The Closet Trading Company is a boutique resale-fashion franchise founded in 2003. The brand began in Santa Barbara, California, where it still maintains its headquarters. It built its model around curated, pre-owned designer fashion, offering women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories.

The franchise began expanding in 2019. It focuses on a premium resale experience that resembles a high-end boutique rather than a traditional thrift store. Each location offers a curated inventory of luxury and contemporary brands sourced through consignment, allowing franchisees to limit upfront inventory risk.

The Closet Trading Company differentiates itself through its emphasis on luxury resale, sustainability, and boutique-level service.

Its stores attract fashion-conscious shoppers seeking designer labels at accessible prices while supporting circular fashion. The brand’s curated approach and consistent store aesthetic help it stand out in a crowded resale market.

Training

The Closet Trading Company offers a detailed training program to prepare franchisees and their managers for business operations. The training is mandatory and must be completed prior to opening the store.

1. Initial Training Program
   The franchisor provides an initial training program covering up to two individuals—typically an owner with at least 20% stake and a designated manager—at no additional cost beyond the training fee, provided both attend the same session. This program currently lasts five days and may be held in Los Angeles, at another approved location, online, or at the franchisee’s store. If these individuals do not attend together or additional trainees are included, additional fees apply.
2. Opening Assistance
   TCTC offers at least two days of in-store training and assistance around the opening of the franchise. This includes one day before and one day after the opening, at no extra cost, with TCTC covering the related expenses for its personnel.
3. Ongoing and Supplemental Training
   The franchisor may require supplemental or refresher training during the term of the agreement, including a mandatory refresher every five years. Franchisees may also request additional training, for which TCTC will charge its then-current daily rate plus expenses. These training sessions aim to ensure continued compliance with operational standards and system updates.

Territory Protection

The Closet Trading Company grants franchisees a defined Protected Territory, typically with a two-to-three-mile radius around the authorized store location. Within this territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish, operate, or franchise another store offering similar products and services.

This protection is valid as long as the franchisee complies with the Franchise Agreement, and the franchisor cannot modify the Protected Territory without written consent from the franchisee.

However, The Closet Trading Company reserves the right to operate or authorize other types of locations—such as kiosks, booths, or stores within non-traditional venues like airports and stadiums—even within the Protected Territory.