2007
100
$137,150
$39,500
$361,800
No
Apricot Lane Boutique stands as the premier women's fashion franchise in the United States, offering a unique blend of trendy apparel, accessories, and personalized service. With over 100 locations nationwide, the brand has established itself as a go-to destination for fashion-forward women seeking quality and style at accessible prices. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive support, and a community-focused approach that fosters customer loyalty and sustained growth.
Proven Business Model: Established in 2007, Apricot Lane Boutique has refined its operations to ensure franchisee success.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's commitment to bringing the latest fashion trends to local markets has garnered a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection to grand opening and beyond, franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing assistance.
Scalable Opportunities: With a growing number of locations, investors have the potential to expand their portfolio within the brand.
Established Year:
Apricot Lane Boutique was officially launched in 2007, although its parent company, Country Visions, Inc., has been operating since 1991. This combination gives the brand a strong foundation built on decades of retail experience while leveraging a modern, trend-focused fashion approach.
Founders:
The brand was founded by Ken Petersen, Tom Brady, and Scott Jacobs, who combined expertise in retail operations, business strategy, and fashion merchandising to create a boutique franchise model aimed at delivering high-quality women’s apparel and accessories.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Early Years (1991–2006): Operated under Country Visions, Inc., focusing on retail development and cultivating industry experience.
Launch of Apricot Lane Boutique (2007): Introduced as a boutique brand offering curated, fashion-forward clothing and accessories with a focus on personalized customer service.
Expansion: Over the years, Apricot Lane Boutique has expanded to over 100 locations across the U.S., establishing itself in shopping centers, high-traffic retail corridors, and lifestyle-focused areas.
Reputation: Known for trendy, accessible fashion and a boutique shopping experience, the brand has cultivated a loyal customer base of style-conscious women.
Ownership:
Apricot Lane Boutique is privately held under Country Visions, Inc., which continues to provide strategic guidance, operational oversight, and franchise support.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand has a strong footprint in high-traffic retail locations, including shopping malls and lifestyle centers, across the United States. Its boutiques are recognized for offering curated selections of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories in a personalized shopping environment.
Industry Category:
Apricot Lane Boutique operates in the retail fashion industry, specifically women’s boutique apparel and accessories, which targets a mid-to-upscale demographic seeking trend-driven fashion in a personalized boutique setting.
Other Information:
Awards & Recognition: The brand has been recognized for retail excellence and franchise growth opportunities.
Franchise Model: Designed for scalability, allowing franchisees to operate independently while benefiting from centralized support in operations, marketing, and training.
Competitive Edge: Combines boutique-level customer service with proven retail systems, making it attractive for investors seeking a fashion franchise with strong support and a proven revenue model.
Apricot Lane Boutique offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisees succeed at every stage, from pre-launch to ongoing operations. Their approach is designed to make the franchisee feel confident and fully equipped to run a profitable boutique.
Before opening, franchisees receive hands-on assistance with all critical preparation tasks:
Site Selection: Guidance in selecting high-traffic retail locations with strong demographic alignment to the brand’s target customers.
Lease Negotiation Support: Advice and assistance with securing favorable lease terms for retail spaces.
Store Design & Layout: Professional support in designing the boutique layout, merchandising displays, and creating an attractive in-store experience.
Vendor & Inventory Setup: Assistance in sourcing initial inventory, managing supplier relationships, and stocking the boutique with on-trend products.
Franchisees and key staff undergo comprehensive onboarding covering all essential aspects of operating a boutique:
Operations Training: Store management, staffing, scheduling, and daily operational procedures.
Merchandising & Inventory: Guidance on product placement, inventory tracking, and optimizing sales through effective displays.
Customer Service: Training on creating a personalized shopping experience and building customer loyalty.
Point-of-Sale & Technology Systems: Instruction on POS systems, reporting tools, and sales tracking software.
To keep franchisees competitive and updated:
Webinars & Seminars: Regular sessions covering fashion trends, retail strategies, and best practices.
Annual Conferences: Opportunities to network with other franchisees, learn from brand executives, and attend workshops.
Staff Training Modules: Access to online and in-person training for employees to maintain consistent service quality.
Apricot Lane Boutique provides robust marketing assistance to help franchisees drive traffic and grow sales:
National Advertising Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from brand-wide marketing initiatives that enhance visibility.
Local Marketing Guidance: Tailored strategies to promote the boutique within the local community, including events, social media campaigns, and promotions.
Digital Marketing Support: Guidance on website integration, social media management, and email marketing campaigns.
Ongoing operational support ensures franchisees continue to thrive:
Inventory & Sales Optimization: Continuous consultation on managing stock levels, analyzing sales data, and increasing profitability.
Staffing & HR Support: Best practices for hiring, training, and retaining employees.
Performance Monitoring: Regular review and advice to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Technology Updates: Access to updated POS, inventory management, and reporting tools.
Franchise Advisory Team: A dedicated team of franchise experts is always available for guidance and troubleshooting.
Community & Networking: Participation in a franchisee network for sharing experiences, strategies, and insights.
Apricot Lane Boutique is designed for investors and entrepreneurs who are passionate about fashion and retail, but success in the franchise also depends on business acumen, financial capability, and a commitment to customer experience. Below are the key characteristics of the ideal franchisee:
Trend-Conscious: A genuine interest in women’s fashion, accessories, and retail trends.
Customer-Focused: Dedicated to curating a shopping experience that resonates with local customers.
Brand Advocate: Enthusiastic about promoting the Apricot Lane Boutique brand and lifestyle.
Retail or Business Background: Experience in retail management, sales, or entrepreneurship is highly beneficial.
Operational Skills: Ability to manage day-to-day operations, including staffing, inventory management, and sales analysis.
Leadership: Capable of leading a small team, motivating staff, and maintaining consistent service quality.
Investment Readiness: Able to meet the total investment requirement (ranging from $137,150 to $361,800) including franchise fees, store build-out costs, initial inventory, and working capital.
Long-Term Commitment: Willing to invest time and resources into building a profitable boutique over several years.
Financial Management: Comfortable managing budgets, cash flow, and operational expenses.
Community-Oriented: Interested in engaging with the local community and establishing strong customer relationships.
High-Traffic Retail Areas: Preference for operating in shopping centers, malls, or lifestyle retail hubs with strong demographic alignment to the brand.
Expansion Potential: Franchisees open to scaling operations to multiple locations over time.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Motivated, self-driven, and goal-oriented.
Adaptable: Able to respond to retail trends, seasonal changes, and consumer behavior.
Commitment to Excellence: Strives for consistent operational and customer service standards in line with brand expectations.
| Category | Details / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,500 | $5,000 discount available for veterans |
| Minimum Investment Required | $137,150 | Covers franchise fee, initial inventory, store build-out, and working capital |
| Total Investment Required | $137,150 – $361,800 | Depends on store size, location, and build-out costs |
| Royalty Fee | 5.5% of gross revenues | Paid ongoing to the franchisor for brand use and support |
| Advertising Fund Fee | 1% of gross revenues | Contribution to national and regional marketing campaigns |
| Working Capital | Varies by location | Funds reserved for initial operations and payroll |
| Infrastructure / Store Build-Out | $70,000 – $180,000 | Includes fixtures, signage, POS systems, and décor |
| Marketing Budget | 1% of gross revenue + local marketing | For store-specific promotions and social media campaigns |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months | Depending on location, market conditions, and operational efficiency |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually (approx.) | Based on average sales and operational management |
| Revenue Streams | Apparel sales, accessories, jewelry, footwear, exclusive merchandise | Additional revenue from seasonal promotions and local events |
| Franchise Units | Over 100 locations nationwide | Growing brand with opportunities for multi-unit ownership |
