Hometown Threads vs Mainstream Boutique Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Hometown Threads vs Mainstream Boutique including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
	Hometown Threads Franchise	Mainstream Boutique Franchise
Investment	$165,000	$160,800 - $306,350
Franchise Fee	$29,000	$40,000
Royalty Fee	6%	7.5%
Advertising Fee	-	0.5%
Year Founded	1998	1991
Year Franchised	2001	1998
Term Of Agreement	10 years	-
Term Of Agreement	10 years	-
Renewal Fee	$5K	-
Business Experience Requirements
	Hometown Threads Franchise	Mainstream Boutique Franchise
Experience	General business experience	-
Financing Options
	Hometown Threads Franchise	Mainstream Boutique Franchise
	In-House/3rd Party	In-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees	No/Yes	-/Yes
Start-up Costs	No/Yes	-/Yes
Equipment	No/Yes	-/Yes
Inventory	No/Yes	-/Yes
Receivables	No/No	-/Yes
Payroll	No/No	-/Yes
Training & Support
	Hometown Threads Franchise	Mainstream Boutique Franchise
Training	-	Initial training course at our corporate office in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The course includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training to learn basic operating skills, such as booking and conducting shows, inventory purchase and control, merchandising, customer service, customer relations, basic computer set-up and operations, selling and marketing techniques, financial reporting and much, much more. On-The-Job Training: 50+ hours Classroom Training: 26+ hours Additional Training: Ongoing training as needed
Support	Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives	You'll receive a copy of the Confidential Operations Manual that covers policies and procedures involved in running your business. You'll also receive periodic visits from a Mainstream Boutique representative who will provide experienced guidance along the way. And, of course, we are only a phone call away to answer your day-to-day questions. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing	Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising	Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations	25% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)	Absentee Ownership Allowed
Expansion Plans
	Hometown Threads Franchise	Mainstream Boutique Franchise
US Expansion	-	Yes
Canada Expansion	No	-
International Expansion	No	-

Company Overviews

About Hometown Threads

Hometown Threads Stores are your personal embroidery, design studio where you can create personalized and unique apparel or home decor customized with a favorite image, name, date or monogram. Our large variety of merchandise and huge selection of embroidery designs make it easy for you to find just the right gift for family and friends. If you do not see what you need, we can special order any item you have in mind or bring us an item from home to embellish. Commemorate life's special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, births, and weddings with a personalize gift from your local Hometown Threads. Perhaps you have your own fashion statement in mind? Make your idea a reality at one of our stores with an original flair that sets you apart from the rest. Embroidery has a universal appeal and the applications are unlimited. At Hometown Threads, small business owners can create uniforms and apparel revealing their logo for corporate identity and marketing purposes. Schools use our embroidery services to personalize items like letterman jackets, sports equipment bags, knapsacks, cheerleading outfits and uniforms. Community special events such as fishing tournaments, team sports competitions, trade shows and conventions can always use embroidered merchandise for souvenirs or promotional incentives. Hometown Threads is your embroidery headquarters. With only the finest, quality merchandise, quick turnaround time and great selection, your purchase is always bound to be a big hit. 

 The Opportunity 

With the combined knowledge of the top embroiderers in the country, high-tech equipment and computer software, we have created the ultimate in embroidery shop franchises. After years of testing the concept in high-traffic, retail store chains like Wal-Mart, we have proven results and are willing to pass this on to you, as a franchisee. Our solid business packages include an operational and marketing system that has years of success behind it. United with the best equipment, software, business tools, comprehensive training and ongoing support, we offer a great investment in a business that is fun to own and operate. We have taken the guesswork out of running your own business and are looking for entrepreneurs to join our fast growing team. If you are interested in owning a successful business, Hometown Threads is something you should definitely look into.

About Mainstream Boutique

Mainstream Boutique is an exciting retail and fashion franchise concept that sells some of the fashion world's most unique clothing, accessories and giftware at franchise-owned retail stores, and a variety of direct sales venues such as home parties and corporate sponsored events. Our clientele is all ages, all sizes and always on the lookout for something out of the ordinary at affordable prices. Our franchisees are savvy, sales-oriented, and love working with people. Whether you are looking for the perfect outfit, or the perfect business opportunity, Mainstream Boutique might be for you! Mainstream Fashions is a company dedicated to helping women look and feel great in fun, unique fashions. We are also dedicated to helping our franchisees be successful and profitable.

Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee

#405 in Franchise 500 for 2020.