Learning Express vs Bricks & Minifigs Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Learning Express vs Bricks & Minifigs including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Learning Express Franchise
Bricks & Minifigs Franchise
Investment $25,825 - $364,150$108,500 - $276,400
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -$50/mo
Year Founded 19872010
Year Franchised 19872011
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 10% of then current fran. fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Learning Express Franchise
Bricks & Minifigs Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • People skills
    		•  Are you a LEGO® enthusiast? Do you have an outstanding work ethic with a passion to succeed? Do you want to “love what you do?” Do you love seeing smiles on customers’ faces? Would you enjoy working with a customer base that ranges from small children to adult collectors? If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, then this franchise opportunity may be for you.

    Financing Options
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Bricks & Minifigs Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Bricks & Minifigs Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours Additional Training: At toy fair, annual convention On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures ield Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Franchisee Intranet Platform Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 12

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Bricks & Minifigs Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Learning Express

                                                   Learning Should be FUN
    Learning Express Inc., is a specialty toy store franchise, with more than 100 locations across the country. As the leader of the specialty toy and children's gift category, Learning Express Inc. provides a fun and friendly shopping environment, with a knowledgeable sales staff that provides expert advice to parents looking for that perfect toy. At Learning Express Inc., we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our toy selection. We carefully select each product to ensure shelves are stocked with unique and innovative products that encourage learning through play, including games and puzzles, developmental toys, arts and crafts kits, science and nature products, construction toys, books, dolls, plush and other unique items exclusive to Learning Express Inc. and specialty toy retailers.

     Our Learning Express Inc. stores offer special services to all of its customers, such as VIP Programs, free personalization and free gift-wrapping. Our loyalty programs and incentives for repeat buying, including gift registries and many other customer services, continue to attract new customers while generating loyalty and sense of community from existing customers. Participation in fund-raising opportunities for schools and civic organizations is what makes the stores a hub for interactivity and community spirit! Storeowners enjoy the chance to give back to their community that has made them such a success. Each store captures the imagination and enthusiasm of its storeowners! Our knowledgeable team is comprised of dedicated, hard-working folks committed to providing the highest quality toys and exceptional customer service to customers and franchise owners. We're more than just colleagues - we're one big family!

    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Local Store Franchise Business is $189,875 to $364,150 including the initial franchise fee of $35,000.
    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Conversion Store is $25,825 to $88,875 including the initial franchise fee of $15,000. This is the total sum of all initial fees and payments for services or goods received from the franchisor and its affiliates before the business opens.
    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #452 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Bricks & Minifigs

    Bricks & Minifigs started as a dream in 2003 when David Ortiz thought there should be a better way to buy, sell, and trade LEGO® items while being a stay-at-home father of twin boys. He knew that if there was a safe place for families to buy, sell and trade LEGO® product that it would be a success. In 2009 he met John Masek, who had spent most of his life working in and running stores for some of the largest names in retail. John had recently started selling LEGO® online, and as it happened the two men stumbled into a bidding war with each other over a large LEGO® collection for sale. Instead of fighting, they decided to begin working together to split the collection. Shortly afterwards they started drafting plans for the future, combining David’s knowledge and John’s retail experience to create what is now Bricks & Minifigs. They opened their first store in 2010. The company began franchising in 2011, and by 2018 had over 41 stores in operation in the US and Canada.


    Veteran Incentives   20% off franchise fee

    #317 in Franchise 500 for 2021.   Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.