February 05, 2012
Franchise News Watch

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Franchise 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.

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Retail Franchise News

RadioShack Raises More Than $12 Million for Fight Against Cancer

In observation for the upcoming annual World Cancer Day on Feb. 4, RadioShack Corp. announced a substantial increase in its total contributions to LIVESTRONG , reaching a yearly total of $5.7 million in 2011.

Vehicle Batteries At Risk In Harsh Winter Weather

As Old Man Winter begins to grip the nation, Interstate Batteries encourages motorists to protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on most each day. Cold weather can influence a vehicle engine to put twice as much stress on the...

Baskin-Robbins Brings Back Superfudge Truffle Just in Time for Valentine's Day

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, today announced it is bringing back one of its classic flavors, Superfudge Truffle, in time to celebrate Valentine's Day right.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Results Release Date, Webcast and Conference Call

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive, entertainment-based retailer of customized stuffed animals, will report results for its fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, on February 16, 2012 prior to the opening.

Gap Inc. Reports January Sales

Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today reported that January 2012 net sales decreased 1 percent compared with last year.

Providence Franchisee Partners with Wareham Youth to Raise Money: Awareness for Children’s Hospital Boston

For a third year in a row, Providence ColorTyme franchisee Al Coelho is partnering with a patient at Children’s Hospital Boston to raise money and awareness for the hospital.

Boulder County Couple Becomes Instant Imprints Area Franchisees; Key Colorado Players in Company’s Expansion Strategy

Mike and Linda Boyd know a thing or two about running a franchise. Now, the entrepreneurial duo will have an opportunity to teach others the art of effectively running a franchise as Instant Imprints Area Franchisees.

Lillians® Announces "Ridiculously Affordable" Franchise Offering for 2012

Lillians(R), The Hippest Shoppe in Town(R), today announced that it has created an additional option for its franchise offering for the remainder of 2012 to make the cost of entry even more affordable.

Baskin-Robbins Sweetens February with Introduction of Valentine's Day Ice Cream Cake Bites and "Box of Chocolates"

Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is making Valentine's Day even sweeter this February with the introduction of two new flavors to its popular line of Ice Cream Cake Bites.

RadioShack Corporation Announces Preliminary Fourth-Quarter 2011 Results

RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH), a leading national retailer of innovative mobile and technology products, services and accessories, today announced preliminary, unaudited results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011.

Flip Flop Shops Packs 2012 Pipeline with 40 New Shops

With more than 50 shops currently operating throughout the United States, Canada, Guam and the Caribbean, Flip Flop Shops announces it will expand its footprint to 90-plus shops by the end of 2012, with an additional 40-plus already in the pipeline for...

Three Fountains Ace Hardware Named 'Best Hardware Store'

Lexington Life magazine has solidified Three Fountains Ace Hardware’s standing as the local “helpful place” by recognizing it as the “Best Hardware Store” in the area.

Rhea Lana’s Franchise Systems, Inc. Adds New Franchises in Florida and Georgia

Rhea Lana’s Franchise Systems, Inc. is “The Nation’s Premier Children’s Consignment Event Venue” and has experienced incredible growth since the company began selling franchises in 2008.

ANY LAB TEST NOW® Franchisees of the Year and Best Start Franchise Awards Announced

ANY LAB TEST NOW® is pleased to announce the 2011 Franchisee of the Year and the 2011 Best Start Franchisee.

FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS® to Enter Puerto Rico with Five-Unit Franchise Deal

FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers, has announced a deal with a trio of prestigious business leaders in Puerto Rico to bring five locations to the island in the next five years.

StoneMass To Partner With FASTFRAME To Offer Montage Social Media Solution

StoneMass, a San Diego-based full service online marketing and product development company, announced today that it will partner with franchise giant Fastframe

U.S. Lawns Grows Strong in 2011, Now Counts More Than 250 Franchises Nationwide

U.S. Lawns, one of America’s fastest-growing franchisors, capped its 25th anniversary year in 2011 with growth exceeding a record 250 franchises in its commercial landscape-management network.

Edmonton SIGNARAMA Expands

The United Franchise Group (UFG), a $500 million West Palm Beach franchise organization, announced today that Edmonton SIGNARAMA has expanded into the space next door and has a new flatbed printer.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven Dietitian Gives Advice on Healthy Resolution-Keeping

If at first you don't succeed ... well, there's always next year. New Year's resolutions are the perennial letdowns. High hopes one day that this year will be different, dashed at the first sign of temptation.

Regis Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results

Regis Corporation (NYSE:RGS), the global leader in the $160 billion haircare industry, today reported a second quarter net loss of $1.01 per share.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Solid Revenue and Bottom-Line Performance for its Fiscal 2012 Second Quarter Driven by Continued Strong Growth in its Consumer Floral Business

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS), the world's leading florist and gift shop, today reported revenues from continuing operations of $239.8 million for its fiscal 2012 second quarter ended January 1, 2012, compared with revenues from continuing...

Make-Your-Own Victoria Justice Bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, has launched the Victoria Justice Bear ($23), now available in stores and online at buildabear.com(R).

New Company to Empower Rochester’s Aging & Disabled Population, 101 Mobility Opens First Franchise in New York

Life-long Rochester resident Miguel Millan is the owner/operator of 101 Mobility’s new Rochester franchise serving Rochester and surrounding areas.

Randy L. Pearce to Retire From Regis

Regis Corporation (NYSE:RGS), the global leader in the $160 billion haircare industry, today announced that Randy L. Pearce has informed the Company of his intention to retire as President and as a member of the Board of Directors effective June 30,...

101 Mobility Opens Franchise in Cincinnati & Dayton New Company Fills Niche for Empowering the Elderly & Disabled in Ohio

Life-long resident Ed Goschinski is the owner/operator of 101 Mobility’s new Ohio Franchise serving Cincinnati, Dayton and surrounding areas.

Family Financial Centers

Family Financial Centers Announces Feltonville Conversion

Family Financial Centers, LLC, is pleased to announce its first location of 2012 the Feltonville neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. Urges Parents And Caregivers To Help Remove Unsafe Items From The Marketplace During Upcoming ‘great Trade-in’ Event

Toys"R"Us, Inc. today issued a new call to action for customers to rid their homes of potentially unsafe old and second-hand baby products and exchange them for savings on a new item during the “Great Trade-In” event.

Top producers recognized at 2012 ColorTyme National Convention

Rent-to-own franchisor, ColorTyme, honored its top performers and recognized exceptional owner accomplishments yesterday at the 2012 National Convention. Mark and Tracy Childers received ColorTyme’s Franchisee of the Year Eagle Award, the highest...

Love is the Stuff Inside at Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, is continuing its support for The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) this Valentine’s Day.

Petland on Top-Ranked Franchise List

Petland, once again, is among top-ranked franchises in the United States.

ColorTyme Kicks Off 2012 National Convention with a Bang – Lower Fees

New ColorTyme CEO Cathy Skula delivered shock-and-awe punch to the kick off of the ColorTyme 2012 National Convention, themed Make It Happen, by rolling out a new strategic plan for growth that included lower fees.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven, Inc. Completes Transaction With ExxonMobil

7-Eleven, Inc. announced today that it has completed the transaction with ExxonMobil to acquire retail interests in 51 North Texas sites. The transaction concluded Jan. 20; terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Caribou Coffee Lightens Up, Shows New Dark Side with New Coffees Starlight and Eclipse

Caribou Coffee today announced the launch two new coffees, carefully crafted to bring coffee drinkers the broadest spectrum of flavors available to match their personal tastes. Starlight

Gap Inc. Announces Resignation of Tom Wyatt, President of Old Navy

Gap Inc. today announced that Tom Wyatt, president of its Old Navy brand, has resigned in order to take a position at another company outside of the apparel retail business, effective February 3, 2012.

Snap-on Incorporated to Webcast Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results Conference Call

Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) will release 2011 fourth quarter and full year results prior to the market open on Thursday, February 2, 2012.

Card Connection Franchisee Supports Local College with Dragon’s Den Style Project

ard Connection Franchisee, Tony Winchester, has been supporting the learning of pupils in year 9 at a local college in Cambridgeshire by managing a daylong ‘Dragon’s Den’ style project based around the greeting card industry.

Franchisee opens his first ColorTyme in Ashland, Kentucky

Mike Courts is a rent-to-own professional who has, for years, wanted to own his own ColorTyme stores. After years of managing four stores for a competitor, Courts made his move at the beginning of this year.

Toys"R"Us, INC. Appoints Roger Mclaughlan Managing Director, Toys"R"Us, U.K.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced the appointment of Roger McLaughlan as Managing Director, Toys"R"Us, U.K., effective January 16, 2012.

Winmark Corporation Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend and Special Dividend

Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Named One of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For"

Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, has been named one of FORTUNE Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For."

Fantastic Sams

Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, a Leading U.S. Salon Franchise Network, Announces Acquisition by DESSANGE International

FANTASTIC SAMS Hair Salons, the country's leading network of full service salons, announced today that DESSANGE International has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Fantastic Sams Holding Corp.

Massage Heights Announces Collaboration with the American Cancer Society and Joins the Fight for a World with Less Cancer and More Birthdays

Massage Heights, an international premium franchise membership massage company that makes regular massage therapy affordable and convenient to the masses announced today their new relationship with the American Cancer Society(R).

New Sign A Rama Ownership in Riverhead

The United Franchise Group (UFG), a $500 million West Palm Beach franchise organization, announces the new ownership of the Riverhead Sign A Rama store at 721 E Main St. under Osama Botros and Adriana Garcia.

Dean of Franchise Development Puts Proven Principles to Work with Instant Imprints

Ralph Askar is putting the same principles into action as he sets his sights on drastically increasing Instant Imprints’ footprint across North America and beyond.

Woodcraft Franchise Store Owners Talk About Their Experiences on New Video

Potential Woodcraft franchise owners can now watch an online video and learn more about the dreams that led people like Monte Eldfrick to choose Woodcraft store ownership, sometimes trading lucrative careers to be their own bosses.

Batteries Plus Selects HighJump Warehouse Management System

HighJump Software, a global provider of supply chain management software, today announced that Batteries Plus has implemented the HighJump warehouse management system (WMS) in its new national distribution center in Glendale, Wis.

Massage Heights Conducts Outreach to Potential Retreat Owners for Remaining Houston Locations

Massage Heights, a membership-based massage therapy franchise, is offering investors the opportunity to own their own business in a rapidly growing field through a Massage Heights franchise in Houston.

Aaron's, Inc. Adds New Vice President of Real Estate and Construction

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), announced today that Jeannie M. Cave has been hired as the Company's new Vice President of Real Estate and Construction.

The UPS Store

The UPS Store Open for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

While most financial institutions and government agencies, including post offices, are closed Monday, Jan. 16 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, small business owners are still hard at work.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Seeks Service-Minded Kids to Join Ranks of Hundreds of Huggable Heroes... and Counting

As the country prepares to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday with a Day of Service, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) launches its ninth annual search for Huggable Heroes(R).


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Features & Special Reports

Creating a Cost-Effective Lead Generation Strategy

For many franchisors, the traditional advertising vehicles - portals, print advertising, PR, and broker networks - do not appear to be working as effectively as they were five years ago.

New Highlights from the 2012 AFDR

In the previous two issues of FUSR, we published (1) a high-level overview of the 2012 Annual Franchise Development Report (AFDR), followed by (2) a selection of highlights from the report.

Finding Your Optimal Buyer: Sellers Must Learn To Look Beyond Price

When sellers are contemplating a decision regarding the sale of their business, they overwhelmingly select the bidder with the highest price, only to find afterward that this might not have been the best decision for their circumstances.

The Four Steps to Lead Generation Success, Part 4: Wow 'Em!

This fourth installment builds on those ideas, showing how you can "wow" your candidates and the importance of how you present your concept to them.

The Winner's Column - February 2012

As savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in a volatile economy, FUSR continues to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, innovating, and continuing to grow, whether domestically or overseas.

Jim Collins to Keynote 2012 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine announced today that Jim Collins, business expert and best-selling author, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2012 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC).

Growing Up Franchising: Sam Covelli Develops Both His Brands And Employees

Sam Covelli says he grew up in the restaurant business working in his father's McDonald's. Under his father's leadership, Covelli Enterprises eventually grew to 26 locations, one of the largest McDonald's franchisees in the country.

Members Only: Ray Harrigill Builds A Successful Membership-Based Business Model

Ray Harrigill believes in diversification. His Sunray Companies has restaurants (Bumpers Drive-In), tanning salons (Palm Beach Tan), fitness centers (Koko FitClub), and hotel properties (Hampton Inn), to name a few. That's because of lessons he's learned along the way.

Creating Jobs: Zane Tankel Is Taking Matters Into His Own Hands

Zane Tankel is not waiting on any government job programs to help his business.

CMO Roundtable - Using Profiling to Retain More Customers

What are some fresh, innovative ways you are using profiling, targeting,<br /> and loyalty programs to acquire and retain more customers?

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