Even after you’ve done all the research, asked questions, and decided on the perfect franchise fit, the prospect of starting your own franchise from scratch can still seem daunting. The good news is—it’s not really from scratch! In addition to the support and training Apricot Lane provides franchisees after the initial opening, we make our application and setup process as smooth as possible. In an easy step by step process, we’ll guide you through the early stages of how to open a clothing franchise.

How to Open a Clothing Franchise

Step 1: Introductory Call 

Before you dive into franchising, we want you to have all the information. We’ll set up an introductory call with our Franchise Development Ambassador, who will review the initial investment, general store operations and support resources, unit economics, and answer any questions you may have. This step is designed to give you a broad, solid foundation regarding our process.

Step 2: “Believe” emails

Following the introductory call, we’ll send you a series of informational emails that cover a variety of topics, including:

• Training- pre- and post-opening
• Location selection
• Countdown process
• Plans, construction, and build out
• Store options, fixture package and Plan-O-Gram
• Bookkeeping
• Using technology
• Hiring stylists, staffing, orientation, and automated staff development program
• Visual merchandising standards and support
• Cambeo—private intranet resource center and free business consultation
• Ongoing field support
• Continuing education—annual conference, ongoing webinars, etc
• E-Commerce at store level
• In-house advertising agency
• Right Now Media

Step 3- Complete & Submit a Financial Application 

Simply return the Request for Consideration financial application that you will find at the bottom of each of the Believe emails.

Step 4- Schedule a Call with our Founder & CEO 

Before signing on with us, we want you to have the opportunity to speak personally with Ken Petersen, our CEO. He will share with you some of his experience at Apricot Lane for the last 25 years, his vision for the future, and philosophy about franchising. He will be able to answer any questions you may have, and will be continually available during throughout the process as new questions arise.

Step 5- Complete a DISC Profile

DISC profiles help us get to know you better, and every store manager and franchisee must complete one. You will be sent a link to complete a profile online, at no cost to you.

Step 6- Validation from Franchisees 

You’ve heard from our Franchise Development Ambassador and CEO, but now it’s time to hear directly from our franchisees. We’ll put you in touch with franchisees who have been through the same process, and will speak candidly about their experience.

Step 7- Schedule a Visit to Your Marketplace 

Because location is so important, we’ll send our real taste ambassador, our CEO, or COO out to meet you in your market. We will research location opportunities, obtain center sales and schedule appointments with leasing representatives.

Step 8- Franchise Award 

After our visit, we’ll meet internally and discuss all the information we have gathered about you and the proposed market, and determine if it’s a good fit for Apricot Lane. If so—congratulations! Once you pay the Open License fee of $5,000, we connect with landlords and begin our market and site analytics to determine specific site sales.

Step 9- Complete the RIDS & Site-Specific Studies 

We take all the information we have learned from site visits and initiate a comprehensive site selection study, which projects estimated annual sales.

Step 10- Turn Over to Our Team 

Once you sign the official letter of intent, you will be assigned a project coordinator who will prepare a comprehensive countdown chart including everything you need to know to open your store on time. You will meet weekly (via phone) with your project coordinator, to ensure you are progressing on schedule.

Pretty simple, right? To begin the exciting franchise process, get in touch with us and schedule an introductory call.