Invest in Yourself – And Your Community!
With Uptown, our franchise owners have the opportunity to make a positive impact that extends far beyond the four walls of their stores.
Local Community Impact
Uptown Cheapskate stores serve a vital role in their communities, allowing local families to get cash for clothes they no longer use and purchase the next set of items they need for 50-70%+ off original retail. This service can be an especially valuable lifeline during challenging economic periods.
Uptown stores also provide meaningful employment opportunities and are fun, vibrant places for people to interact and express themselves.
Giving Clothes Second Life
Since inception, Uptown Cheapskate and its sister brand, Kid to Kid, have kept over 250 million articles of clothing out of landfills. Extending the life of millions of garments helps promote a cleaner environment for future generations and makes it easy to feel good about growing our business.
- Fashion is the #2 polluting industry in the world
- 85% of all textiles end up in landfills each year
- The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped every second
“There is a high cost for shopping new and customers are waking up to the fact that fast-fashion brands are big polluters. Oil is the #1 polluting industry in the world, and fashion is #2. By shopping in our stores, customers are not only able to look good and save money, but also help support the environment.”
Zach Gordon
Co-CEO
Commitment To Philanthropy
Philanthropy is an important part of our culture at Uptown Cheapskate. Through Charity Fill-A-Bag sales and other community events, our stores support a wide range of charitable causes every year.
As just one example, our brands have partnered with buildOn, an organization that builds much-needed schools in developing countries. Since we began working with buildOn, our stores have funded more than 20 schools around the world. Collectively, these schools provide thousands of children with access to education for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Uptown Cheapskate contribute to environmental sustainability?
Uptown Cheapskate’s buy-sell-trade model promotes a circular fashion economy, keeping tens of millions of items out of landfills annually. Alongside its sister brand, Kid to Kid, the franchise has kept over 250 million items from landfills, reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the second-largest polluter globally.
How does Uptown Cheapskate’s business model benefit budget-conscious families?
By offering gently used, name-brand clothing at 50-70% off retail prices, Uptown Cheapskate helps families stretch their budgets. The buy-sell-trade model also allows customers to earn cash or store credit for their pre-loved items, providing financial relief in local communities.
How do Uptown Cheapskate stores support local communities?
Franchisees buy and sell clothing from local residents, keeping 90% of each dollar spent in the community. That compares to 10-40% at big-box retailers. Stores also create local jobs and donate unsellable items to local charities chosen by franchisees, fostering community engagement.
What charitable initiatives does Uptown Cheapskate support?
Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid have partnered with a wide range of charitable organizations. One such organization is buildOn. Through that partnership, our franchise has helped fund the construction of 21 schools in developing countries like Mali, Haiti, and Nepal.
How does Uptown Cheapskate handle items that cannot be resold?
Most Uptown Cheapskate stores offer a donation option for items that don’t meet our curated resale criteria. Franchisees partner with local charities to distribute these items, ensuring they benefit the community rather than going to waste.
Is Uptown Cheapskate Right for Me?
Does our mission to have a positive impact in our local communities resonate with you? Reach out to our team to learn more!