Learning Express
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Learning Express has more than 140 franchised stores in 26 states, which makes it the largest and most established specialty toy franchise business in America with average sales significantly out-performing independent operators. Additionally, the toy industry in general continues to be a vibrant market, generating billions of dollars in sales annually.
Learning Express offers franchisees with an entrepreneurial spirit, a love of toys and kids, and an enthusiasm for learning the opportunity to own a Learning Express store. Every Learning Express store reflects the personality of its owner. Learning Express celebrates individuality and independence because when storeowners succeed and grow, the entire franchise benefits. The company relentlessly pursues breakthrough ideas in product mix, direct marketing, and training programs so it can provide its franchisees with everything they need to accomplish their unique goals.
| |
Operating Units |
12/31/2008 |
12/31/2009 |
12/31/2010 |
|---|
| | Franchised |
140 |
146 |
160 |
| | % Change | -- |
4.3% |
9.6% |
| | Company-Owned |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| | % Change | -- |
-- |
-- |
| | Total |
140 |
146 |
160 |
| | % Change | -- |
4.3% |
9.6% |
| | Franchised as % of Total |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Investment Required
The fee for a Learning Express franchise is $35,000.
Learning Express provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.
| |
Item | Established Low Range | Established High Range |
| |
Initial Franchise Fee |
$35,000 |
$35,000 |
| |
Lease and Leasehold Improvements |
$15,000 |
$65,000 |
| |
POS Equipment |
$17,500 |
$17,500 |
| |
Signage, Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures |
$30,000 |
$62,000 |
| |
Organizational and Training Costs |
$3,500 |
$7,000 |
| |
Opening Inventory |
$90,000 |
$140,000 |
| |
Grand Opening Advertising |
$7,500 |
$7,500 |
| | Insurance | $1,000 | $6,000 |
| |
Additional Funds (3 Months) |
$10,000 |
$30,000 |
| |
Total Initial Investment |
$209,500 |
$370,000 |
Ongoing Expenses
Learning Express franchisees pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross revenue and an advertising fee of 1% of gross revenue when the fund begins. Other fees include gift card related expenses and an email address fee.
What You Get—Training and Support
Learning Express provides thorough starting support, including giving assistance with site location, lease negotiations, and store layout. Each franchisee works closely with an assigned advisor in New Store Operations as well as a Store Opening Coordinator/Regional Developer to help with everything from Opening Day preparation to merchandising, employee training, and management and accounting. Additionally an eight-day training program is provided at the Learning Express facility in Devens, MA which encompasses both a classroom format and a practical, hands-on approach in a store setting.
The Learning Express home office provides ongoing support for franchisees, including marketing support, training materials for employees, field visits, a Suggested Store Inventory Mix for best product recommendations, an annual Convention, the Learning Express Intranet, and email and telephone support.
Territory
Learning Express grants exclusive territories.
Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, on-going expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company’s 2011 FDD. The 2011 write-ups will be incorporated into the 2012 Edition of Bond’s Top 100 Franchises publication.
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