Retail Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Kitchen Facelift Franchise Amongst Six Brands Shortlisted - Winner Announced In July
Gosport, Hampshire (PRWEB UK) 16 June 2013 - It's the biggest event in franchising's calendar. The annual awards that celebrate the very best franchised businesses in the UK. And this year former Brand Builder of the Year, Dream Doors, has been shortlisted for the top prize – the British Franchise Association's (bfa) Franchisor of the Year. Six finalists meet the judging panel next month while the trophy itself, awarded to the franchisor that demonstrates the most outstanding all-round performance, is presented at the bfa's Annual Conference in July.
Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, said: “We’ve been delighted to see such an array of franchises stepping forward to compete to be crowned bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year...

June 17, 2013 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA - Cellairis®, one of the world’s largest and most trusted wireless accessory specialty retailers, is increasing its brand presence in South Florida by introducing one of its new and innovative store models at the Wellington Green Mall. Recognized for its 700+ kiosks in malls across the country, the company is launching this new model in order to provide consumers with a more robust retail experience.
Cellairis provides an expansive selection of innovative, fashionable and fun accessories to complement mobile devices and tablets. While every location provides guests with exceptional, personalized service, the new store model will give a richer overall brand experience. This opening is one of the first in a company-wide initiative to implement fresh concepts for a variety of consumers...

The UPS Store ® releases Small Business Week survey results; Announces national launch with SCORE
SAN DIEGO - June 17, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - When it comes to small business, Americans’ aspirations couldn’t be bigger. According to survey results released today by The UPS Store ®, 48 percent of Americans dream of starting a business, while 71 percent of small business owners say they would start their business all over again today.
Despite the interest in being your own boss, starting a small business requires more than simply hanging an ‘Open’ sign in the window. Just over half of small business owners (51%) spent more than two years dreaming about their future company before taking the leap of faith, and nearly one third (31%) spent more than five years planning, according to the findings...

Local Franchisee Targeting Expansion in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Fairfield Counties 
BETHESDA, Md. - June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Bach to Rock (B2R), America's Music School for students of all ages, announced today that its first franchise school in Port Washington, N.Y. has been a hit in the local community as more than 250 children and adults have signed up for lessons since it opened in January 2013. Franchisee Amplified Capital Partners, LLC (ACP) plans to open several additional locations in New York and Connecticut over the next three years, targeting Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Fairfield counties.
"Our first Bach to Rock school in Port Washington has experienced phenomenal success, exceeding our expectations...

June 17, 2013 // Franchising.com // Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that one of its largest franchise territories has come up for sale for the first time in seven years. The region called ‘Exeter and Dorchester’ extends from Hartland to Minehead in Somerset, through North Devon right through to the East side of Dorset. It is anticipated the area will be divided into two and sold as two separate franchise businesses.
“These franchise sales represent opportunities to acquire established businesses based on Card Connection’s highly regarded franchise model,” confirms Michael Johnson, managing director of Card Connection. “The region has been well managed by the outgoing franchisee and is for sale with the goodwill of an existing retail client base...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - June 14, 2013) - Giant Tiger Stores Limited is pleased to announce a donation of $26,339.25 to The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. This donation represents a portion of sales from the Giant Tiger Charity Cookbooks sold at Giant Tiger stores across Canada.
Giant Tiger Stores Limited has a long standing relationship with The Children's Wish Foundation and has made them their charity of choice for a number of different initiatives. "The Children's Wish Foundation is a great fit for Giant Tiger" offers Lauren Moir, Vice President Marketing Giant Tiger Stores Limited. "Giant Tiger stores are connected and committed to the communities we serve and the reach and impact that The Children's Wish Foundation has in the lives of Canadian children and their families is incredible...

Enhancing the Customer Shopping Experience is the Focus of This Year’s Conference
June 14, 2013 // Franchising.com // Carmel, Ind. – With more than 30 years of experience in franchising, Wild Birds Unlimited will welcome all members of the company’s franchise system from June 25th – 29th at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis for their 2013 Enterprise Leadership Conference.
The annual event will bring together the entire franchise system to reveal new store innovations including, new store design and interior messaging. Along with these physical changes will come professional retail training for franchise store owners and their sales associates. These new innovations will drive the customer experience, infusing it with energy and excitement, emphasizing that excellence differentiates the brand...

Doylestown, PA (Business Wire) – June 13, 2013 - Family Financial Centers, LLC, is pleased to announce that they have been selected as one of the “Hot 100 Franchises” as seen on RedHotFranchises.com. Additionally, Family Financial Centers was also chosen as one of “America’s top Franchises” for 2012 as featured in Entrepreneur Magazine. “Our singular goal is to make Family Financial Centers the best personal financial service enterprise in America,” observed Paul Eckert, President and CEO of Family Financial Centers. He continued, “In a day when most organizations ‘over’ promise and ‘under’ deliver, Family Financial Centers will always stand out as the industry leader in service and integrity...

This New Breed of Neighborhood Pet Store is the First of Five Stores Planned for Las Vegas 
ORLANDO, FL - June 14, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ - Woof Gang Bakery, your neighborhood pet store, is a leader in the pet industry and has grown to 36 locations, with the newest store in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Opening June 22, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Las Vegas is a locally-owned small business, offering full service grooming, and a wide selection of pet foods and supplies. The store is located at 7080 N. Durango Dr, Suite 140, Las Vegas, Nevada 89149; phone 702-462-9663.
Las Vegas natives, Jim and Adrienne Breen, are the franchise owners of the Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Las Vegas store. With strong ties to the local pet community, they are dedicated to the local community and to providing unparalleled service and quality products for customers and their four-legged friends...

Sign & Graphics Franchise to Demonstrate 3D Printing Technology
CARROLLTON, Texas - June 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - FASTSIGNS(R), the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries, is continuing to live up to its brand tagline "More than fast. More than signs." The forward thinking company will be demonstrating two 3D printers and discussing new technological advances in the printing and sign industries at the International Franchise Expo (IFE) June 20-22 in New York City.
The well-known franchising event will take place at The Javits Center and uniquely showcases hundreds of franchise companies offering a wide range of opportunities at nearly every investment level...

Doylestown, PA - (Business Wire) – June 13, 2013 - Family Financial Centers is thrilled to announce that on June 8, 2013 they hosted their First Annual “Gala for ‘CHOP’” at The Standard Club in Doylestown, PA. The company brought in Broadway performers Jeremiah James, Paul Elkin, Denise Payne-Worley, and Carrie Nelson along with many local dance students from Dance Elite of Horsham. The evening consisted of wine and appetizers followed by several top-notch singing and dancing performances. Family Financial Centers in partnership with Dance Elite of Horsham is very pleased to be presenting a $5000.00 check from ticket sales and donations that will go entirely to General Diabetes Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia...

TapSnap, the phototainment sensation that has been rocking parties and events across the nation, is now bringing its special brand of fun to events in Wichita, Kansas. 
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - June 13, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ - TapSnap, the phototainment sensation that has been rocking parties and events across the nation, is now bringing its special brand of fun to events in Wichita, Kansas.
TapSnap is a new kind of phototainment for corporate events, parties and wedding - a sophisticated, open-concept photo booth that is high-tech and instantly connected to social media.
"You'd think it would be only in Los Angeles or New York City, but one of the very first franchises is right here in Kansas," said Rogier Chapon, the local TapSnap franchisee...

Doylestown, PA  (Business Wire) – June 13, 2013 - Family Financial Centers, LLC, is pleased to announce its newest location in Atlanta, GA. This is the third location in Georgia for the franchise and a new business venture for owner Curtis Fields. “Curtis is a highly qualified professional and is excited about this current opportunity to grow his Family Financial Center in Atlanta,” observed Paul Eckert, President and CEO of Family Financial Centers. The new center is located at 2740 Greenbriar Parkway, Suite #B17, Atlanta, GA 30331. The phone number is (404) 346-9568.
About Family Financial Centers
Family Financial Centers is the "Quantum Leap" forward in the evolution of the alternative financial service center...

June 12, 2013 // Franchising.com // The Beef Jerky Outlet is planning a bigger and better exhibit at the International Franchise Expo in New York at the Javits Center June 20-22, 2013. The Beef Jerky Outlet Franchise is a unique national retail franchise specializing in all kinds of beef jerky from original to blazing hot and over 200 other varieties.
The Beef Jerky Outlet Franchise, a unique national retail franchise specializing in all kinds of beef jerky, is preparing for an exciting exhibit at the International Franchise Expo in New York at the Javits Center June 20-22, 2013. The Beef Jerky Outlet offers more than 200 varieties of beef jerky, from original to blazing hot.
The International Franchise Expo in New York will feature more than 400 of the top franchises in the country, along with 70 free seminars and in-depth symposia...

June 11, 2013 // Franchising.com // BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. – Barboursville-area residents have another option for purchasing used cars now that a new J.D. Byrider location is open at 6018 U.S. Route 60. The new location is the fifth for franchisees Bill Rowland and Mark Morris and the sixth dealership in West Virginia.
“We’re excited and eager to be a part of the Barboursville community, and we’re looking forward to being able to serve customers who are looking for good cars with affordable financing options,” said Morris. “Like all of our locations, superior customer service is our top priority.”
The 10,000 square-foot location will offer used car sales, 7 service bays, a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty for those who qualify to purchase a vehicle, affordable pricing on parts and labor, a customer service center and J...

Planet Beach Meets Increasing Demand Head On With New Sunless Tanning Products and Services
New Orleans (PRWEB) June 11, 2013 - Planet Beach’s third installment of National Sunless Day to be celebrated in spas across the country on Sunday, June 23. National Sunless Day promotes UV-free tanning (including pbGlow®, Planet Beach’s exclusive product line) and UV-free tanning services. Planet Beach will be offering specials and discounts leading up to the Big Day.
For the past six years, interest in UV-free services, sunless products and a natural tan has been on the rise. Planet Beach has been an unrivaled leader in this area offering the latest in UV-free tanning with its exclusive spa services and sunless collection products...

Eco-Friendly Software at CartridgeWorld.com/PrintEco
SPRING GROVE, Ill. - June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the typical office employee generates up to 1.5 pounds of wasted paper per day. For a 30-person office, this could mean throwing away 2,340 pounds of paper annually. By reducing this waste, an office can save up to seven trees per year.
Cartridge World is offering a new free software app, called PrintEco™, to reduce the amount of wasted paper – and cut paper costs by as much as 24 percent. The free app is the newest way Cartridge World, the world's leading retailer of eco-friendly ink and toner printer cartridges, helps businesses and consumers save money and improve the environment...

4th Annual MAACO Charitable Golf Tournament Helps Fund Much-Needed Pediatric Transplant Surgeries
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The Maaco team joined forces with the Driven Brands Charitable Foundation to host the 4th Annual MAACO Charitable Golf Tournament at the quaint Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, PA. And while some impressive rounds were posted, the real winners were the children around the country who will benefit from the more than $100,000 that will go to fund the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
A cast of generous vendors, including Audatex, Saint Gobain/Norton, Mitchell and Yodle, Dupont, Finish Master, Pitch, PPG and Sherwin Williams, spearheaded the fundraising efforts. These sponsorships provided cash and amazing prizes through both silent and live auction...

Rapidly Growing Paint and Sip Franchise Expanding to New York City, Montclair, N.J. and Boston, Mass., among Other Cities
HOUSTON - June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Pinot's Palette, a national Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, announced today it signed several franchise agreements to open its first studios in the Northeast. The brand will bring its "Paint. Drink. Have Fun." concept to New York City, Montclair, N.J., and Boston, Mass., among other cities, starting with New Jersey's first location in July.
"Expanding to the Northeast has been a top priority for us since we began franchising Pinot's Palette in 2010," said Craig Ceccanti, chief executive officer, Pinot's Palette...

Retailer Extends National Iced Tea Day with Six Days of Free Snapple Tea
DALLAS, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, June 10, is National Iced Tea Day, but the party for cold tea-lovers lasts through Saturday, June 15. For the next 6 days, guests can celebrate with free Snapple Iced Tea offers at participating 7-Eleven®stores while supplies last.
Each day, a mobile coupon for a free 16-ounce bottle of Snapple Iced Tea will appear on 7-Eleven's smartphone app. The three featured flavors include Snapple Half 'n Half Lemonade Iced Tea, Lemon and Peach Iced Teas, although each mobile coupon is valid on any 16-ounce Snapple product.
"If a free bottle of icy cold Snapple Iced Tea is the perfect way to celebrate National Iced Tea Day, then why not extend the fun and flavor and make it National Iced Tea Week," said Nancy Smith, 7-Eleven's marketing vice president...