Retail franchises in the UK

The retail sector is one that can feel the impact of economic changes more than other sectors, however, in many ways, being part of a franchise network keeps you better insulated.

This is usually down to a combination of brand trust and lower prices. When buying in bulk for a network rather than a single unit, franchisors can keep costs low.

The option of better high-street positions and marketing campaigns are also a perk of being part of a bigger brand.

There are many aspects of retail that are quite fickle. If you own a fashion retail shop, it can be a great advantage to have the help of the head office in order to stay ahead of the trends to keep head office informed of what is popular in your territory.

Retail franchises

There are a lot of franchises that are thriving in the UK. Ableworld is a franchise in the mobility aid sector that is a sector that is getting bigger as people live longer. There has been a growth in the number of old people in the UK and this is a large part of why Ableworld has been able to grow as it has.

The franchise director at Ableworld, Paul Boniface, says that franchising will be what the company focuses on in order to expand.

Clarks is a well-known retailer that specialises in selling shoes. Thanks to the way the business has expanded through franchising, they sell over 105 pairs of shoes every 60 seconds.

Clarkes is looking to expand through the franchising model globally and they have already done so significantly. 

Another company that is expanding globally thanks to their franchisees is Aftershock, a clothing company that works alongside franchisees to keep their businesses market-focused and their stock on trend. 

Sporting-goods retail franchises are also an option for potential franchisees. Nevada Bobs is an American company that has expanded into the UK and franchisees have seen a lot of success in the retail sector with these stores.

Franchisee profile

Retail franchisees often come from a retail background, but not always. Money-handling and people skills are important, although, with something like a convenience store, customers need very little assistance (unlike, say, a clothes shop).

Hiring the right employees and keeping them motivated will be a large part of your role running a retail franchise - they can make or break your business as the first people that your customers see when they walk into your shop, and they will leave the strongest impression.

If you want to become a clothing or fashion retail franchisee, you will need to have an eye for fashion even though you will be assisted by head office when buying.

Having a general knowledge or interest in the type of product that you are selling will help you to be able to authentically engage with your customers.

Becoming a franchisee of a retail store is going to be a great option for people who are ready to work hard and interact with customers and staff. You will still need to do some market research in order to decide which franchise is the one of which you want to become a part.

A good strategy is to think about what your end goal is and be sure about how you will be able to get there.