Apollo Blinds
Description:
Apollo Blinds is the UK's largest retail blind store chain, with over 75 stores throughout Britain and Ireland.
Opportunities:
Franchises available in all areas of the UK and Ireland.
Business Type:
Franchise.
Minimum Investment:
£14,900.
Financing Assistance:
Yes, through a third party.
Training Provided:
Yes.
Home-based:
Yes.
BFA Full Member: Yes.
Apollo franchisees set to cash in on awnings boom
July 10, 2008
Apollo Blinds has introduced a new range of awnings in a bid to help its franchisees cash in on the boom in the outdoor protection market.
The smoking ban, the requirement for schools to provide outdoor shaded areas for pupils and the rise in alfresco entertaining are some of the factors which have led to soaring sales of awnings.
Apollo Blinds – which has 85 franchises in the UK and Ireland – is keen to ensure its franchisees take full advantage of the booming market and has introduced a new collection which has 170 different designs across its 10 new ranges.
New general manager Gary Chambers has been instrumental in bringing on the new awnings collection as one of his first acts since becoming head of Britain’s biggest blinds store chain in April.
“The new collection of awnings is a significant development for the business on two levels,” said Chambers.
“Firstly we can offer an even greater selection of products for our customers and therefore enhance our reputation as offering the widest choices of blinds and accessories.
"But, more importantly, by increasing the size of our range, we are giving our franchise network more opportunities to generate sales.
“We have always sold awnings but the new collection will transform our proposition and put our franchisees in the driving position in terms of offering the best quality product at very competitive prices.”
The makers of the new awnings say the quality of product is comparable with that of the UK’s two leaders but the price is significantly lower meaning that franchisees are more likely to make the sale whilst still generating a healthy profit margin.
Chambers sees the introduction of the new awnings collection as opening up opportunities for franchisees in both the domestic and commercial markets.
“The smoking ban has forced a number of businesses including pubs and restaurants to provide sheltered areas for smokers and as a result awnings have really come into their own,” he said.
“As a result, there has been an upsurge in commercial contracts but of course the knock-on effect is that with awnings springing up everywhere, it’s stimulating growth in the domestic market as people want them for their homes."
