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Updated RecentlyDOTI Design Stores vs Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DOTI Design Stores vs Norwalk Furniture & Design including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $290,000 - $398,000 | $495,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $37,500 | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 0 |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1902 |
| Year Franchised | 1999 | 1987 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | ||
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | Administrative & service management |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media | Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
0% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT 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: 14 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | Yes |
Company Overviews
About DOTI Design Stores
When Jim and Michele Evanger purchased Barrington, Illinois-based Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in 1993, they had big plans for expanding their new company. The couple added two locations by 1997 and started franchising in 1998. DOTI has recently shifted its franchise concept from that of a small design studio to a larger design store.
DOTI's stores average 5,000 square feet in size and provide everything from upholstered furniture and rugs to accessories, lighting and window treatments. The company offers both single-store and multistore development programs.
DOTI has reached agreements with various manufacturers to develop its own private-label line of furniture. Franchisees that take advantage of the program can then sell merchandise reflecting the DOTI brand to their customers.
About Norwalk Furniture & Design
For more than 100 years, we've helped furniture shoppers create something unique. Since 1987, we've done the same for our franchisees. Our philosophy is simple: Create stylish, one-of-a-kind upholstered furniture in an intimate, service-oriented retail environment. That means a low-inventory investment for you and an extraordinary selection for your customers. It's this one-of-a-kind furniture store concept that makes our nearly 80 Norwalk Furniture Idea stores a growing success and the right concept, at the right time. Why Norwalk Now? Consumer research shows people spending more time at home these days. They see their home as their refuge, their sanctuary from the pressures of the world. More time at home results in more spending to decorate those homes. And today's sophisticated, upscale consumer does not want to settle for ordinary, off-the-shelf decorating solutions.