MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq:WINA) announced today that the name of its recently launched women's resale brand will be Style Encore™. The company also announced that Susan Baustian, formerly the company's Brand Director for its highly successful children's resale franchise Once Upon A Child®, has been named as the Brand Director for Style Encore™.
John Morgan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "We wanted a name that not only reflected the changing styles of our customer base, but also something that captured the concept of recycling that has been so widely received by the customers of our other brands. We believe Style Encore™ will become the strongest brand name in women's resale and we are excited about the incredible interest we have already received from our current franchisees in working with us to launch our first stores this year."
In commenting on the naming of Susan Baustian as Brand Director, Morgan said, "Susan has done an incredible job for the company and our franchisees in growing our Once Upon A Child® franchise system both in number of units as well as average store volume. She will help us get to market quickly and pave the path for a successful launch of Style Encore™."
Winmark Corporation creates, supports and finances business. At December 29, 2012, there were 968 franchises in operation under the brands Plato's Closet®, Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, and Music Go Round®. An additional 65 retail franchises have been awarded but are not open. In addition, at September 29, 2012, the Company had a lease portfolio of $34.1 million.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), relating to future events or the future financial performance of the Company including statements with respect to our ability to finance the growth of our leasing and franchising businesses for the foreseeable future. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions or statements of intention subject to risks and uncertainties and actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated. Because actual results may differ, shareholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any statements of intention to franchise should not be construed as an offer to sell a franchise. No franchises will be sold until a Franchise Disclosure Document has been prepared and delivered to a prospective franchisee and all necessary state registrations have been obtained in compliance with applicable law.