Cookies in Bloom vs Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Cookies in Bloom vs Kilwin's Chocolates including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Cookies in Bloom Franchise
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Investment $75,000 - $116,000$177,534 - $937,415
Franchise Fee $19,500$20,000 - $40,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19881947
Year Franchised 19921982
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Cookies in Bloom Franchise
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Creativity; customer service; people skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    Training On-the-job training at corporate-approved shopOn-The-Job Training: 173 hours Classroom Training: 43 hours Additional Training: Online training; store visits
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingAd Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    10% of all franchisees own more than one unit.
    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 10
    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans

     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Cookies in Bloom

    Mary Pinac had been working in the wholesale apparel business and was tiring of dressing up and traveling every day. Her husband, Robert, was involved in the executive suite industry until the real estate market faltered in the late '80s. Looking for a new business they could start together, the Pinacs decided cookie gifts were the idea they wanted to pursue. In 1989, the couple founded Cookies in Bloom, a store that creates and ships bouquets and gifts made with sugar shortbread cookies. The Pinacs began franchising their concept in 1991, and now the company's franchisees operate stores in the West, Midwest and South making cookie arrangements for all holidays and occasions.

    About Kilwin's Chocolates

    Since 1947 Kilwins has been a celebrated part of Americana having earned a reputation for providing high quality products and excellent service. Our heritage was built on the simple premise of creating our products from the finest ingredients and providing customers with great service. Today we continue the tradition by uniquely combining high quality products with a warm friendly customer experience that is supported through a successful community of caring owner operators. We continue to offer the finest quality traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.

    Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
    Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #105 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #121 in Franchise 500 for 2021.