ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After more than 30 years of franchising children's upscale resale boutiques, the team behind Children's Orchard® has introduced a new resale concept, Style Trader® - the first and only franchise that offers gently used, brand name apparel and accessories for women, teens and men, all under one roof. Why now?

According to company executives, the opportunity is ripe to cater to a growing generation of resale shoppers that spends approximately $20 to $30 billion per year and is determined to find the very best values when it comes to their clothing apparel purchases.

"Unlike their Baby Boomer parents, today you don't hear 20-somethings brag about splurging on designer brands; instead, they boast about the steals they find at discount and resale stores," says Taylor Bond, President of Style Trader and Children's Orchard. "The Style Trader franchise gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to get into an exploding retail segment that has already captured the hearts of today's budget-conscious shopper."

What started as a shopping habit based on need has become a sustainable alternative to mainstream retail shopping. This shift in perception about resale shopping is fueling what is already one of the fastest growing segments of retail. According to the National Association of Resale Professionals, resale shop openings are increasing at a rate of about seven percent per year.

To capitalize on the growing appeal of resale and to build on the Children's Orchard brand, Bond partnered with local franchise entrepreneur Bob Ufer to open the first corporate-owned Style Trader store in Livonia, Michigan more than a year ago. Centered on the philosophy that "traders always prosper," Style Trader has tested and fine-tuned its sophisticated approach to operations, marketing strategy, point of sales procedures, and merchandising, all of which will be implemented at each new Style Trader franchise location. A second store is planned for the Ann Arbor, Mich. area.

"A growing generation of resale shoppers, along with a strong business model and honed operational practices, makes for a promising future for Style Trader," Bond said. "The turn-key, community oriented concept, coupled with healthy gross margins, makes Style Trader an exciting franchise opportunity for business-minded professionals."

Style Trader is actively seeking qualified franchise prospects to join the first-of-its kind concept. The total investment range to open a retail unit is between $250,000 and $350,000. Qualified franchise owners will have the option to co-brand Children's Orchard and Style Trader. For more information about the Style Trader franchise opportunity please contact Matt Gaston at (800) 999-5437 x227.

About Style Trader®

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Style Trader® is a premier, upscale resale concept and is part of the Children's Orchard family of franchises. Style Trader is the only resale franchise that features a multi-departmental format offering quality, brand name clothing and accessories for women, teens and men. Style Trader stores are designed to emphasize a valued relationship between the community and their customers. For Style Trader franchise information, call (800) 999-5437 or visit www.styletrader.biz, Facebook, or Twitter.