FAQ
ABOUT APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE
How is Apricot Lane Boutique different from the competition?
We stand apart from the competition in our commitment to empowering our customers and offering them the most cutting-edge styles quickly and affordably.
Boutique Philosophy—Unlike the big Boutiques that compete with us for customers, we carry a limited selection of each style, giving our shoppers a unique experience from Boutique to Boutique.
E-Commerce at the Boutique Level—Even though we are primarily a boutique, customers can still shop online. Finding their favorite styles online is easy, and the other fashion boutique franchises cannot offer online shopping to their customers.
All Seasons Shopping—Shoppers no longer look for big collections at the start of each season. Instead, they want to be able to find the pieces that make a statement NOW, following the trends that they see on Instagram, fashion blogs, and runways. Apricot Lane brings in new items weekly, keeping up to date at all times.
Personalized ExperienceJust like our unique clothing pieces, Apricot Lane Boutiques create an intimate, specialized shopping experience that these mass-market retailers cannot compete with in their large Boutiques.
Why should I consider an Apricot Lane Boutique franchise?
Imagine waking up each morning and looking forward to doing something you love. That’s not a dream, but a possibility with Apricot Lane Boutique. When you join the Apricot Lane franchise family, you are investing in more than a fashion franchise; it is also an investment in your future. Check out all the reasons WHY now!
What is the typical size of an Apricot Lane Boutique Boutique?
The ideal Boutique size range is 1,200 to 2,000 square feet.
How is merchandise selected for the Boutique?
Based on your market demographics and local competition, we establish your initial merchandise plan broken down by category, classification, and styles with your input. The engine in our boutique is our customized computer POS (Point of Sale) system that tracks inventory sell through, margins, and turns so that you can react quickly to what your customer wants. Once your Boutique is open, you will have access to our preferred and curated vendor database complete with already-negotiated leveraged discounts and terms to meet our customer needs. In addition, each franchisee has the flexibility to bring in new vendors discovered at different fashion markets, online and locally – so, beyond our corporate buyers, we really do have buyers all over the country…they are called, “franchisees”. We share together these great finds and what is working each month on a system-wide conference call.
YOU know your customer the very best, so YOU are the buyer. We don’t dictate or force products into your Boutique. It is this buying flexibility and sharing that truly sets us apart from anyone else!
Does Apricot Lane Boutique have customer online ordering?
Yes, each Boutique has the opportunity to expand their Boutique sales through online sales. We set up the platforms and guidelines so that your customers can order online through social media or using your approved Apricot Lane Boutique e-Commerce platform powered by Shopify.
Can I speak with existing franchisees?
Of course! An important part of your due diligence process will be speaking with existing franchisees in various stages of growth. We validate very well and could not be growing at our pace if our franchisees were not happy and growing into more Boutiques of their own! That said, we get many inquiries from new prospective franchisees, so, to respect the time of our existing franchisees, this step is typically reserved for prospective franchisees who have completed our application for consideration and have spoken to our Founder, Ken Petersen. However, when the time comes, prospective franchisees can speak to any current Apricot Lane Boutique franchisee. In the meantime, click on the links below to hear from our franchisees now:
Testimonial Video
When and how was Apricot Lane Boutique established?
Apricot Lane Boutique was launched in 2007 when the three partners of Country Visions, Inc (The franchise company for Apricot Lane) saw there was not a single franchised women’s fashion boutique opportunity available in the huge fashion industry market. They took their previous 15 years of franchise experience and intentionally went after the mom and daughter customer by curating a broad and shallow merchandise mix with price points of $100 or less, shattering the “boutique” stereotype of high prices.
What is the Vision and Mission Statement for Country Visions, the franchise company for Apricot Lane Boutique?
At Country Visions, the partners believe that God is really the Chairman of our Board and that we can’t take any of this with us when we die. It is what you do with what you’ve been blessed with that matters.
Vision Statement: To make a positive difference in the lives of people while being the best in class women’s boutique franchise.
Mission Statement: Do the right thing always.
Investment
How much does it cost to start an Apricot Lane Boutique franchise?
The initial Franchise fee is $39,500 plus $150,000 as the typical investment for the boutique (exclusive of working capital).
Can I get help with financing?
Most franchise candidates find they can fund their business by accessing capital they already have available through the equity in their home or by accessing qualifying retirement plans such as a 401k without incurring penalties or experiencing tax consequences. Financing options may also include third-party (family, friends, existing business partners) or traditional bank loans. If you are planning to obtain financing from a bank, they will require that you provide 20% of the investment from your own resources (about $50-$75K ). Although Apricot Lane Boutique does not provide in-house financing, we can refer you to one of our preferred lender partners.
The Process
How do I get started?
It all begins by submitting a request for information card. Simply click here!
What are the steps to becoming a franchisee?
Because the right “fit” between you and us is critically important, click on our process to see how all the steps come together for you to become a franchisee.
What kind of support and continuing education will I receive?
Our STRENGTH! We support all our franchisees with the training, products, technology, and marketing assistance that they need to build their businesses with confidence. When you join the Apricot Lane family, you will always have the support you need to accomplish your goals. Take a TOUR through much of the onboarding process, continuing support, resources, and continuing education that we provide.
What do you look for in a franchisee?
It’s everyone’s dream to go into work and do something they truly enjoy. That describes the day-to-day life of an Apricot Lane franchisee. Even if your prior business experience is limited, you should have a driving interest in learning more about our thriving industry, the fashion world, and staying current on the hottest new trends. Above all else, it’s important to have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a determination to work through any obstacles you may encounter during the process.
It’s also important to remember: you won’t be in it alone. An Apricot Lane fashion boutique franchise offers you a proven business model, built-in brand awareness, and an infrastructure of training and support that is an attractive draw for many trapped in a corporate career. We fully understand that the process can be daunting, so we try to make taking advantage of our fashion franchise opportunity as simple as possible.
Is it realistic to think that someday I could own 4 or 5 locations?
Certainly! A great franchise system is validated by having multiple Boutique franchisees. At Apricot Lane Boutique we have many franchisees who own multiple Boutiques and we help you identify the right timing and in transitioning from one to multiple Boutiques.
What is the term of the Franchise Agreement?
The Agreement has an initial term of ten (10) years plus two (2) five-year options.
Can I continue to keep my current job, or do I have to manage the Boutique full time?
We recommend that a franchisee be involved on a full-time basis with the business, but we know that is not always possible. In that case, we will work with you to hire a great fashion retail Boutique manager.
How long will it take to open my Boutique once I secure a location?
It typically takes about 90-120 days to open your Boutique once the location has been secured.
Will I have help in the planning and build-out of my Boutique?
Yes, we’ve done this many times! We outsource to a national architect firm very familiar with our concept who will complete your Boutique plans. They can secure landlord approval, manage the contractor selection process by sending out bids to national contractors that they have years of experience with, negotiate the final price, and then even manage your construction process while you focus on hiring staff and preparing your Boutique for opening.