Established
1971
Franchise Units
100
Minimum Investment
$120,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$250,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Great Frame Up is a well-established specialty retail franchise that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and community engagement into a highly personalized business model. Known nationwide for premium custom framing, art services, and décor solutions, the brand has carved out a unique niche at the intersection of retail, art, and design.
Unlike mass-produced framing outlets or online-only competitors, The Great Frame Up emphasizes custom design consultation, high-quality materials, and a boutique customer experience. Each location serves as a local creative hub—helping customers preserve memories, showcase art, and elevate interior spaces with professionally designed framing solutions.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in The Great Frame Up franchise means aligning with a brand that offers longevity, differentiation, and consistent consumer demand. Key investment advantages include:
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Long-standing brand presence with decades of operating history
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High-margin custom framing and personalized design services
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Emotion-based purchasing decisions that drive repeat business
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Lower inventory risk compared to traditional retail models
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Strong gifting, corporate, and commercial framing demand
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Community-oriented business model with loyal customer base
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Flexible store formats suitable for urban and suburban markets
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Suitable for owner-operators or semi-absentee investors
Background
Established Year: 1971
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Industry Category: Specialty Retail / Custom Framing & Art Services
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Founders: Founded by professional framers with a vision to make museum-quality framing accessible to everyday consumers
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Franchise Active Units: 100+ operating locations across the United States
The Great Frame Up began as a single custom framing shop focused on craftsmanship, design integrity, and customer education. Over time, the brand expanded into a nationally recognized franchise system while maintaining strict quality and service standards.
Growth was driven by rising consumer demand for personalized décor, professional framing, and art preservation—areas where online-only competitors struggle. Today, the brand maintains a strong presence in lifestyle shopping centers, downtown retail areas, and high-income neighborhoods throughout the U.S., continuing to evolve with modern design trends and operational efficiencies.
Support Training
The franchise system provides comprehensive support designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection and lease evaluation assistance
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Store design, layout, and build-out guidance
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Equipment sourcing and supplier coordination
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Pre-opening marketing and launch planning
Training Program
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Initial training covering framing techniques and design consultation
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Point-of-sale systems and inventory management
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Customer service, sales process, and pricing strategies
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Daily operations, production workflow, and quality control
Marketing & Ongoing Support
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National brand marketing assets and promotions
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Local store marketing strategies and seasonal campaigns
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Digital marketing guidance and customer engagement tools
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Ongoing education, advanced framing workshops, and business coaching
This structured support allows franchisees to operate confidently, even without prior framing or retail experience.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee is an entrepreneur who values quality, creativity, and strong customer relationships.
Best-Suited Candidates
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Owner-operators seeking a creative yet system-driven business
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Retail or service-based entrepreneurs
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Interior designers, artists, or décor professionals
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Investors looking for a stable specialty retail concept
Key Traits
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Passion for design and craftsmanship
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Strong interpersonal and consultative sales skills
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Ability to manage staff, operations, and local marketing
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Financial capability to support retail build-out and working capital
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Interest in suburban, lifestyle, or design-focused retail locations
No prior framing experience is required; full training and support are provided.
Financial Detail
Estimated Investment Breakdown (USA):
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Total Investment Required: $120,000 – $250,000
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Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital: $75,000+
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Franchise Fee: Approximately $30,000
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Franchise Units: 100+ locations
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: $60,000 – $120,000
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Equipment & Initial Inventory: $25,000 – $50,000
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Initial Marketing Budget: $5,000 – $15,000
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Working Capital (3–6 months): $20,000 – $40,000
