Apricot Lane vs Country Clutter Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Country Clutter Franchise
Investment $137,150 - $361,800$164,900 - $350,900
Franchise Fee $39,500$25,000
Royalty Fee 5.5%5.5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19911991
Year Franchised 20041992
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Country Clutter Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Country Clutter 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
Country Clutter 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, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing -Ad slicks
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)

 26% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5

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

Expansion Plans
 
Apricot Lane Franchise
Country Clutter 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 Country Clutter

NO LONGER FRANCHISING

 Back in the mid-1980s, firefighters Ken Petersen and Tom Brady were looking for several ways to supplement their income; they refurbished and sold homes and later founded a four-store oak furniture chain. When construction began on an outlet mall in the pair's hometown of Vacaville, California, Petersen and Brady toyed with the idea of opening an oak accessories store in the center. At the suggestion of Petersen's wife Trease, the partners instead decided to open a gifts and collectibles store and in 1991 launched their first Country Clutter store. After opening a few more locations, Petersen and Brady turned their attention to franchising and started Country Visions with Scott Jacobs, now president of the company, to act as franchisor of the concept.

When you join the Country Visions establishment framework, you will profit by a standout amongst the most exceptional operational frameworks in the country.

You will access broad systems administration assets, including favored national sellers who offer volume rebates and restrictive items; showcasing support; best in class purpose of offer, stock administration and PC emotionally supportive networks; and national establishment traditions for direct establishment systems administration and preparing.

You will likewise be prepared by an expert staff at the Country Visions University in visual promoting, valuing methodologies, client administration, advertising and PC frameworks, and in addition representative inspiration and advancement.