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Why TCTC Designer Boutique Franchises Stand Out From the Competition

Why TCTC Stands Out from the Competition

If you’re looking to invest in a reputable women’s fashion franchise, you’ve probably found that there are seemingly countless opportunities available. Naturally, this abundance of options can make it challenging to choose which one is right for you.

At The Closet Trading Company, we believe that there is such a thing as a perfect fit– and we strive to be that match-made-in-heaven for every single one of our designer boutique franchise owners. Not only are we the leading sellers of luxury consignment clothes, shoes, and accessories, but we also go above and beyond to ensure the success of our franchise owners.

Here’s why franchising with TCTC is the best choice for your career and how we empower you, our franchise owner, with unrivaled support and guidance.

Ongoing Support

When you join the TCTC family, you will receive unmatched training and support from our experienced franchise development team. We go the extra mile to make sure you’re prepared to run your new boutique before, during, and after your grand opening.

From supplying initial inventory from our corporate backstock to providing ongoing marketing support, we’re committed to the success of every one of our franchise partners. While the designer resale industry continues to grow, we’ve gained a competitive edge over the competition by helping our franchisees develop and grow their businesses every step of the way.

Affordability

If you have always dreamed about owning your own business, investing in a TCTC franchise offers an affordable way to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality. With an initial investment fee, franchise owners receive benefits that extend well beyond the use of our brand name. Your investment includes ongoing training, marketing materials, inventory support, a proprietary database, our innovative eCommerce platform, and so much more. The value of empowerment is something we are especially proud to offer our franchisees.

Environmentally Conscious

The Closet Trading Company is committed to sustainability, and our ideal women’s fashion franchise candidate has the drive and dedication to grow their business while doing good for the planet. Every TCTC resale clothing franchise owner supports our company mission by enriching their local community and making a positive global impact.

The resale market reached $28 billion in 2019, and with a forecasted annual growth rate of 39 percent, the industry is expected to generate $64 billion in revenue by 2024. Franchising with TCTC offers the opportunity to cater to a new generation of eco-conscious consumers, inspire change in your community, and align your environmental passions with your professional goals.

Brand Recognition

At TCTC, we go above and beyond to provide an unparalleled shopping experience for our clients with accessible prices, fresh-off-the-runway styles, and personalized style advice. Our clients love our franchise owners, our commitment to sustainability, and the way we give back. They also love our affordable prices on premium and designer labels.

With our unique women’s fashion franchise opportunities, you can take advantage of our buying power and brand recognition. When you take the first step with TCTC, you will become a respected member of our community of collaborative, fashion-forward entrepreneurs.

Discover Why Prospective Entrepreneurs Choose TCTC

With countless investment opportunities available, choosing the right franchise is essential. At The Closet Trading Company, we set ourselves apart from the competition with our small retail footprint, low investment, unrivaled support, and one-of-a-kind boutique experience. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to our franchise development team today to learn more about The Closet Trading Company and our designer boutique franchise opportunities.

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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Celebrate Earth Day in Style at TCTC’s New Plantation, FL Boutique

TCTC Franchise Storefront in Plantation, Florida

This Earth Day, The Closet Trading Company has something extra to celebrate. New TCTC franchise owners, Antonio Hernandez-Sarinana and Gabriela Hernandez, chose this day to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of their new TCTC franchise located in Plantation, Florida, as a way to highlight the environmental benefits of sustainable fashion.

The couple has also committed to donating proceeds from sales on April 23 to the Dan Marino Foundation to support those with autism and other developmental disabilities toward their path of independence.

“We are thrilled to launch our new business, which combines our love of fashion with environmental stewardship. We’re looking forward to bringing our passion to the Plantation community and welcoming shoppers to our boutique for an exciting and potentially habit-forming shopping experience,” said Hernandez. 

The new sustainable boutique will also become TCTC’s first East Coast franchise at 10097 Cleary Blvd., Plantation, Florida 33324.

The beginnings of TCTC

Founded in 2003 as a vintage boutique, The Closet Trading Company attracted the attention of Santa Barbara’s local fashion scene. Soon after, the demand for premium pre-loved clothing inspired the opening of a second location, and The Closet Trading Company flourished as one of Southern California’s leading luxury consignment boutiques.

Today, TCTC continues to lead the premium second-hand movement with locations in Santa Monica, Agoura Hills, Santa Barbara, and Woodland Hills, California. With TCTC’s newest location in Plantation, Florida, East Coast customers can now enjoy access to pre-loved designer brands in an inviting boutique environment, as well.

Enjoy an Unparalleled Shopping Experience

The Closet Trading Company offers an innovative approach to designer resale, with each TCTC boutique featuring a curated selection of designer labels. TCTC has become an essential component of their customer’s shopping habits and buying cycle, allowing East and West Coast customers to enjoy luxury brands at accessible prices.

TCTC sells pre-loved contemporary designer fashion for women with a focus on current styles from premium labels.

“Since we opened our first boutique in 2003, The Closet has become Southern California’s premier resale and consignment destination,” said CEO Johanna Zlenko. “The opening of our Plantation franchise boutique is the beginning of a new chapter for our company as well as for second-hand shoppers. By bringing our franchise boutiques to new markets, we can begin to meet the growing demand for sustainable, pre-loved designer fashion.”

Upscale Resale Clothing Continues to Thrive during the Pandemic

Since the pandemic began, the fast fashion industry has taken a hit. Although retail giants have struggled to keep their doors open, the resale industry has experienced immense growth.

Circular economy retailers and upscale resale clothing franchises have already seen dramatic industry growth over the last few years. Luxury apparel grew to a $24 billion market before the pandemic and is projected to reach $51 billion by 2023—driven largely, but not exclusively, by sustainably-minded millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Join the Sustainable Luxury Movement

As concerns over the tremendous environmental impact of fast fashion grow louder, resale fashion has become an industry leader. The idea of luxurious, sustainable fashion is no longer an oxymoron—it’s becoming the new normal.

When you join the sustainable luxury movement and open your luxury clothing boutique with The Closet Trading Co., you’ll have the opportunity to enter the flourishing multibillion-dollar resale industry and give back to your community.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own lifestyle business, reach out to our franchise development team to learn more about our franchising opportunities.

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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Investing in a Franchise to Get an E-2 VISA

Investing in a Clothing Franchise for E-2 Visa

*Disclaimer: The Closet Trading Company is not qualified to offer legal advice or make any promises or guarantees regarding immigration status. Anyone considering applying for an E-2 Investor Visa should retain experienced legal counsel.

Foreigners looking to live and work in the United States may consider the E-2 Investor VISA a legal pathway. With an E-2 visa, the entrepreneur may work legally, staying on a prolonged basis, with an unlimited number of two-year extensions.  

The business owner may bring a spouse and dependents under 21. The spouse can legally work at the enterprise, and the children may attend U.S. schools without applying for separate student visas. The family may travel freely in and out of the country as business permits.

Given these incredible benefits, investing in a clothing boutique franchise like The Closet Trading Company™ may be an ideal answer for immigrants with an American dream.*

E-2 Visa Requirements

To be eligible to make an E-2 investment in accordance with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,a foreign national must:

  • Prove that a valid treaty of commerce and navigation exists between their country of citizenship and the United States. A list of eligible E-2 treaty countries can be found here on the U.S. Department of State website.
  • Make a substantial investment in the total cost of the business. While there is no exact amount given, $100,000 in capital should be a reasonable amount to launch a franchise business. The government is looking to see the investor saved this money, received this money as a gift, or somehow legitimately earned enough funds to invest. The funds must be at-risk personal assets – not including loans or credit cards that may be used to cover portions of the business. Ten years’ worth of tax returns, wage statements, retirement account investments, and bank or trust statements are acceptable proof. 
  • Take steps toward the business investment before filling out the E-2 application.Signing leases, purchasing equipment, setting up an escrow account for the sole purpose of funding the business, starting a website, or incorporating a business all reflect steps toward investment. In other words, one must be close to starting the company – not just wishing to do so once residing in the country.
  • Prove that the applicant is capable of active and direct participation in the business. The applicant should have an educational and experiential background commensurate with running such an enterprise.
  • Show a five-year operation plan for maintaining a viable enterprise with a clear operating platform, profit projection, growth potential, and overall economic contribution. Hiring and engaging employees help establish such a plan since staff is generally viewed as a necessary component of operating a non-marginal commercial enterprise.

Investing in a Franchise

Starting a business can be daunting, even for investors who already have U.S. citizenship. So, what makes investment in a franchise a good idea for anyone, much less foreign nationals?

  • It’s great for beginners. The franchise business model is well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs and those without retail experience. Under a franchise arrangement, the franchiser owns the rights to the brand and sells licenses and proprietary information to franchisees. The franchise agreement allows for the opening of the store(s) run by the franchisee. Meanwhile, the franchisor oversees the brand image, provides training materials, and ensures that the franchisee’s branch is up to standard.
  • Franchisees receive considerable support, so they don’t have to go it alone. Franchisors provide a great deal of financial information that can and should be incorporated into the franchisee’s business plan.  They also offer considerable training and marketing materials, website support, pricing databases, and anything that will increase the likelihood of success.
  • It’s an affordable path to entrepreneurship. The cost of entry is spelled out and relatively low compared to other types of business ventures. Some franchises can be started for as little as $50,000. Even in the face of the global pandemic, gross revenue for luxury resale franchises increased 50 percent.
  • Franchising is a well-established business model in the United States. Examples of well-known American franchises include McDonald’s, Burger King, 7-Eleven, Ace Hardware, and SERVPRO. Consular officers generally believe franchises are established and “real” businesses, so they are easier to receive approval than a true “startup” with no brand identification.

How To Apply for the Investor Visa Using Franchise Opportunities

Foreign entrepreneurs interested in obtaining an E-2 visa should take the following steps:

  • Search franchise opportunities that satisfy the E-2 investment amount and job creation requirements.
  • Connect with a franchiser and begin the process of setting up the business.
  • Contact an immigration attorney to prepare the E-2 visa application and supporting documents.
  • Prepare a five-year plan to start a business that demonstrates viability.
  • Transfer funds to the U.S. to pay the franchise fee and establish the business.
  • Submit the E-2 visa application through one of the U.S. embassies.

If you love designer fashions and accessories and dream of owning your own luxury retail consignment boutique, consider starting a franchise with The Closet Trading Company™. Designer resale is steadily rising, with market watchers predicting a $23 Billion industry value by 2023. Contact us to learn how easy it can be for foreigners to open a store without the bureaucratic restrictions that might otherwise hold them back from earning a living, supporting their families, and making their American dreams come true.

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

APPLY NOW
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Franchise Times: Is the Future of Fashion Retail, Resale? Thrifty Franchises Say Yes

TCTC Store Picture

The Closet Trading Company founder and CEO, Johanna Zlenko, was recently interviewed by Franchise Times to discuss the surge of resale taking over the retail industry.  Resale naturally has an eco-friendly nature, plus Gen Z’s consumer expectations have shifted to more ethical and environmental purchasing make now the perfect time to get on board with resale.

What differentiates The Closet Trading Company from other brands is their consignment model­—for about 85 percent of inventory, they pay a consigner once the item sells. Though consigners do have the option to take money up front, it’s at a lower percentage, so the majority choose to wait. With this model, cash isn’t tied up in mountains of inventory that doesn’t sell, Zlenko said.

“We also have a very short ramp-up period and a lower initial investment for franchisees because they’re not buying inventory,” Zlenko added. “One other decision, which is important as it differs from our competitors in resale, is that we actually provide our franchisees with up to 18 months of inventory support, which we give them for free.”

“We are really leaning into a more curated, personal experience for customers, which is one of our selling strategies we’ve always had,” Zlenko said. “Our sales people are called stylists, and they really connect with consumers. This has helped us stay relevant, and that experience can carry forward online—but it’s not just waiting for customers to come in and buy stuff, our stylists have to reach out via social media and curate collections online.”

“We are really leaning into a more curated, personal experience for customers, which is one of our selling strategies we’ve always had,” Zlenko said. “Our sales people are called stylists, and they really connect with consumers. This has helped us stay relevant, and that experience can carry forward online—but it’s not just waiting for customers to come in and buy stuff, our stylists have to reach out via social media and curate collections online.”

CLICK HERE

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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Podcast Episode 1403: Executing on your ideas & Dreams

young woman wearing headphones

Johanna Zlenko is the founder of The Closet Trading Co., an upscale consignment boutique. Johanna founded this brand while she was a freshman at the University of California Santa Barbara, grew the brand to 4 successful locations, and is now looking to expand nationally.

For more on the beginnings of The Closet Trading Company, read Our Story.

To listen to this episode click here

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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TCTC is coming to Fort Worth

Fort Worth skyline

People turn to consignment stores to find a great bargain, but not necessarily designer clothing. At the Closet Trading Company, you could find both.

The luxury consignment store based out of Santa Barbara, California is opening a handful of franchise locations in Dallas-Fort Worth next year. The locations in Fort Worth will include stores at Trinity Commons, University Park Village and the Shops at Clearfork. Closet Trading Company is also looking at opening a store in Southlake, in the Central Market plaza.

Closet Trading Company deals in luxury items. This includes clothes and accessories with designer labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and others. The company says its mission is to make luxury fashion accessible to everyone. While a classic Hermes silk scarf can run for up to $1,000, you could find that same scarf at a Closet Trading Co. store for 70% off the retail price. The Closet Trading Company has many reasons why they desire boutique franchise stores.

To read the full article click here

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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Impulse Shopping Explained: Reasons Behind Stress Shopping, Strategies to help us Save

Woman impulse shopping

TCTC was recently featured on ABC7 to discuss holiday impulse shopping and ways to save! The Closet Trading Company is not only an ideal destination for finding holiday deals on luxury items to keep customers on budget, but also help those the may have “over-indulged” on too many high end products that they don’t use. It’s a Win-Win!

To read the full article click here

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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Handling Star Employees with Bad Attitudes

entrepreneur logo

“Identify the reason for the attitude. Perhaps it’s in response to his or her manager’s bad attitude. In many cases, an employee may not feel comfortable or know how to deal with this kind of a situation, and that unhappiness may manifest itself in a negative demeanor. It is so important to always take the opportunity to learn of gaps in our business operations. These conversations give us a glimpse into areas for improvement that we would otherwise miss.” — Johanna Zlenko, CEO, The Closet Trading Co.

To read the full article click here

Also, to learn more about why The Closet Trading Company is an ideal franchise opportunity, see Why TCTC.

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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My Closet is Your Closet

Johanna Zlenko from The Closet Trading Company

Our very own Johanna Zlenko gets the spotlight as she sheds light on how The Closet Trading Company came about and her plans for scaling her business nationally. She talks consignment, trends, environment and of course Santa Barbara!

The article was originally written in Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine by Kim Hashemi, Photographed by Kennedy Williams.

TCTC Santa Barba Life Article

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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Secondhand Luxury Gives Apparel a Second Chance in Brick-and-Mortar

women's secondhand fashion franchise store floor

The Closet Trading Co. has experienced so much success at its four locations in Santa Monica, Agoura Hills, Santa Barbara and Woodland Hills that it’s now looking to begin development on as many as 20 stores by the end of the year through its newly launched franchise program.

“Within California, we are targeting Greater LA, San Diego, Orange County, the Central Coast and the Bay Area,” says Johanna Zlenko, the company’s CEO. “California has long been on the cutting edge of American fashion as the country looks to Hollywood starlets and LA-based social media influencers for the latest trends.”

Read the entire article here!

Interested in Franchising?

Owning your own upscale boutique is a fun and rewarding experience, TCTC franchise can get you there.

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