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Turn your
passion for fashion
into a business

Start your high-end fashion franchise today

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Why
TCTC

Low cost franchise opportunity

Growing market, $27B to $77B by 2025

Proven model
For 20 Years

Average Unit Volume of $632,000

Collaborative relationship HQ team

Multiple Revenue
Channels

Promote
sustainability

That's Just
The Beginning

Celebrating 20 years

Join the team and celebrate with us!

What We Do

Founded in 2003, The Closet Trading Company is a high-end resale and consignment franchise that specializes in selling a carefully curated collection of contemporary to luxury designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for women.

The company sources its inventory directly from consumers and sells it in their physical boutiques and online store. By promoting pre-loved clothing, we are contributing to a sustainable, circular economy and fighting textile waste.

The demand for sustainable fashion has led to the growth of a multibillion-dollar resale market, and The Closet Trading Company proudly offers franchisees the opportunity to combine their environmental passion with their career goals.

TCT Store Merchandise

Want to learn more?
Book a discovery call with TCTC!

WHAT SETS A TCTC FRANCHISE APART

Recession Resistant

Secondhand, resale stores thrive in economic downturns. TCTC's business doubled in the great recession.

Competition Resistant

Our stores do not compete with one another the way retail stores do because each store carries unique inventory which makes multi-unit expansion more feasible.

Sustainable and Ethical

Inventory is sourced locally and reduces the negative environmental impact of the retail clothing industry.

Community Investment

We pay local customers to resell their clothing to reduce buying from overseas manufacturers.

Fashionable and Fun

Turn your passions into something lucrative.

Small
Footprint

An eco-friendly 1200 sq ft footprint reduces staff and overhead and is smaller than other franchise systems.

Franchise
Support

Receive the tools, training, and even startup inventory from existing stock to ensure a successful Grand Opening and business.

Consignment Hybrid Model

Most resale stores only pay for merchandise upfront. The consignment model allows you to pay for inventory after it's sold or pay upfront to remain competitive.

Top Tier Tech Stack

Ease challenges such as pricing inventory and authenticating luxury goods with our proprietary automation.

Owner Flexibility

Franchisees can choose to run their business full- time or as a semi-absentee owner so you have flexibility.

Pursue your passion

TCTC offers the opportunity to have the pride of owning a sustainable, fun, fashion-forward business in the luxury space. Owners get to participate in the booming circular economy, both in their own boutique and through TCTC’s e-commerce channels. The initial investment is low for retail because we supply the franchisee with their first 18-months of inventory on a consignment basis.
 
In addition to inventory, we offer site selection assistance, financing, in-store and remote training, marketing support, an integrated technology suite, and flexible real estate options. With 20 years in business, we have proven our concept and can guide new store owners through the ups and downs of economic shifts.

FAQ

Resale has grown 21x faster than the retail apparel market over the last 5 years with 70% of consumers saying they plan to spend more on secondhand clothing in the next 5 years. Consumers everywhere are prioritizing value and accelerating the shift to secondhand, a trend that TCTC is perfectly positioned to capitalize on.  Being a part of a sustainable business not only carries with it a pride of ownership, but also offers a unique set of marketing and PR opportunities.

There are a few things that make TCTC stand out from other resale franchises

  1. Lifestyle. Our contemporary designer inventory is showcased in artfully designed boutiques–no plastic hangers here! Discerning consumers buy with their eyes first, and our elegant, refined boutiques encourage clients to both buy & sell their premium inventory.  You’re going to feel proud of the beautiful space you own & the amazing selection of clothing & accessories we help you curate.
  2. Inventory support. TCTC is committed to helping you get off the ground as quickly as possible, with as little investment & headache as possible. Inventory acquisition is one of the costliest & most time-consuming tasks prior to opening a boutique.  Having the significant advantage of access to premium out-of-market goods from HQ, with no up-front costs, will be especially useful in shortening the ramp-up phase for new boutiques, as well as freeing up cash for store renovations and other start-up expenses
  3. Unique hybrid model- our concept is a hybrid of resale and consignment. Since 85% of our inventory is on consignment, we do not pay for a product until that product has sold. When cash is not tied up in piles of unsold stock, the result is a lean business model that has the liquid assets to capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise. 
  4. E-Commerce- Most resale or retail franchises do not have an e-commerce component. Our E-commerce platform gives franchisees the ability to sell to TCTC clients throughout the country, well outside of their market, by marketing the webshop to our extensive customer database. 

Simply schedule a Discovery call and download our newsletter.

Yes, we know you’ve spent years dreaming about owning your own business and working for yourself, but want coaching, support and a business model. When you join the TCTC family, you’ll feel empowered to make decisions for your business, from merchandising to selecting new inventory. Our ideal candidates combine their business experience with fashion expertise to bring the latest luxury styles to their clients. Plus, you’ll have our full support and guidance to scale your success.

We believe that success is built on passion, creativity, and innovation–so why not share yours with your other franchise business owners? We love hearing, discussing, and collaborating with franchisees and helping them establish the principles of TCTC while also incorporating the unique charm and flair of your area. We consider our franchise owners part of our family and that company culture extends to the clients who patronize every store.

As a franchisor, we provide a comprehensive set of resources to help you succeed in your business. Our collaborative business approach involves sharing our expertise and franchise model with you. We offer regular training programs, engaging social media platforms, periodic webinars, seasonal buying guides, monthly support calls, and various other resources to ensure you are equipped with the tools you need to thrive. Our hands-on support and dedication to your success set us apart from other franchisors.

Interested in this amazing opportunity?
Book a discovery call today!

JOINING THE TCTC FRANCHISE FAMILY

As business owners with our own modest beginnings, we understand the complexities and risks of opening a business, which is why we have carefully formulated our process to help other eager entrepreneurs quickly achieve success and growth through a practiced and proven method.
 
When you join TCTC, you are supported through every step of the process. You’ll start the journey with in-depth, practical courses that can be done from home to prepare you for the responsibilities and challenges of owning your business. You’ll also learn TCTC’s exclusive, detailed system and attend in-person trainings and workshops to immerse yourself in the business world of luxury secondhand fashion. We’ll even help you find the perfect retail space.

In addition to the robust onboarding, we continue to support you along the journey of franchise ownership with:
  • Training programs
  • Webinars
  • Monthly support calls
  • Seasonal buying guides
  • Access to our proprietary pricing database
  • Best practices for selecting items for your sales floor
  • Fraud detection training and technology
  • And expert business advice from our team of specialists
 
We also provide new franchise owners with startup inventory to welcome your first set of clients with a well-stocked high-end sales floor.

Meet the Founder

JOHANNA

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

Johanna Zlenko is a successful entrepreneur, business leader, and trendsetter in the retail industry. After moving to Santa Barbara for college, Johanna co-founded a local retail store called “The Closet” in 2003. Within a few months, she took ownership of the business while continuing her studies at UCSB, and expanded it to six locations across California and Florida.

Johanna’s accomplishments include being recognized as a top business leader, receiving the coveted “40 under 40” award by Pacific Coast Business Times, Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, and being inducted into Women’s Economic Ventures Inaugural Million Dollar Club. She’s also an active member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization.

With over two decades of experience in business development, retail management, marketing and advertising, sales and event management, Johanna has a proven track record for increasing revenue and profitability, building relationships, and creating successful retail strategies. Her expertise in operations, team management, and customer service has helped shape her into the accomplished business leader that she is today.

Johanna attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies. Outside of work, Johanna enjoys traveling, family time, and great desserts.

Johanna Headshot

Book a discovery call with TCTC to learn about this amazing franchise opportunity!

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