The fashion industry in the United States has changed drastically in recent years.
As the world is recovering from the pandemic, the clothing industry is witnessing a surge in demand as people return to in-person events and social gatherings, which is why there has never been a better time to invest in a clothing franchise.
However, starting a clothing business from scratch in the USA is not easy as it sounds, and it will take years to break into this competitive industry.
However, if you purchase a franchise of an already successful and established brand, you are more likely to earn a profit.
Clothing franchises usually connect with independent franchisees looking to start their own business to expand into new territories.
In this article, we’ll suggest the ten best clothing franchise opportunities you can start in the USA.
10 Best Clothing Franchise Opportunities
Here are the ten best clothing franchise picks with a proven track record of success to help you make an informed decision and succeed in the competitive world of fashion franchising:
1. Mainstream Boutique
| Founded | 1991 |
| Franchising since | 1998 |
| Estimated outlets | 80+ |
| Initial investment | $170,000-$310,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $18,000-$40,000 |
| Liquidity | $30,000-$50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7.5% |
Mainstream Boutique is an evolving fashion retail chain that sells trendy clothing, jewelry, giftware, and accessories.
The chain operates through the retail business, e-commerce platform, and direct sales. Mainstream Boutique is looking for passionate franchisees dedicated to selling their products as they do.
By becoming a Mainstream Boutique franchisee, you can leverage their 30 years of retail experience and winning franchise network.
The franchisor will provide extensive initial training and pre-opening support to get you through every step of the week.
Other ongoing support options include marketing support, operational guidance, I.T. support, and advertising efforts.
2. Filthy Rich
| Founded | 2003 |
| Franchising since | 2003 |
| Estimated outlets | 46+ |
| Initial investment | $115,510-$250,150 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $125,000 |
| Royalty Fee | N/A |
Filthy Rich is an international company that makes replicas of “Celebrity Inspired Jewelry” worn by the biggest legends and celebrities in the past and present.
Customers can choose from an exceptional range of over 1000 items that are almost impossible to differentiate from the original pieces.
Filthy Rich offers a unique franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for a relatively affordable franchise opportunity.
They have zero royalty fees and a full range of support and tools you need to get started.
The franchisees will receive initial training, operational support, exclusive software, and assistance from their management team in areas such as site selection, marketing, and advertising to help get their business off the ground and make substantial returns.
Check Out 10 Best Self-Storage Unit Franchise
3. Apricot Lane Boutique
| Founded | 1996 |
| Franchising since | 2004 |
| Estimated outlets | 60 |
| Initial investment | $132,550 |
| Franchise Fee | $39,500 |
| Liquidity | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5.5% |
Apricot Lane Boutique is a clothing boutique franchise in the United States primarily known for making the most up-to-date fashion wear, jewelry, bags, and accessories.
Each of their boutiques is locally owned and aims to bring new trends to the general public to find the clothes they love at reasonable prices.
Apricot Lane Boutique franchise offers franchise opportunities nationwide, including traditional physical stores and e-commerce stores.
All franchisees are provided with guidance on everything from site selection to store layout and design.
Plus, you will get initial training, startup assistance, access to their propriety software, and other tools to run your business efficiently.
If you are looking for an affordable franchise opportunity with great potential, Apricot Lane Boutique is the best option for you.
4. Clothes Mentor
| Founded | 2001 |
| Franchising since | 2007 |
| Estimated outlets | 146+ |
| Initial investment | $250,000-$363,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $18,000-$40,000 |
| Liquidity | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% |
Clothes Mentor is a clothing franchise that sells slightly used designer clothes, shoes, and accessories with up to 70% discount on retail rate.
All the items are in excellent condition and as good as new. Founded in 2001, the franchise aims to help the general public enjoy high fashion at affordable prices.
Clothes Mentor offers franchise opportunities all across the country to help franchisees build a successful businesses and gain financial freedom.
From initial training and site selection to marketing and ongoing support options, the franchisor makes sure to provide everything to set you up for success and get a swift return on Investment.
5. Style Encore
| Founded | 2013 |
| Franchising since | 2013 |
| Estimated outlets | 71+ |
| Initial investment | $275,000-$350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Liquidity | $69,210 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% |
Style Encore is America’s top resale clothing franchise that specializes in selling secondhand fashion operated by Winmark Brands.
Founded in 2013, the franchise has more than 1,250 stores nationwide that sell apparel and accessories at up to 90% off regular retail prices.
Style Encore has been ranked among the top 500 franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine for its initiative of recycling women’s clothing and making them available to women who cannot afford them.
Style Encore is looking for franchisees passionate about the brand’s sale model and willing to make a difference in the community.
By becoming a Style Encore franchisee, you will be provided with comprehensive training, operational and marketing support, access to their proven model, and many other ongoing support options.
6. Gap. Inc
| Founded | 1969 |
| Franchising since | 2006 |
| Estimated outlets | 450+ |
| Initial investment | $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | N/A |
| Liquidity | N/A |
| Royalty Fee | N/A |
Gap. Inc is a specialty retailer in America that offers a wide range of clothing, individual care items for men, and accessories for women, men, and kids. Some of the most recognizable brands operate under Gap. Inc includes Old Navy, Athleta, Gap, and Banana Republic.
Gap. Inc is looking for qualified franchisees to expand into new markets. To become a Gap franchisee, you need relevant experience in retail, merchandising, real estate, brand management, and store operations.
The franchisor offers comprehensive training for the franchisees, marketing support, operational support, and numerous ongoing support options to build a successful business.
7. Flip Flop Shops
| Founded | 1998 |
| Franchising since | 2004 |
| Estimated outlets | 57 |
| Initial investment | $210,800 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Liquidity | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% |
Flip Flop Shops is a premiere retail franchise that specializes in selling flip-flops, beach, surf, and casual footwear.
The franchise has partnerships with over 90 world-class brands to curate the best possible selection of footwear for the customers.
Founded in 1998, Flip Flop Shops has a long history of ordering, selling, and merchandising shoes and continues to evolve according to the needs of modern customers.
The franchise is looking for entrepreneurs passionate to join one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
The new franchisees are provided with training to learn the retail and footwear industry and a comprehensive suite of support options for site selection, shop setup, and preparation for a grand opening.
8. Big Frog
| Founded | 2007 |
| Franchising since | 2008 |
| Estimated outlets | 88+ |
| Initial investment | $114,501 |
| Franchise Fee | $39,500 |
| Liquidity | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% |
Big Frog is a well-known Custom T-Shirts franchise that specializes in creating custom-designed garments, mainly T-shirts, for everyone.
Founded in 2007, the Big Frog uses cutting-edge direct-to-garment printing techniques and has been listed in a “Top 500 Franchise” list by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Big Frog offers individuals the opportunity to become franchise owners and provides various forms of support.
Each franchise undergoes comprehensive training covering all the aspects of running a Big Frog franchise, benefits from their proven business model, and gets hands-on support to help them become their boss and operate their franchise successfully.
9. Pro Image Sports
| Founded | 1985 |
| Franchising since | 1986 |
| Estimated outlets | 131 |
| Initial investment | $155,500-$536,700 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Liquidity | N/A |
| Royalty Fee | 5% |
Pro Image Sports is a leading sports franchise that sells authentic and trendy licensed sports apparel, fitted hats, and novelty items.
Founded in 1985, the company has more than 150 locations in the U.S. and offers a variety of franchise opportunities for its online and brick-and-mortar stores.
Pro Image Sports operates on a retail model and has a proven and easy-to-follow business model.
The franchise support includes a comprehensive training program for all the franchisees, site selection assistance, marketing assistance, operational support, and ongoing support. Pro Image Sports is one of the best clothing franchise opportunities for individuals passionate about sports and looking to start their businesses.
Check Out 10 Best Vegan Franchise Opportunities
10. Barebones Workwear
| Founded | 1998 |
| Franchising since | 2013 |
| Estimated outlets | 8 |
| Initial investment | $345,000-$349,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Liquidity | $120,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% |
Barebones Workwear is a famous workwear brand in America that specializes in men’s and women’s workwear, footwear, headwear, and safety workwear.
Founded in 1988, the company offers a variety of products, including shirts, jeans, boots, safety gear, and coveralls from top brands like Wrangler, Riggs, Dickies, Carhartt, Levis, and more.
Barebones Worker is a great franchise opportunity for those interested in starting a business in the workwear industry.
The franchise has a proven business model and offers extensive training and support options for the franchisees.
They also provide in-house financing and a variety of incentives to help franchisees succeed and get quick returns on their Investment.
Comparison of Top 5 Best Clothing Franchise Opportunities
| Company Name | Mainstream Boutique | Filthy Rich | Apricot Lane Boutique | Clothes Mentor | Style Encore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 2003 | 1996 | 2001 | 2013 |
| Outlets | 80+ | 2003 | 2004 | 2007 | 2013 |
| Franchise Fee | $18,000-$40,000 | $40,000 | $39,500 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Initial Investment | $170,000-$310,000 | $115,510-$250,150 | from $132,550 | $250,000-$363,500 | $275,000-$350,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7.5% | N/A | 5.5% | 4% | 5% |
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a clothing franchise can be a profitable opportunity for those looking to start a business in the fashion industry.
When you invest in a franchise, you can set up your business quickly and get it running using the branding and business model of an established clothing company.
However, investing in a clothing brand requires significant planning and careful research about the franchise you are investing in.
While some clothing franchises are successful in the U.S. market, there is no guarantee that every franchise will be profitable.
All the franchise opportunities mentioned above are some of the top options to consider, with each having its unique advantages.
All of them can be equally good investment opportunities for different individuals.
Make sure to conduct thorough research and seek guidance from a professional financial advisor before investing.
FAQ
How Profitable Is A Clothing Franchise In The United States?
Clothing franchises can be very profitable, but that doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all.
Eventually, the profitability depends on a variety of factors, including location, operating costs, market demand, competition, and the franchise’s ability to attract customers.
Always carefully research the franchise opportunities and consider these factors before making an investment decision.
What Are The Typical Costs Associated With Opening A Clothing Franchise?
The amount you need to start a clothing franchise varies widely depending on various factors, including business model, size of the store, and location.
The typical expenses include upfront Investment, franchise fees, startup costs, and other ongoing costs, including advertising fees and royalties.
The average startup cost can range anywhere between $100,000 to $600,000.
How Do I Know Which Clothing Franchise Is The Best Fit For My Investment Goals?
Choosing the clothing franchise that aligns best with your investment goals requires careful consideration and research.
Begin by identifying your investment goals, researching your local market, visiting all the franchise stores, reaching out to franchises to discuss the opportunities in detail, and choosing the one that fits best with your goals.
What Should I Look For In Terms Of Financial Considerations While Choosing A Clothing Franchise Opportunity?
Financial considerations play a significant role when choosing a clothing franchise.
Evaluate the initial Investment, such as franchise fees, equipment, and inventory, and set up costs.
Take into account the ongoing fees like royalties, consider the profitability potential, and don’t forget to review the “Franchise Disclosure Document.”
Sources
http://www.filthyrichinternational.com/
https://apricotlanefranchise.com/startup-costs/
https://apricotlanefranchise.com/investment/
https://www.style-encore.com/home/own-a-store
https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/franchise-information
https://www.flipflopshops.com/pages/become-a-franchisee
https://franchise.proimagesports.com/.
Amit Gupta is the founder of DrFranchises – a digital marketing agency that helps brands rank better on Google Maps through local SEO strategies. Amit has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing. He’s also the owner of multiple franchises and has helped countless brands achieve success online. When he’s not working, Amit can be found playing with his dog.