They're Building a Thrift Shop Empire
Episode description
If you’re a multi-unit franchisee considering selling your locations, get in touch https://www.fdcapitalgroup.com/
Interested in buying a franchise? Reach out here: https://www.frandawgs.com/buy-a-franchise
Episode Summary:
In this episode of FranDawgs, Patrick sits down with Margarette and her husband Richard - franchise operators who turned their passion for resale into a thriving multi-unit Uptown Cheapskate business. They share how they went from running large independent thrift shops to building one of the top-performing portfolios in the system, with four Uptown Cheapskate stores across Oklahoma.
We dive into:
- The economics of resale vs. thrift shops (staffing, inventory sourcing, square footage).
- Why Plato’s Closet rejected them—and how that led to Uptown Cheapskate.
- How they fill 10,000 sq. ft. stores without ever running out of clothes.
- The proprietary pricing software that keeps them on-trend and profitable.
- Hiring and retaining fashion-forward staff compared to high-turnover fast food.
- Scaling from one store to four, funding growth with SBA loans and profits.
- Why Uptown Cheapskate (and sister brand Kid to Kid) are outperforming most franchise concepts today.
This is a masterclass in how to scale in the booming resale market—while also building a team and culture that lasts.
Guest(s):
- Margarette & Richard (multi-unit Uptown Cheapskate franchisees, Oklahoma)
Host:
Patrick Buckley, founder of FranDawgs