Top 100 Franchises
2016
Founded in 2007, Apricot Lane Boutique is a dynamic, stylish, responsive, truly unique franchise retail store opportunity. Our stores are located in high traffic shopping centers bringing the latest fashions and collections to your customers. The franchisees are supported by resources in all aspects of a retail operation. Our franchisees and corporate buyers team up to attend some of the largest fashion trade shows in America. In addition, each week, we meet with many of the Los Angeles Fashion District vendors through our on-site exclusive Apricot Lane buyer contracted by us to provide weekly buying opportunities. Our franchisees have the ability to quickly update merchandise so your boutique is always carrying the latest fashions hot off the runway.
| Year | Franchised | Change | Company-Owned | Change | Total | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 74 | -18.68% | 0 | -- | 74 | -18.68% |
| 2013 | 91 | 15.19% | 0 | -- | 91 | 15.19% |
| 2012 | 79 | -- | 0 | -- | 79 | -- |
Investment Required
The initial fee to purchase an Apricot Lane franchise is $29,500. Apricot Lane provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.
| Item | Established Low Range | Established High Range |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $29,500 |
| Site Selection Analytics | $1,550 | $3,500 |
| Real Estate/1st month rent | $0 | $10,000 |
| Deposits (Lessor, Utilities, Providers) | $0 | $5,000 |
| Store Designer/Architect | $1,750 | $8,000 |
| Construction Management | $0 | $2,000 |
| Plane Review Fee | $0 | $1,500 |
| Construction/Leasehold Improvements | $0 | $140,000 |
| Center Construction Fees & Demolition | $0 | $2,500 |
| Construction Consulting Fee | $0 | $1,500 |
| Cash Wrap | $500 | $9,000 |
| Flooring & Installation | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Display Fixture Package, Bags & Boxes | $4,000 | $15,000 |
| Computer & Software | $11,000 | $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $40,000 | $65,000 |
| Insurance Deposit | $0 | $1,000 |
| Exterior Signs | $500 | $8,000 |
| Expenses While Training | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Public Relations | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| On-Site Store Opening and Visual Merchandising | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Initial Store Marketing & POP Package | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| Office Equipment, Furniture, & Supplies | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Lease Negotiations | $800 | $7,000 |
| In-Store Music/Video System | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Professional Fees | $500 | $1,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $131,300 | $409,800 |
Ongoing Expenses
Franchisees are required to pay ongoing royalty fees equal to 5.5% of gross revenues, and an advertising and development fund contribution equal to 1% of gross revenues, among others.
What You Get: Training and Support
New franchisees will participate in a three-phase initial training program. Phase one consists of a home study program; Phase 2 will take place at corporate headquarters in Vacaville, CA and consist of 5 days of classroom training; Phase 3 is a 30, 60, 90, and 20 day follow-up training program that will take place after the store has opened. Apricot Lane will also send a representative to the franchised business before the grand opening for 3-5 days to provide on-site assistance. Franchisees will continue to receive support and guidance regarding the day-to-day operations of the business, as well as additional training when deemed necessary.
Territory
Apricot Lane grants protected territories.
Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, ongoing expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company's 2015 FDD.
