January 28, 2014 // Franchising.com // APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – In the highly competitive fashion retail industry, standing out among the masses with something unique is one of the greatest challenges that retailers face, from big-box and department stores to small business boutique owners alike.
For Mainstream Boutique, exponential growth in sales and boutique openings is evidence that the fashion and accessories franchise concept is doing it right and doing it fast – and every step of the way has been calculated.
Founded by Marie DeNicola in 1991 the company began franchising in 1998, growing to 22 locations in 2012 and 30 in 2013, with 35 currently signed franchise owners. In 2012, system-wide sales reached over $6.8 million, and in closing out 2013 Mainstream Boutique nearly doubled the previous year's sales with $11.3 million.
"The industry has seen a trend shifting consumer behavior to prefer the more intimate and personalized shopping experience offered by boutique locations," said Marie DeNicola. "The driving force behind Mainstream Boutique's success stems from this shift in behavior, as well as from our system-wide-sales and ability to open boutiques with qualified and passionate owners, and doing so ahead of schedule."
With the buying power of large department stores, but the individuality of an independent boutique, Mainstream Boutique is able to offer the best of both worlds to both owners and customers. Unlike large department stores that have huge volumes of merchandise, the 1,500 square-foot boutiques have constantly updated inventory allowing customers to find new, on-trend items on a weekly basis and gives the franchise owners complete control over their product.
"It's this higher turn of inventory paired with the individualized and personal shopping experience that keeps customers coming back to Mainstream Boutique," added DeNicola, commenting that the boutiques see a higher rate of sale per customer as well as a high rate of return customers.
Mainstream Boutique offers a variety of affordable, fashion-forward pieces for women of all ages. A truly multi-generational shopping destination, Mainstream Boutique locations provide their customers with a personalized shopping experience with inventory of apparel and accessories that is updated daily and can't be found at department stores.
For more information about Mainstream Boutique, please visit www.mainstreamboutique.com or call 952-423-7344. For more information about franchise opportunities, contact Corey DeNicola at cdenicola@mainstreamboutique.com or visit www.mainstreamboutique.com/newsite/retail-clothing-franchise.
Founded in 1991 by Marie DeNicola as a direct sales company, Mainstream Boutique is a women's retail clothing and accessories boutique that began franchising in 1998, and offers a variety of affordable, fashion-forward pieces for women of all ages. The Minnesota-based franchise has 28 successful boutiques operating in 12 states with seven locations currently under development. For more information, please contact Corey DeNicola at cdenicola@mainstreamboutique.com. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit http://mainstreamboutique.com/newsite/retail-clothing-franchise.
SOURCE Mainstream Boutique
Mary Hedge
Fishman PR
(847) 945-1300 ext. 234
mhedge@fishmanpr.com
Mainstream Boutique is a women's retail clothing and accessories franchise that offers a variety of affordable, fashion-forward pieces for women of all ages.