Franchise Focus Business News…

I decided to go back to basics with this blog post, and explain some basic franchising terms. So I got a little creative, and created this infographic which hopefully will explain franchising to those of you who are new to the industry. For more information on franchising, why not visit our franchise information centre?!

In this week’s episode of Franchise Update, we are reporting on the exciting Master Franchise opportunity available from digital technology retail franchise – CeX, as well as the Scottish Franchise Show which is taking place on the 5th June. Find out how to get a free ticket!

Click here to download this week’s Franchise Update, or watch in the player below:

One of the UK’s most successful retail franchises – CeX are now expanding their franchise into the Irish market. CeX operate online and high street stores which sell second hand digital technology and entertainment products such as cameras, mobile phones, computer games and CDs and DVDs. CeX are set to make record takings in excess of £85 million this year. Based on this success, they are looking to expand into the Republic of Ireland. They are now offering a Master franchise opportunity to a hard working and dedicated individual in Ireland. If you are interested in finding out more visit CeX’s profile on Franchise Direct.

The Scottish Franchise Show will take place on 5th June. The show aims to provide visitors with an array of franchise opportunities available from a variety of different industries. In addition to various franchisors in attendance, the British Franchise Association will also provide seminars addressing a number of issues facing the franchise community especially during the current economic downturn. Kate Moggeridge, Marketing Manager for Safeclean, one of the franchises which will be in attendance said that the show will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your questions and queries with an experienced Safeclean representative. Visit SafeClean’s profile on Franchise Direct and fill out the form at the bottom of the page to find out how to get free admission to the event or visit the Scottish Franchise Show’s website to register.

Keep Watching!

Coinciding with Obama’s revelations that the US economy is gradually starting to recover, Barclaycard has published a report on the Easter weekend which shows a decrease in hotel and airfare sales; but an increase in sales at department and DIY stores and garden centres.

Sales in department stores are up an impressive 26 per cent in the four weeks coming up to Easter break. DIY and gardening sales also rose 18 per cent for the same period; while airlines, car rental and hotel sales were down during this period, when compared with last year (a fall of 25%, 17% and 8% respectively). It seems that more and more people are turning to DIY, and doing their own home repairs and improvements in an effort to reduce their expenditure.

Stewart Roberts, Business Development Director at Barclaycard said: “What we have seen this Easter is people spending their hard earned money on the comforts of home. Whether it be house improvements, planning their gardens or just enjoying a meal at home with the family, the reduction in travel spending affirms that consumers are staying closer to home in these turbulent times.”

Franchise Direct feature a number of retail franchise opportunities specializing in the home improvements industry, including window blinds retail franchise: Apollo Blinds; door, kitchen and bedroom supplier: Dream Doors and kitchen specialists: In-toto.