A Unique Investment Opportunity
At Uptown, the strength of our business model is reflected in the financial profile of our stores. When you layer on resale’s strong industry tailwinds and recession-resilient fundamentals, we feel we are only just starting to hit our stride. With hard work the most important ingredient to success, we are looking for dedicated individuals across the country who are excited to join our mission.
Project Costs
Having helped over 140 stores open, we have a firm grasp of what it takes to get a new location off the ground. We provide guidance on each key component and offer hands-on support throughout the opening process.
Upfront Costs
- Initial Investment: $328K - $597K (Midpoint: $462K)
- Franchise Fee: $25K
Royalties & Marketing Fund
- Royalty Fee: 5.0%
- Marketing Fund: 0.5%
Financial Requirements
- Minimum Liquid Capital: >$100K
- Minimum Net Worth: >$200K
Return On Investment
Average Gross Sales
Average Net Income
Top Quartile Gross Sales
Top Quartile Net Income
Uptown stores add significant value to their local communities and also support a strong return profile for franchisees. With territories available in most markets, there is also the opportunity to pursue multi-store development.
Financing Support
Our team has helped many franchisees secure external financing and can guide you through each step in the process. We’ll help you prepare a detailed business plan, introduce you to our banking partners, and help you apply for a loan.
Booming Industry Backdrop
Uptown Cheapskate sits at the center of the $49BN clothing resale industry. Over the past decade, the secondhand apparel market in the U.S. has exploded in popularity, maintaining an over 10% average annual growth rate and showing no signs of slowing down.
Adding another layer of security, the appeal of resale is only amplified during periods of economic turmoil. With an “all-weather” financial profile, our stores typically thrive when others fail.
Resale Industry Stats
- The U.S. secondhand apparel market is forecasted to grow to $79BN by 2029
- Resale has grown 5x faster than the overall apparel sector & typically thrives in challenging economic conditions
- Thrifting is especially popular with Millennials and Gen Z consumers
- Shopping resale helps conserve resources and supports the environment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it typically cost to open an Uptown Cheapskate store?
Based on results from recent Uptown Cheapskate store openings, the total investment for new stores typically falls between $328,002 and $596,502, with a midpoint of $462,252. Store startup costs vary based on a range of factors, including the square footage of the store and the scope of the buildout.
How much can I expect to earn as an Uptown franchisee?
As stated in our current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average Uptown Cheapskate store generates $1.3MM of sales and $188K of net income, while stores in the top quartile generate $1.9MM of sales and $354K of net income. Ultimately, the most important ingredient for success is hard work, although the performance of our existing Uptown Cheapskate franchisees illustrates the power of our business model.
How quickly do stores typically achieve profitability?
While every store ramps up at a different pace, Uptown Cheapskate stores typically become profitable within the first 12-18 months – sometimes sooner. With that said, we condition new franchisees to expect that they will not take a material amount of income out of their business during its first year of operation.
How do franchisees typically fund their investment?
Every situation is unique, although our franchisees typically utilize Small Business Administration (SBA) loans or other debt financing to fund 80% or more of their total project cost. Our in-house finance team will assist you in developing a business plan, guide you through applying for loans, and leverage our banking relationships to support your new venture.
What are the personal financial requirements to open an Uptown store?
We require that franchise candidates have a minimum net worth of $200K, cash available to invest of at least $100K, and no bankruptcy in their financial history. These parameters typically align with SBA requirements and are designed to ensure that you have a solid foundation to launch, build, and grow a strong enterprise.
Is there an opportunity to open multiple stores?
Yes. There are several dozen multi-unit franchisees across the Uptown system. We have territories available across most markets, leaving space for both new and existing franchisees to scale to multiple stores over time.
How big is the secondhand apparel industry?
The secondhand apparel market is both massive ($49BN) and growing rapidly (9% expected annual growth rate through 2029). When you combine these industry tailwinds with the strong underlying financial profile of our stores, we believe there has never been a better time to become an Uptown Cheapskate franchisee.
*Store financial metrics, including sales, profitability, and development costs, are per the 2025 Uptown Cheapskate Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Let’s Get Started!
Ready to open up a world of new opportunities? Take the first step to launch your business with Uptown by getting in touch with our franchise team today.