March 11, 2010
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Your Children's Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in children's franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the children's franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Children's Franchise NewsGames2U Entertainment Reaches 100th Franchise MilestoneNational party franchise Games2U Entertainment announced this week the signing of their 100th franchise in Naples, FL.
Gap Inc. Chairman And Ceo Glenn Murphy To Present At Investor Conference On March 11Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, will give a presentation to investors at the Bank of America Conference in New York City on March 11. Mr. Murphy will provide an overview of... Cotton Incorporated Partners With Gap For Nationwide "cotton. From Blue To Green." Denim DriveCotton Incorporated announced today that it will be working with Gap to launch the COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.(R) denim drive in about 1,000 Gap stores across North America and Puerto Rico. Beginning March 5 through March 14, consumers across...
Gap Inc. Reports February SalesGap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported net sales of $838 million for the four-week period ended February 27, 2010, which represents a 5 percent increase compared with net sales of $795 million for the four-week period ended February 28, 2009. Gap Inc. named #1 Retailer in 100 Best Corporate Citizens ListGap Inc. today was named as the top retailer in Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizen List, placing 9th overall in the most recent ranking of major U.S. companies by CRO Magazine which serves as a national indicator of best... Homewatch CareGivers Releases New "Guide to Legal and Financial Planning Needs for Seniors" to Help Families Plan for Critical DecisionsAs part of its ongoing program of helping to provide families with information they need to make informed decisions, Homewatch CareGivers has released its latest resource, entitled "Guide to Legal and Financial Planning Needs... CEC Entertainment Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year-End 2009CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today reported net earnings of $5.4 million for the fourth quarter ended January 3, 2010, compared to net earnings of $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.24 for the...
Toys"R"Us, U.S. Launches Fundraising Campaign to Help Autism Speaks Solve the Autism PuzzleToys"R"Us, U.S. today announced that its fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks will begin Sunday, February 28 and continue through Friday, April 30. Throughout the campaign, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us...
Last Call for Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes SearchJust nine days are left to enter a young leader into the 2010 Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) Huggable Heroes(R) program. Ten young people, ages eight to 18, will ultimately be selected as Huggable Heroes and win a $7,500 educational scholarship and $2,500... Children's Orchard(R) Launches Online Store for 21st Century MomAmerica's favorite upscale-resale children's clothing boutique is now online. CEC Entertainment, Inc.to Webcast Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2009CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today announced that it will host a conference call with investors on Thursday, February 25, 2010, to discuss financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended January 3, 2010. The conference call will begin.... Homewatch CareGivers Now Serving Essex, Morris and Union CountiesSouth Orange's Larry Aronson, a former executive with Revlon, Warner Lambert, and Procter & Gamble, has teamed up with Homewatch CareGivers, the largest, most experienced international provider of full-service home care, to deliver vital, high-quality Gap Introduces babyGap 1969 Premium Denim CollectionToday Gap introduced its newest collection of 1969 Premium Denim made especially for babyGap. Designed with a brand new, lightweight premium denim, the collection features Gap's iconic pieces specifically for babies 0-24 months. Toys"R"Us, Inc. Expands its Support of Autism Speaks Throughout North AmericaToday, Toys"R"Us, Inc. and the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund announced they have expanded their support of Autism Speaks to include a fundraising campaign in all of the company's stores in North America. This is the fourth consecutive year the company... Fantastic Sams Completes Implementation of V12 Group Franchisee Acquisition ProgramV12 Group, a direct marketing services firm, and Fantastic Sams, a full-service hair care franchise, announce the successful completion of a turnkey franchise marketing acquisition program. V12 Group and Fantastic Sams began developing this program in... A Squared Entertainment (A2) Partners with Global Children's Company Build-A-Bear WorkshopA Squared Entertainment (A2), a full-service brand entertainment company, today announced its partnership with the world's only make your own stuffed animal retail entertainment experience, Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW). New Fantastic Sams Franchisees Are Seeing 20/20 in 2010!In this struggling economy and tight credit market, Fantastic Sams is making a radical change by offering some sizable incentives for new business owners located in the Rocky Mountain Region. For a limited time, new Fantastic Sams franchisees have the... GAP Unveils Casting Call Contest Winners In Babygap And Gapkids Stores NationwideAmerica has voted – the results are in. Today, Gap revealed the four adorable, charismatic winners of its fourth annual Casting Call contest. Out of nearly one million entries, the next faces of babyGap and GapKids are William McLaughlin, 11 months.
Gap Inc. Reports January SalesGap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported net sales increased five percent to $798 million for the four-week period ended January 30, 2010 compared with net sales of $757 million for the four-week period ended January 31, 2009. The company's comparable store... Toys"R"Us, Inc. Introduces Exclusive Line of Babies"R"Us-Branded Baby EssentialsToys"R"Us, Inc. has introduced an exclusive line of baby essentials marketed under its trusted Babies"R"Us brand name. The Babies"R"Us-labeled assortment offers parents and caregivers a high-quality, lower-cost alternative to comparable brands when... Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Sets Date for 2009 Fourth Quarter Earnings Announcement and Investor Conference CallBuild-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive, entertainment-based retailer of customized stuffed animals, will report results for its fiscal 2009 fourth quarter ended Jan. 2, 2010, on Feb. 18, 2010 prior to the opening of trading on the New... Homewatch CareGivers Opens New International Office in Guatemala, Adding a Sixth Country to Its Global NetworkHomewatch CareGivers, the largest and most experienced international franchise provider of full-service home care, has opened its newest international location in Guatemala, the sixth country within the Homewatch CareGivers' network, joining the 180... BounceU of Sarasota Hosts "Families Helping Haiti" FundraiserThe tragedy of the recent Haitian Earthquake has touched the lives of thousands and individuals around the country are looking for ways to help. Local business owner of BounceU of Sarasota has taken it upon herself to make a difference by working with... Primrose Schools Opens Education Training FacilityPrimrose Schools announced today the opening of its new Primrose School of Education, a 22,000-square foot training facility for the franchise owners of its more than 200 schools nationwide. The School of Education opening is part of Primrose...
Build-A-Bear Workshop Supports Children's Heart Foundation in Celebration of Valentine's DayBuild-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, and its foundation will raise funds during the month of February for the Children's Heart Foundation (CHF), an organization that works to advance... Build-A-Bear Workshop Named One of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For"FORTUNE announced Thursday that Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) has been ranked 80 on the 13th annual "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. The full list and related stories appear in the February 8 issue of FORTUNE, available on newsstands on Monday... How to Talk to Young Athletes about Sports Scandals, National Youth Sports Franchise, i9 Sports, Offers Expert AdviceWith recent national news and tabloid gossip swirling around the scandals of Tiger Woods to Gilbert Arenas and Mark McGwire, young sports fans have become over-exposed to the misconduct of once idolized professional athletes. i9 Sports, the world's... Nurse Next Door Supports Canadian Olympic Athlete Alex HarveyWhile multi-million dollar Olympic sponsorship might be out of the reach of most local small businesses, Nurse Next Door, Canada's fastest growing homecare franchise system, has found a unique way to support a Canadian Olympic athlete and is... Build-A-Bear Workshop Sends Hugs to Haiti Earthquake Relief EffortBuild-A-Bear Workshopannounced today initiatives to provide support for children and families affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Toys'R'Us Children's Fund Donates $150,000 to Save the Children to Support Haitian Relief EffortsAs part of its ongoing commitment to keep children safe and help them in times of need, the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund today announced a $150,000 donation to help Save the Children in its efforts to provide immediate relief to victims of the... Goddard Systems, Inc. Appoints Joseph Schumacher as Chief Executive OfficerGoddard Systems, Inc., named the number one child care franchise company for the eighth year in a row by Entrepreneur magazine, announced today that Joseph Schumacher has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2010. He succeeds... GAP Inc. Names Tom Keiser As Cheief Information OfficerTapping a proven retail technology executive with significant experience building global platforms, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that Tom Keiser joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Entrepreneur Magazine Ranks Kumon No. 1 Tutoring FranchiseKumon, the world's largest after-school education company, ranks No. 1 in the tutoring category in Entrepreneur magazine's annual Franchise 500 list for the ninth consecutive year. The company attracts entrepreneurs with a desire to help children...
Gap Inc. Reports December SalesGap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported that December 2009 net sales were up five percent from last year. Net sales for the five-week period ended January 2, 2010 were $2.02 billion compared with net sales of $1.93 billion for the five-week period ended... Leading Kids Party Franchise Hires New VPs to Head Operations, DevelopmentPIU Management, LLC, franchisor of the Pump It Up and BounceU brands, announced two new appointments to its senior management team, including Vice President of Operations Scott Keppel, and Vice President of Development and Real Estate Sean Bock. Entrepreneur Magazine Ranks The Little Gym No. 1 in Children's FitnessThe challenging economy has taken its toll on businesses nationwide in the last couple of years. But as hundreds of businesses have struggled to stay afloat, one franchise company continues to show signs of success. Kidville To Open 11 Locations In The United Arab Emiratesnamed 'best of' by New York Magazine and given a five star "extraordinary" customer rating in The Lila Guide: New Parent Survival Guide- has announced that it will open eleven Kidville locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Back Creek Christian Academy Wins 2009 "Young Masters" Art ContestTwo young artists from Back Creek Christian Academy have won the premier art contest hosted by Young Masters, a national franchise that showcases children's artwork on lasting keepsakes. TOYS"R"US Stores Continue To Receive Daily Shipments Of The Season's Hottest Toys In The Week Leading Up To ChristmasToys"R"Us today assured last-minute shoppers, determined to find the toys that top their little ones' wish lists, that its stores will continue to receive daily deliveries of the season's hottest toys through Christmas Eve, including more than one... |
Features & Special ReportsMeasuring Performance: Multi-unit Franchisees Utilize Unit Economics to Help Run a Tighter ShipMulti-unit franchisee Todd Pulley knows all about measuring unit performance and profitability - even though he had no prior financial background before becoming a franchisee. Over the last 15 years though, he has developed and refined his own system for measuring his unit economics at his four PuroClean locations in New Jersey and Delaware. The effort is paying off. Is it Time for an Operating Cost Audit?: Franchise Tenants Unite!When was the last time you challenged a landlord or property manager about the operating expenses or common area maintenance (CAM) charges? Probably not recently or never, right? To clarify, operating costs are the day-to-day management and maintenance expenses charged to the tenant; examples include asphalt repairs, snow removal, property insurance, and so on. Franchise tenants pay a proportionate share of these costs based on the space they occupy. Therefore, if a franchise tenant occupies 12 percent of a building, he or she will pay for 12 percent of the operating costs. Paying by this said ratio is the industry standard but, of course, there are deviations for special circumstances like free-standing buildings and so on. "Old School" Communication: Cell Phone Texting Builds Customer TrafficConsidering the wide-ranging abilities of today's smartphones, simple text messaging may seem passé, but it's a basic social media tool that's working wonders for Chris Kramolis' franchise operation. He's been using text messages to build business and compile a database of his customers--and he doesn't see any reason to deviate from something that's working. Discovering Oil: Multi-unit Operator Strikes it Rich with Oil Change FranchisesDarrell Lamb remembers toiling away in the heyday of the mid-90s stock market. He was always searching for new investors, and on the lookout for hot investments. One day some of his advisers told him about an opportunity - a chance to invest in the Express Oil Change franchise. He had reason to trust the advisers since they were his uncle, who was president of the company, and his dad, an Alabama optometrist who was always interested in investing in growing ventures. Capital AccessDustin Winkle was a victim of the dot-com crash a few years back. While pondering his next career move, he visited with family members who operated some dry cleaning stores. He liked what he heard and purchased his first Martinizing Dry Cleaners stores six hours away in Yakima, Wash. It was a long commute from his home in Boise, Idaho, but he loved the business. Three years later his family was ready to sell its dry cleaning stores and Winkle was more than happy to buy some units closer to home. Today he operates 10 Martinizing Dry Cleaning stores (and one non-Martinizing unit) in the Boise area. Multi-Tasking: What It Takes To Be A Successful Multi-Unit FranchiseeTwenty years ago, franchising meant buying the rights to and opening a single unit or business. But a changing trend has taken hold during the last two decades. Today, it's not uncommon for a single franchise operator to have 5, 6, or even dozens of units. FRANdata research notes the number of multi-unit operators now tops 34,000, and those operators control more than 155,000 franchised units in the U.S. It's a growth strategy that has proven effective but it should be approached with caution. Multi-unit operators are generally wired differently then their single-unit counterparts. Successful multi-unit operators are typically experienced, skilled, professional business executives who have chosen franchising as their business model. They possess the skills, training, capital, infrastructure, and vision to operate numerous units and have the ability to continue adding units to their portfolio--without stressing their organization or their stomach. Episode 006: The Benefits of a Franchise ModelFranchising provides benefits for both seller and buyer. For franchisors, the primary benefit is the ability to use other people's money to expand the brand more rapidly than they could either on their own or through investors or lenders. The initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties they collect allow franchisors to build their brand without sacrificing control to outsiders or the pressure of repaying lenders. Measure for Measure: Unit Economics Plays a Leading Role on Today's Economic StageThe most fundamental business strategy calls for black numbers on the bottom line. In simplest terms, it's proof the business is generating more cash than it is spending. All too often, though, entrepreneurs get involved in businesses without employing a proper system to help them keep a watchful eye on what they're earning and what they're spending. Managing day-to-day operations can be so time-consuming that it leaves little room for financial analysis. Or perhaps key individuals lack a basic understanding of how to read and interpret financial statements. Combine these factors with the down economy, and you'll likely wind up with a troubled business. Service Based Franchising: Where the Action IsLast week we ended our discussion of service concepts with the point that many of these businesses are based on customers making the choice to trade money (surplus) for time (deficit). The example we used was maid services, where time-starved customers spend money to buy time they can spend with their family and friends. Other examples of businesses built on services that customers could perform themselves but choose to pay someone else for include lawn and landscaping services, residential painting, oil change, and installation of home entertainment systems. Seven Steps to Fiscal Fitness: A "Fiscal Physical" Will Help Your Business Survive, Grow, and ProsperIn the few minutes it takes you to read this article, 40 businesses across the nation will fail--and that statistic was [i]before[/i] the economic downturn of the last 24 months. Tragic? Yes. Remarkable? Not at all. The road to business success is littered with the skeletons of companies whose owners--mostly brilliant and skilled individuals--failed to "take care of business" in the financial management of their enterprise.
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