Resale, Reimagined
Own the future of retail. Uptown Cheapskate combines the thrill of thrift with a modern, upscale shopping experience, creating a store customers love and an enduring business for our franchise owners.
Right Industry. Right Concept. Right Time.
A $50 Billion Industry Consumers Love
Secondhand apparel grew 19% in the U.S. in 2025, more than 3x faster than apparel overall. Gen Z and millennials, who grew up shopping secondhand, are expected to drive continued growth for years to come. And resale tends to hold up when the economy doesn’t, as budget-conscious shoppers trade down to value.
Most thrift stores are cluttered and outdated. Uptown Cheapskate offers an experience that’s altogether different. Customers still enjoy the thrill of finding great deals, but in an organized, curated, and upscale atmosphere. It’s the kind of shopping experience that leaves customers asking why they would ever shop full price again.
Big Opportunity, Big Impact
Owning an Uptown Cheapskate franchise gives you the opportunity to build a profitable business while creating a meaningful impact. In 2025 alone, our stores kept tens of millions of items out of landfills and supported budget-conscious families across 32 states.
Average Gross Sales (2025)
Average Net Income (2025)
Total Investment Range
Small Business Ownership. Big Retail Resources.
Proprietary software for pricing, point-of-sale, and inventory management
Real-time data for smarter buying, merchandising, and selling
Hands-on operations and marketing support
National community of highly engaged and experienced franchisees
Industry-Leading Technology
Our in-house technology powers every transaction in our stores and serves as a critical competitive edge.
Dedicated Support for Every Store
From training, operations, marketing, and beyond, our goal is simple: to help every franchisee maximize their store’s performance.
Uptown Cheapskate has a strong community of franchisees who share advice, ideas, and support.
Justin Crump
Multi-Unit Franchise Owner in Utah
Compared to the other brands, BaseCamp’s support is second to none. The training was phenomenal, from the operations team getting me up to speed on how to run a store to the marketing team teaching me how to grow the business. It has been endlessly helpful, and the other franchisees have been very supportive.
Tucker Mulvihill
Franchise Owner in Texas
We bought into Uptown because we believed in the system of reuse and recycle. Having a corporate office behind you gives you incredible peace of mind. The relationships we have built nationwide with other owners have also been priceless. We’ve learned so much and our lives have been enriched immensely.
Shannon Person
Franchise Owner in Louisiana
The whole concept is well thought out. The support is also fantastic. You can make a phone call and talk to whoever you want to. They look over your numbers and call you, it’s like they know your problems before you even ask them for help.
Natalie & Lyle Armstrong
Multi-Unit Franchise Owner in Missouri
Are You The Right Fit?
Owning an Uptown is a hands-on opportunity for leaders who want to build a thriving business and create a community around their store. We take our selection process seriously and take time to get to know every candidate. Franchisees must apply and meet our financial and ownership requirements before joining the Uptown family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Uptown Cheapskate different from other resale clothing franchises?
Uptown Cheapskate combines all the benefits of traditional thrift with an upscale, boutique-style shopping experience. At Uptown, customers can access top brands and on-trend items at unbeatable prices – typically 50-70% off retail – without compromise. No more “thrift store dusty”. Our in-store operations are also tech-enabled, supported by an industry-leading, proprietary software suite that powers every transaction. From customer experience to operational efficiency and beyond, Uptown stands apart from the competition.
What is the initial investment required to open an Uptown Cheapskate franchise?
The total initial investment for an Uptown Cheapskate franchise typically ranges from $364,015 to $682,215, with a midpoint of $523,115. This includes costs for real estate, equipment, licenses, permits, uniforms, insurance, and the franchise fee of up to $35,000.
How much can I expect to earn as an Uptown Cheapskate franchisee?
Based on our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average Uptown Cheapskate brings in $1.4M in sales and $227K in net income. Top-performing stores average $2.2M in sales and $423K in net income. These metrics demonstrate the strong earning potential of our upscale secondhand clothing franchise.
Do I need prior retail or business ownership experience to become an Uptown Cheapskate franchisee?
No prior retail or business ownership experience is required. Uptown Cheapskate provides comprehensive training and support to franchisees from diverse backgrounds, making the opportunity accessible for first-time business owners.
What kind of training and support does Uptown Cheapskate provide to franchisees?
Uptown Cheapskate offers comprehensive training, including an extensive video library, in-person training at corporate headquarters, an internship at a top-performing Uptown, and a wide array of other training resources. We also provide one-on-one support for site selection, store design, operational guidance, marketing strategies, and our proprietary software suite. On an ongoing basis, franchisees have access to dedicated operations, marketing, technology, finance, and new store teams.
How long does it take to open an Uptown Cheapskate store?
After signing the franchise agreement, it typically takes 9-12 months to open a store. This process includes securing financing, leasing a location, completing training, and building inventory during an “Open to Buy” period.
Ready to Explore Business Ownership with Uptown?
Complete our brief intake form below to get the process started.