Winmark Posts 4Q Profit

Retail franchise operator Winmark (Minneapolis) says its revenue rose 8 percent to $9.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $8.7 million last year.

For the year, Winmark's profit more than quintupled to $5.8 million, from $1.1 million in 2008, while yearly revenue grew 5 percent.

Late last year, the company acquired a scrapbooking retail chain after writing off more than $2 million. It says that charge and rising royalties drown down profits in 2008.

It also operates the Play It Again Sports, Once Upon a Child, Plato's Closet and Music Go Round brands.