Uptown Cheapskate

Uptown Cheapskate

Franzy VerifiedInformation based on 2026 FDD

Retail · Clothing & Fashion

Investment min
$364K
Total: $364K–$682.2K
Avg gross revenue
$1.41M
Unit-level, 2026
Franchise fee
$35K
Veteran discount available
Royalty
5.0% of Gross Sales
Locations
162
Franchising since 2009

Description

What is Uptown Cheapskate?

Resale shop for name-brand clothing using a buy-sell-trade model with curated inventory

Uptown Cheapskate is a thriving retail franchise that is revolutionizing the secondhand clothing industry. Uptown offers a unique shopping experience by combining high-quality, name-brand clothing and accessories with unbeatable prices, creating an upscale yet budget-friendly atmosphere that appeals to both value-orient and style-conscious consumers. It’s the kind of shopping experience that keeps people coming back again and again.

Every Uptown operates on a buy-sell-trade model, offering customers the opportunity to sell their gently used clothing for cash or store credit. On the other side of the counter, shoppers can access an organized, curated collection of high-quality inventory, all up to 70% off original retail. What's more, while most thrift stores feel cluttered and outdated, Uptown stores are as much known for their vibrancy as their value. As one customer put it, “First time I have been in the store and absolutely WOW!”

As a franchise, Uptown Cheapskate prioritizes franchisee success (return on capital) and satisfaction (return on brain damage) above all else. Uptown is committed to continuously improving its systems and support, including the franchise's industry-leading software platform, which powers every transaction in stores.

Uptown's aim is not only to become the defining concept in thrift, but more broadly to leave customers asking "why would I ever shop full price again?". The franchise is looking for hands-on, high-integrity operators who have a desire to not only build an enduringly profitable business, but also be a part of a brand that is synonymous with high-quality operations and positive community impact.

  • Resale fashion for teens
  • Gen Z value shoppers
  • Buy-sell youth apparel
  • Thrift-oriented sustainability focus
  • College town positioning

Location Analysis

Where Uptown Cheapskate wins

The franchise resale model tends to cluster multiple stores within a single metro to build local brand awareness and a recurring seller base. Suburban strip-center and shopping-center placement is favored over enclosed-mall or downtown locations. Presence is tied to markets with college and young-adult populations that supply and buy trend-driven apparel. Ideal demographics include teens, college students, and young adults who drive both selling and buying of trend-forward apparel, fashion- and value-conscious shoppers seeking name-brand clothing at reduced prices, households motivated by sustainability and circular shopping, and young families and budget-aware middle-income consumers. Location requirements include storefront retail space with strong street visibility, convenient customer parking, back-of-house area for inventory processing, co-tenancy near everyday traffic drivers and youth-oriented retail, and easy drop-off access. Validate whether the local trade area sustains sufficient dual-transaction volume to support resale economics.
Total Locations
162
Franchise units
162
Corporate locations
0
Avg. sq. footage
5000

Loading map...

Territory check

Is your territory available?

Let's find out.

try

We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Uptown Cheapskate confirms availability directly.

Availability

Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Uptown Cheapskate

Avg gross revenue$1,405,704
Investment range$364,015 – $682,215
Investment midpoint$523,115
Brand fundMarketing Fund: 0.5% of Gross Sales
Royalty5.0% of Gross Sales
Franchise fee$35,000
Min. net worth$200,000
Min. liquid capital$100,000

Veteran discount available

Uptown Cheapskate participates in a veteran discount program on the franchise fee. Ask your Franzy advisor or the brand for current eligibility and terms.

Uptown Cheapskate was founded in 2008 and operates 162 units. The initial investment ranges from $364,015 to $682,215, with a franchise fee of $35,000. Reported gross revenue is $1,405,704. The resale model requires back-of-house infrastructure for receiving, sorting, pricing, and processing customer buy-in inventory, along with storefront retail space offering strong visibility and parking. Operational complexity centers on managing dual transaction flows—purchasing inventory from consumers while simultaneously retailing to value-driven shoppers. Multi-unit ownership is common in resale franchising, encouraging same-metro store additions. The concept depends on maintaining a steady supply of good-condition name-brand apparel from the local trade area to sustain inventory turnover.
Did you know? Uptown Cheapskate operates in the clothing and fashion retail sector. The initial investment ranges from $364,015 to $682,215. The franchise fee is $35,000. Founded in 2008, the brand focuses on a resale model serving teens, college students, and young adults seeking trend-forward, name-brand apparel at reduced prices.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

The model

How Uptown Cheapskate works

01
Ownership
Part-Time (Executive)

Owner stays in an executive role — sets strategy, hires a manager, and oversees crews. Typically 5–20 hr/wk after ramp; many keep their day job.

Full-Time

Owner runs the business as their primary job — leads the team day-to-day on the ground, 40+ hr/wk.

02
Revenue
Recurring revenueTransaction-basedBig-ticket salesService-basedProduct sales (retail)Hybrid model
03
Customer
B2B

Sells to businesses, contractors, or property owners.

B2C

Sells directly to consumers and homeowners.

Mixed

Serves both businesses and consumers.

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$364K–$682.2K
Most common
$364,015
Minimum
$523,115
Midpoint
$682,215
Maximum

The investment range midpoint (from range reported on Item 7) is $523,115 and financing can reduce cash-at-close by 80–90%.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

Avg
$1.29M
YOY change (2024 -> 2026)
+15%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Uptown Cheapskate has an average gross revenue of $1.41M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Over time

+26% YoY
162 units open as of 2026 FDD+33 in last 12 mo

2026 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Uptown Cheapskate's 2026 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2026 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Uptown Cheapskate franchise typically ranges between $364,015.00 and $682,215.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2026. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate
$1.41M avg revenue · 162+ US franchises