Our Story
Since 2008, Uptown Cheapskate has delighted customers with a unique combination of value, assortment, and sustainability, all wrapped in a beautifully designed shopping environment. We’ve grown from a single location in Salt Lake City to over 160 stores operating across 27 states. With another 50+ stores under development, Uptown is one of the fastest growing concepts in franchising.
A Retail Experience Like No Other
Unbeatable Value
At Uptown, customers don’t have to choose between quality and affordability. Each store offers an expansive selection of gently used items from top brands – all at 50- 70%+ off original retail.
Upscale Design
Most first-time customers have never seen anything like our stores. We take great pride in our in-store experience, which features an upscale design and high-energy vibe. You probably wouldn’t be able to tell you’re in a secondhand clothing store – until you see our prices.
Pursuit of Perfection
Uptown combines the resources of an established brand with the entrepreneurial mindset of a startup. Every day, our team comes to work on a mission to push both our internal systems and store-level performance to new heights. Our aim is to make Uptown the category defining concept in clothing resale.
Community Impact
Our franchisees are leaders in their local communities and take pride in knowing that their efforts help individuals and families stretch their paychecks. Our business model also keeps tens of millions of items out of landfills each year, serving our core ethos of doing business in a sustainable way.
Return on Investment
Uptown Cheapskate stores add significant value to their local communities and can also be an attractive economic proposition for owners. In 2025, our average store generated $1.4M of Gross Sales and $227K of Net Income, while top quartile stores generated $2.2MM of Gross Sales and $423K of Net Income.
Uptown Accolades
As Uptown Cheapskate has continued to grow in both awareness and adoption, so has the recognition we have received from both the franchise community and beyond. Uptown has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” for over 10 consecutive years. That same publication also recognized Uptown as the #1 franchise in the Apparel & Accessories category. In 2025, Uptown was also included on the Franchise Times Top 400 and Franchise Business Review’s list of Top 200 Franchises, which is based on franchisee satisfaction and earnings potential, as well as franchisor training and support. Our stores have also been featured in some of the nation’s top media outlets. As Uptown’s differentiated model continues to move into the spotlight, we expect momentum to only accelerate.
ABC’s Good Morning America
By combining a high-quality boutique experience with an operation that continually fuels stores with fresh in-season merchandise, Kid to Kid and Uptown Cheapskate not only meet consumer demand but also contribute to the circular fashion economy.
Forbes
Entrepreneur Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Uptown Cheapskate a unique franchise opportunity?
How does Uptown Cheapskate support franchisees in achieving success?
How does Uptown Cheapskate contribute to sustainability?
Uptown Cheapskate, alongside its sister brand Kid to Kid, has kept over 250 million items out of landfills by promoting a circular fashion economy. Our franchisees also support a wide range of local charities and national initiatives.
Why is now a good time to invest in an Uptown Cheapskate franchise?
Uptown is quickly becoming the category-defining concept in the booming $50+ billion secondhand apparel market. When you combine strong unit economics, recession-resilience, industry tailwinds, and a tech-forward operating model, it’s not hard to see why Uptown is the fastest growing concept in thrift.
How does Uptown Cheapskate’s business model benefit local communities?
Franchisees add value by offering affordable, on-trend clothing, providing cash for pre-loved items, creating jobs, and supporting local charities. It’s a business where franchisees can be proud of the positive impact they are making in their local communities.
What industry recognition has Uptown Cheapskate received?
Uptown has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise Top 500 for over 10 years and has also been included in Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 and Franchise Times Top 400.