Apricot Lane vs Today's Window Fashions Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Apricot Lane vs Today's Window Fashions including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Today's Window Fashions Franchise
Investment $137,150 - $361,800$49,000 - $55,000
Franchise Fee $39,500$49,000
Royalty Fee 5.5%4%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19911993
Year Franchised 20041997
Term Of Agreement 10 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years5 years
Renewal Fee -$750


Business Experience Requirements
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Today's Window Fashions Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Apricot Lane Franchise
    Today's Window Fashions Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Apricot Lane Franchise
    Today's Window Fashions Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing -Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 5

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

    		 Franchise can be run from home.

    10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2

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

    Expansion Plans
     
    Apricot Lane Franchise
    Today's Window Fashions Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Apricot Lane

    Our Apricot Lane specialty retail stores are part of a Country Visions retail franchise system that specializes in unique gifts, fashion accessories and home decor products. When you join the Country Visions franchise system, you will benefit from one of the most advanced operational systems in the nation. You will gain access to extensive networking resources, including preferred national vendors who offer our stores volume discounts and exclusive products; marketing support from our in-house advertising; state-of-the-art point of sale, inventory management and computer support systems; and national franchise conventions for direct franchise networking and training. You will also be trained by our professional staff at our Country Visions University in visual merchandising, pricing strategies, customer service, marketing and computer systems, as well as employee motivation and development.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of your first COUNTRY VISIONS store is $137,150 to $361,800 for a start-up store. This includes $37,500 to $49,300 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of your second and each subsequent COUNTRY VISIONS store is $112,650 to $337,300 for a start-up store. This includes $18,000 to $24,800 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.

    About Today's Window Fashions

    Mark Barone founded Today's Window Fashions in 1993 because he recognized an opportunity for growth. In an industry that was primarily handled by independent companies, Barone believed there was strength in numbers, so he began franchising in 1997. Based in San Diego, the privately held company uses an online designer showroom to increase customer sales.