• Franchise Fee:$25,000
• Total Investment Range:
$200,000
• Required Cash liquidity:
$100,000
Financing Assistance:
•No
Training and Support:
•Yes
Franchise Description
Apricot Lane is the ONLY fashion boutique franchise combining opportunities from the Fashion and Gift Industries for both men and women. Apricot Lane offers top branded apparel, fashion jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the current and fast changing styles and trends that customers are looking for. Some of the top brands found in Apricot Lane are: 7 For All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans, Rock Revival, Lucky Brand Jeans, Ed Hardy, Steve Madden, Sinful, Affliction, Anama, 7 Diamond and many more.
KEY ADVANTAGES
FLEXIBILITY: Apricot Lane is unique in that they provide much flexibility within the system to in the area of inventory management. They provide the recommended initial merchandise plan with franchisee input and help in securing the vendor dealerships and placing of orders. All orders and re-orders go direct to the suppliers and the franchisor does not currently distribute or “force” any product to the stores. Franchisees can bring new vendors and categories into the store without prior franchisor approval. This flexibility is much appreciated by the franchisees. Everyone benefits from feedback as franchisor and franchisees attend local, regional and national fashion shows sharing trends, what’s working and what’s not through a private intranet communications system.
LANDLORD DEMAND: In 2008, Apricot Lane received the “Hot Retailer” for fashion award from the International Council of Shopping Centers (past recipients were: Chico’s, Ann Taylor, White House/Black Market, Soma and Victoria Secret). Ever since, developers have aggressively pursued Apricot Lane and are offering total build-outs and under performa rents and limited personal guarantees – all of which reduces start-up costs and risk.
TRAINING and SUPPORT
Apricot Lane’s training program is also very unique. It consists of a Home Training, Corporate Training, On-Site Training and Continuing Education.
HOME TRAINING: A computer filled with the required software including the POS Inventory Management system is sent to the franchisees home along with all manuals. The franchisee completes exercises and tests to become proficient with the POS system and store operations prior to attending corporate training. Home Training takes approximately 2 weeks to complete.
CORPORATE TRAINING: This training is in Vacaville, CA and runs for five days. One of the days is spent at the Los Angeles Fashion District with franchisors buyer to get an overview of the fashion industry and to meet some key suppliers (They fly down and back in the same day).
STORE OPENING-ON SITE: Included in the franchise fee is a store opener/merchandiser to set up the visual displays, install computers and conduct store opening training. The opener typically spends 3-4 days on-site. Continuing Education: Frequent system wide conference calls and webinars are conducting covering buying, marketing and operations. Franchisees are encouraged to attend the Las Vegas Magic and Project shows held twice a year. During this show, the franchisor conducts meetings, training and invites special speakers.
Investment Requirements
Franchise Fee:
$25,000
Required Cash liquidity:
$100,000
Total Investment Range:
$200,000
