Clothes Mentor: Redefining Women's Fashion Resale

Clothes Mentor is a leading U.S. franchise specializing in upscale resale of women's fashion. Founded in 2001, the brand began franchising in 2006 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota.

With over 120 stores across more than 30 states, Clothes Mentor offers gently used designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories at up to 70% off retail prices. The franchise caters to women sizes 0–26, including maternity wear, emphasizing inclusivity and affordability.

Clothes Mentor differentiates itself through a unique business model that purchases inventory directly from local customers, paying cash on the spot. This approach not only fosters community engagement but also supports sustainable fashion practices.

Training

Clothes Mentor provides a structured and mandatory training program for new franchisees, designed to prepare them for all aspects of store ownership and management. The training consists of two main sessions and additional ongoing requirements:

1. Business Training (Session 1): This is a 2.5-day classroom program focused on preparing the franchisee before the store opens. It covers real estate/site selection, business planning, new store development, marketing, personnel management, and accounting basics including QuickBooks.
2. Operations and In-Store Training (Session 2): This 7-day session is split into:
   • Operations Training (5 days): Conducted in a classroom setting, it includes back-office administration, loss prevention, inventory management, customer service, store standards, and grand opening marketing.
   • In-Store Training (2 days): Held at the franchisee’s store, this hands-on training covers POS systems, store procedures, product buying, local store marketing, customer service, and visual merchandising.
3. Supplemental and Refresher Training: Throughout the life of the franchise, Clothes Mentor may require attendance at additional training sessions. These may be conducted online or in person and are designed to reinforce and update franchisee and staff knowledge.

Territory Protection

Clothes Mentor offers its franchisees a form of territory protection through what it defines as a "Protected Area." During the term of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisor agrees not to establish another franchised or company-owned Clothes Mentor store within this Protected Area, provided the franchisee complies with the agreement’s terms.

This commitment is specific to physical store locations and excludes other forms of sales. However, the territory protection is limited.

Clothes Mentor and its affiliates reserve the right to sell products under the licensed marks through alternative distribution channels, such as the Internet or other electronic platforms, within the Protected Area. They also maintain the right to sell goods under different trademarks using any distribution method, including online sales, even within a franchisee’s protected territory.