September 03, 2010
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Your Retail Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in retail franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the retail franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Retail Franchise NewsFASTSIGNS(R) Franchise Vernon HIlls, IL Experiences Sales Growth and Success in Difficult EconomyAfter facing the most difficult economy in recent history, many businesses considered themselves fortunate to have survived; achieving an increase in sales was a seemingly impossible challenge.
'The Back-Up Plan' Tops Weekly BLOCKBUSTER(R) Franchise Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER® (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending August 29, 2010 is "The Back-Up Plan." Tired of dating and determined to be a mother, Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) decides she can't wait any long
First Gamer Doc(R) Video Games Franchise in Alabama Now OpenGamer Doc®, the retail video game store franchise that delivers a new and interactive customer experience, today announced the opening of its first Alabama store. The Huntsville Gamer Doc offers a family friendly environment and a "Pro Player" room. T New Blu-ray Player From Onkyo Offers BLOCKBUSTER Franchise On Demand(R)Blockbuster Inc. (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB) announced that Onkyo's newest Blu-ray player, the BD-SP808 will offer BLOCKBUSTER On Demand®. This month, the model will be rolled out in electronics stores nationwide, adding to a list of more than 85 cons ColorTyme franchisee contributes to FAPA raffleBringing together adoptive families, caregivers and members from across the panhandle, the Foster Adoptive Parent Association recently concluded its annual conference in Destin, Fla. ColorTyme Franchisee Richard Pannell showed his support for the organiza Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchise to Re-Launch Web Store on ATG Commerce OnDemandATG (Art Technology Group, Inc., NASDAQ: ARTG), the premier provider of cross-channel commerce solutions, announced today that Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, will re-launch its Web site o
Planet Beach Contempo Spas Franchise Pioneers New Markets in EgyptPlanet Beach Contempo Spas has opened its first of several automated day spa franchises in Cairo, Egypt, catering to increased demand for affordable day spa and relaxation services in Africa and the Middle East. Gap Inc. Franchise Launches Dedicated Canadian Online Shopping Site For Gap, Old Navy And Banana RepublicAs the company continues to expand internationally, Gap Inc., today launched its dedicated Canadian e-commerce site for Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy stores (www.gapcanada.ca, www.bananarepublic.ca and www.oldnavy.ca) making it easier for busy women a Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) Franchise Offers a New Way for Guests to Feed Their FriendshipBuild-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that it is introducing a new brand of furry fun. Starting Sept. 3, build-a-bear smallfrys(TM) will be available at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores Toys"R"Us Franchise Selects Retail Sense To Provide Marketing Communication Solution - Partnership Comes After Extensive Search For The Best Marketing Process SoftwareAfter a comprehensive search for an innovative, efficient marketing communication solution, Toys"R"Us selected Retail Sense to provide a creative process tool that will streamline their current marketing practices. Retail Sense offers more than 25 years o The Bancorp Bank Approves $4 Million Expansion Funding Program for New FASTSIGNS(R) Franchise CentersFASTSIGNS®, the world's premier business-to-business marketing solution, sign, and graphics franchise, announced today that it has been approved for a new franchisee lending program created by The Bancorp Bank ("Bancorp"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
SIGNARAMA Franchise Peterborough Partners with Scene Media for Citybanners VentureSIGNARAMA Peterborough co-owner Morgan Smith knows the sign industry. After five years in the business, Smith realized one of his franchise's most popular products was being under-used, even wasted and was left to face the sometimes brutal Canadian weathe Gap Inc. Franchise Announces New $750 Million Share Repurchase ProgramGap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new $750 million share repurchase program. The company ended the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 with $150 million remaining under the $1 billion share repurchase program authorize
RadioShack Franchise Increases Share Repurchase Program to $500 MillionRadioShack Corporation, a leading national retailer of innovative mobile and technology products, services and accessories, today announced that its Board of Directors has increased the Company's share repurchase authorization, from $290 million to $500 m 101 Mobility Annouces First Franchisees, Boosts Brand Into National SpotlightThe U.S. Administration on Aging predicts that by 2030, there will be an estimated 72.1 million senior citizens in the U.S. – more than twice the number that existed in 2000. And as members of population ages, their ability to remain mobile in their ColorTyme Franchise Now Open in Lawrence, Mass.Another ColorTyme recently opened for business in Massachusetts; this time in the city of Lawrence. The store aims to attract customers with an unparalleled level of service and low prices on rent-to-own items including appliances, furniture and electroni Play N Trade Franchisees Continue to See Strong SalesPlay N Trade Franchise, Inc., the fastest growing video game franchise worldwide, today announced that for the month of July, 2010 their same store sales were up 17% compared to July, 2009. Massage Heights Newport Beach Franchise Set to Open Its 1st Orange County Retail Location in Newport Beach, CA on August 20th, 2010Soothing music, relaxing aromatic candles, a clean and calming environment, and experienced massage therapists. All these are available at Massage Heights Newport Beach's newest location in The Bluffs Shopping Center at 1334 Bison Ave, Newport Beach, CA 9 Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) Franchise Supports Youth Education Through DonorsChoose.orgBuild-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that it will raise funds for DonorsChoose.org in support of teachers and youth education nationwide. Now through September 6, the company is in Edible Arrangements Signs Master Franchise Agreement in Republic of IndiaEdible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, announced today the signing of a Master Franchisee agreement with Hiten Bajaj for the development of 20 units throughout the Republic of India over the next four years
Bark Busters Franchise Anounces Back-to-School Tips for Families with DogsWhen kids go back to school, the stress can be huge on the family, including the dog. This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our furry friends, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of The Forzani Group Ltd.: Expansion of the Power of Sport for Kids Program Helps Even More Kids PlayThe Forzani Group Ltd. (TSX:FGL) is proud to announce the expansion of The Power of Sport for Kids community giving program to more of its corporate banners. 'Kick-Ass' Tops Weekly Blockbuster(R) Franchise Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER® (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending August 8, 2010 is "Kick-Ass." Dave Lizewski is an average high school nerd and devout comic book lover with few friends. Wondering why the Long-time executives return ColorTyme Franchise to DallasPat Gartland and Dan Eichelberger recently turned their careers from executives to franchisees with the opening of ColorTyme in Dallas. With a combined 32 years working for Rent-A-Center, the duo is pleased to share their passion and sales-and-lease exper FASTSIGNS(R) Franchise Expanding its Presence into Long IslandFASTSIGNS, the world's premier business-to-business marketing solution franchise with more than 530 locations, announces it will open its first franchise location in Long Island during the latter half of 2010. The new center will be located in Westbury, N Volvo Rents Franchise Owner Pete Post Named President of Texas Rental AssociationPete Post, owner of two Volvo Rents franchise locations in Houston and Seabrook, TX, was recently named President of the Texas Rental Association. Snap-on Incorporated Franchise Declares Quarterly DividendThe Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) board of directors declared today a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.30 per share payable September 10, 2010 to shareholders of record on August 20, 2010. Snap-on has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends, wit Card Connection Franchisees Find Success in the NorthLeading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that its franchisees are finding success in the North. Former Esso station manager, Graeme Ewing, who took over the Ayr/Kilmarnock area at the end of December 09, has alr Massage Heights Franchise Atlanta's New Sublime Summertime Massage Offers Sandy Springs and Atlanta Consumers Relief From the Summer HeatInspired by refreshing cucumber and mint, Massage Heights Atlanta's exclusive Sublime Summertime Massage helps Sandy Springs and Atlanta consumers escape, relax and reenergize this summer. Aaron's, Inc. Franchise Directors Declare DividendThe Board of Directors of Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, has declared a quarterly cash dividend. T
Hello Kitty and Sanrio Friends Celebrate Sanrio's 50th Anniversary at Build-A-Bear Workshop FranchiseBuild-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that it is introducing a new lineup of special friends in celebration of Sanrio's 50th Anniversary. The classic Sanrio friends including make-your-own Chococ GAP Celebrates One Year Success Of 1969 Jeans With New Fall Collection, Launch Of Gap1969.com And Los Angeles Design OfficeGap today announced it will open a new creative design office in Los Angeles – a first for Gap, introduce a new Fall collection of jeans 'with attitude' and launch an immersive digital hub on jeans curated by designers, fashion experts and musicians Clash of the Titans Available at BLOCKBUSTER Franchise: 28 Days Before Some Other OutletsBlockbuster Inc. (Pink Sheets: BLOKA) today announced availability of the movie, Clash of the Titans, in BLOCKBUSTER® stores and from BLOCKBUSTER By Mail a full four weeks before it will be available through some competitors. Blockbuster's early advan Edible Arrangements Franchise Announces Partnership With geoVueEdible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, has partnered with geoVue, a leading provider of site selection, market optimization and sales forecasting solutions for retailers and restaurants. Edible Arrangements
ColorTyme Franchise Partners with Citibank to Provide Financing for Rent-to-Own FranchisorColorTyme, Inc., America's oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores, announced today that it has entered into a franchise financing agreement with Citibank's Business & Commercial Banking Group, a leading provider of co Flip Flop Shops Franchise and havaianas Partner for Primo August PromoAs summer comes to an end and the back-to-school season arrives in full-swing, what better way to welcome the fall season than in the most stylish and comfortable, must-have havaianas flips flops. Flip Flop Shops has announced that it is partnering with h The Goodie Bag Makeover: Pump It Up Franchise Cuts the Calories and Stress from Party FavorsA few weeks ago, most kids didn't know what a roto launcher was. Now, it's one of the hottest gadgets found exclusively in the new Goodie Bags from Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds committed to helping families a Volvo Rents Franchise Anounces Want to Rent a Skid Steer? There's an App for that!Volvo Rents is getting in on the iPhone App craze. The worldwide provider of small-to-medium sized construction equipment is taking the construction equipment industry to a new level of ease and accessibility with its new iPhone Application. Woof Gang Bakery Franchise Unleashes New Store in LutzWoof Gang Bakery, the nation's fastest-growing gourmet dog treat bakery and retail store franchise, announces the grand opening of their newest location in Lutz. The store is located at The Shoppes at Sunlake Center, 18875 State Road 54, Lutz, Fla. 33558,
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Features & Special ReportsFranchising With Family Members Can Be Fraught With Danger Or Filled With SuccessIt can be difficult enough to get a franchise up and running on your own, or with other operational and investing partners, but it can be downright arduous if family members are involved in the deal. But that's the route some franchisees take and when done properly this management model can provide years of personal and professional harmony. But there are some secrets to making it work. Go in unprepared and you could break up a business and a family. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will continue to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, and continuing to grow despite the economy - maybe even because of it. And, as the U.S. struggles through its "jobless recovery," growth-oriented franchisors continue to look overseas for expansion opportunities. Sales Intelligence for Superior Performance, Part 2Aggressive growth companies measure the performance of their sales personnel just as they do their advertising. With high recruitment expenses you can't afford mediocre selling performance, which costs dearly in lost franchise deals. A policyholder survey by Prudential Insurance revealed that the greatest influencing factor in the buying process is the sales person. Turning Around Struggling FranchiseesTwo years of tight credit and reduced consumer spending have left many franchisees reeling and put a serious crimp in franchisors' royalty streams. Workout professionals and bankruptcy attorneys experienced in franchising discuss what franchisors can do to help turn around distressed units - without spending scarce funds or getting themselves into legal hot water. New Gift Card Regulations Kicked in August 22ndLast year when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 (the Act") into law, the nation's attention largely focused on those provisions of the law that aim to change the way credit card companies do business with consumers. However, since the Act imposes requirements on gift card issuers, it also changed the way many retailers and franchise companies will do business with consumers. Strong Cultures Sell More Franchises!Every franchise organization has a culture, the same way every person has a personality. If your franchise brand is serious about growth and development, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Does our franchise system have a strong, positive culture?; and 2) Is it a culture that promotes selling franchises? Special Operations: Franchising in a Strange LandOpening franchise units in nontraditional locations has been the domain of specialists--but not anymore. With the economy still slumping, lending still tight, and suburban expansion at a standstill, many multi-unit franchisees are exploring the viability of sites such as airports, hotels, colleges, senior centers, highway rest stops, hospitals, and military bases. Rolling with the Punches: Franchisors Continue Adapting to ChangeThe rules and methods for franchise sales are changing daily with the general public's increasing awareness of the economy, deficits, lending, the housing market, and more. As some of us "graybeards" can remember, this isn't the first time the rules have changed--and it won't be the last. Change on the HorizonJust like any business, the franchising business is one that I have seen evolve tremendously over the past 30 years. While many of the cornerstones and crucial elements - product, simplicity, control, and support - remain the same, so much is changing. Hiring Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Hiring the Spirit of SuccessAs we continue to mine Dave Melton's book, <i>Hire the American Dream,</i> I thought it would be interesting to highlight a case study that demonstrates just how successful smart hiring can be. Here Melton describes his experience hiring an immigrant.
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