1983
20
$125,000
$37,500
$398,000
No
DOTI Design Stores, short for Designs Of The Interior, is a distinguished franchise in the U.S. home furnishings and interior design sector. Established in 1993 and franchising since 1998, DOTI offers a compelling business opportunity in the $200 billion annual home furnishings industry. With a focus on upscale interior design products and services, DOTI caters to homeowners and businesses seeking personalized design solutions.
Franchisees benefit from DOTI's private-label furniture line, providing exclusive merchandise that enhances brand identity and customer loyalty. The franchise model emphasizes a blend of design expertise and retail operations, offering a comprehensive approach to interior design.
Investing in DOTI Design Stores presents several advantages:
Established Brand: With over two decades of experience, DOTI has built a reputable brand known for quality and customer satisfaction.
Exclusive Product Line: The private-label furniture line allows franchisees to offer unique products, differentiating them in the competitive market.
Comprehensive Support: DOTI provides extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring franchisees are equipped to succeed.
Lucrative Market: The home furnishings industry continues to grow, driven by consumer demand for personalized and high-quality design solutions.
Company Overview:
DOTI Design Stores, short for Designs Of The Interior, is a premier interior design franchise specializing in upscale home furnishings and personalized design services. Founded in 1983 by Jim and Michele Evanger in Barrington, Illinois, the company has evolved from a small design studio into a nationally recognized brand in the home décor industry. By 1997, DOTI had expanded to two locations and began franchising in 1998, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
Franchise Growth and Market Presence:
As of November 2006, DOTI had established 28 design stores across the United States, primarily in Southern California, offering a blend of traditional interior design services and home furnishings in a retail showroom format. The franchise model has allowed DOTI to expand its reach, providing franchisees with the opportunity to operate under a recognized brand with a proven business model.
Product Offering and Private-Label Line:
DOTI has partnered with various manufacturers to develop its own private-label line of furniture, enabling franchisees to offer exclusive merchandise that reflects the DOTI brand to their customers. This strategic move enhances brand identity and customer loyalty, setting DOTI apart in the competitive home furnishings market.
Corporate Headquarters:
The corporate office is located at 236 Ponte Vedra Park Drive, Suite 201, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, serving as the central hub for franchise operations, support, and development.
Industry Category:
DOTI operates within the Home Services and Home Improvements industry, focusing on interior decorating and design services. The company caters to homeowners and businesses seeking personalized design solutions, offering a range of services from space planning to the sourcing of custom furniture and accessories.
Franchise Model and Support:
The DOTI franchise model combines the creative aspects of interior design with the operational efficiencies of a retail business. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support, including pre-launch assistance, operational training, marketing resources, and ongoing business development, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive home furnishings market.
With a rich history of growth and innovation, DOTI Design Stores continues to be a leading choice for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in the home décor industry, offering a unique blend of design expertise and retail operations.
DOTI Design Stores offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisees are fully equipped to launch and operate successful businesses. The support system is designed to guide franchisees from pre-launch planning through ongoing operations.
Site Selection Assistance: DOTI’s team helps identify high-potential locations based on market research, demographics, and local competition.
Store Design & Setup: Guidance on showroom layout, interior design, branding, and visual merchandising to ensure consistency with the DOTI brand.
Inventory Planning: Assistance with initial product selection, sourcing private-label and exclusive merchandise, and inventory management setup.
Business Plan Development: Help with financial projections, budget planning, and securing funding if needed.
Hands-On Training: Franchisees receive immersive training at corporate headquarters and existing stores, covering daily operations, sales techniques, and customer service.
Management Skills: Training includes staff management, scheduling, and maintaining operational efficiency.
Technology & Systems: Guidance on POS systems, inventory software, and other operational tools to streamline day-to-day business.
Branding & Advertising: Access to marketing materials, templates, and strategies to promote the store locally.
Digital Marketing Assistance: Guidance on social media, email campaigns, and online presence to attract and retain customers.
Promotional Campaigns: Corporate-led seasonal promotions and sales events to drive traffic and increase revenue.
Regular Business Reviews: Continuous guidance on performance metrics, inventory management, and profitability improvement.
Product Updates & Trends: Franchisees are updated with new furniture lines, design trends, and exclusive merchandise releases.
Peer & Community Support: Access to a network of existing franchisees for knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and mentorship.
Workshops & Seminars: Periodic workshops on advanced design techniques, customer service, and business development.
Updates on Industry Practices: Franchisees are kept informed on industry standards, regulations, and innovations to maintain competitive advantage.
DOTI Design Stores seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about interior design and committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience. The ideal franchisee possesses a combination of business acumen, creativity, and a drive to grow a successful retail and design business.
Business-Oriented: Should have experience in business management, retail operations, or service-based industries.
Goal-Driven: Motivated to achieve revenue targets, expand client base, and grow the franchise location over time.
Decision-Maker: Comfortable making operational, financial, and marketing decisions to steer the business effectively.
Interest in Home Décor: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, furniture, and home improvement trends.
Creative Approach: Ability to work with clients to provide tailored design solutions that meet individual tastes and preferences.
Customer-Focused: Committed to delivering personalized services, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
Investment-Ready: Able to meet the minimum investment requirement ($125,000 in liquid capital; total investment $290,000 – $398,000).
Operational Budget Management: Capacity to manage working capital, inventory costs, marketing expenses, and staff salaries efficiently.
Risk Awareness: Understands business risks and is prepared to take calculated steps for growth and profitability.
Strategic Location Preference: Interested in establishing stores in urban or high-demand residential areas where home furnishings and interior design services are in demand.
Market Awareness: Ability to understand local customer needs, preferences, and competitive landscape to position the store effectively.
Team Leadership: Capable of hiring, training, and managing staff to maintain high-quality service standards.
Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients, suppliers, and the corporate support team.
Problem-Solving Ability: Able to handle operational challenges, client issues, and business growth opportunities proactively.
| Financial Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $290,000 – $398,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $125,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $37,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Budget | Variable, based on location; corporate guidance provided |
| Infrastructure Costs | Included in total investment (store build-out, furnishings, signage) |
| Working Capital | Varies by location, recommended to cover 3–6 months operational expenses |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18–36 months (depends on location, management, and market conditions) |
| Expected ROI | Varies; successful stores report profitable returns within 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Retail sales of furniture & home décor - Interior design consultation services - Exclusive DOTI-branded products & private-label furniture - Seasonal promotions and events |
Notes:
The investment range includes the franchise fee, real estate, store setup, initial inventory, and working capital.
Ongoing royalties are based on a percentage of gross sales to support corporate support and marketing.
Marketing costs are flexible and can be scaled depending on local market campaigns.
