has a successful track record and a well-established brand presence.
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Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, marketing, and operational guidance.
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Attractive Financials: The franchise offers a relatively low initial investment compared to other retail opportunities, with potential for strong returns.
Background
- Established Year: Founded in 2001
Franchising Since: 2006
Active Units: 118
Company-Owned Units: 0Founders & Ownership: Originally developed by the pioneers of the resale industry, the brand is currently managed under the NTY Franchise Company leadership, spearheaded by industry veterans with decades of experience in the resale niche.
Market Presence: Clothes Mentor is a leader in the women's upscale resale category in the USA. Its history is rooted in providing a high-end boutique atmosphere that feels like a traditional mall store but operates with the efficiency of a high-volume resale engine.
- States Registered In: All states
- Canada Franchises: No
- International Franchises: No
Support Training
Financial Assistance Provided: Yes
Site Selection Assistance: Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Recruiting Assistance: No
Co-Operative Advertising: Yes
Training Program
Session 1 – Business Training
You, or if ownership is through an entity, a Principal Owner, must attend 2½ days of Business Training. This training covers pre-store opening procedures and the tools required before launching your location. Topics include real estate and site selection, business planning, new store development, marketing, personnel management, and QuickBooks.
Attendance is required at the first available Business Training class after signing the Franchise Agreement.
Session 2 – Operations and In-Store Training
You, or if ownership is through an entity, a Principal Owner, along with your Store Manager, must complete 7 days of Operations and In-Store Training.
Operations Training currently lasts 5 days and focuses on back-of-house administration, loss prevention, inventory control, customer service, store standards, grand opening marketing, merchandising, and product knowledge.
In-Store Training takes place at the corporate store for approximately 2 days. This portion emphasizes the daily operation of your new location, including POS training, store procedures, product purchasing, local store marketing, customer service, and visual merchandising.
Training Requirements Before Attendance
Business Training must be successfully completed before attending Operations and In-Store Training. Prior to Operations and In-Store Training, you must also have a signed lease submitted and your fixture package ordered.
All Operations and In-Store Training must be completed before the start of your Open to Buy period.
Ideal Candidate
Clothes Mentor looks for "people people" who have a flair for fashion and a drive for community leadership.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: You don't need retail experience, but you do need the "owner’s mindset"—the ability to lead a team and manage a P&L.
Community Focused: The best franchisees are those who enjoy building relationships with local customers and creating a welcoming environment.
Detail-Oriented: Success in resale is all about the "buy." An eye for quality and current trends is a huge plus.
Investment Capability: Candidates should meet the minimum net worth and liquid capital requirements to ensure a smooth launch.
Location Preference: Suburban retail centers or high-traffic shopping districts with a strong female demographic are ideal.
Financial Detail
- Required Cash Investment: $100,000
- Estimated Total Investment: $272,000 to $395,500
- Minimum Net Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Franchise Fee: $25,000
- Royalty Fee: 4%
- Advertising Fee: $2,000 per year
- Average Number of Employees: 10
- Item 19 Available: Yes
- Visa Candidates Accepted: Yes
- Passive Ownership Allowed: No
- Home-Based Operation: No
- B2B Opportunity: No
- Master Franchise Opportunities Available: No
- Veteran Discount Offered: Yes, $2,500 off the initial fee when the store opens