New Polling Shows Overwhelming Support for Franchising

The International Franchise Association (IFA) released new national and statewide polling showing that an overwhelming majority of Americans support franchised businesses and want to see policies to protect them, especially the American Franchise Act.

"Franchises are part of Americans' everyday lives, from coffee shops to pet care, auto care to med spas, and this research reinforces that Americans want to see them protected," said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller. "As the momentum behind the American Franchise Act continues to increase, there has never been a more important time to stand up for these local businesses that are pillars of their communities and critical to U.S. economic growth. The American Franchise Act is essential to franchisors and franchisees and to the Americans they serve every day."

Conducted by global research firm Morning Consult, the topline findings include:

• 75% want the government to establish stable legal protections for franchise owners.
• 73% of Americans support franchising as a way for brands to grow.
• 72% of Americans would rather shop at brands that expand through franchising than corporate chains.

The research also sampled constituents on a statewide basis, including Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, and Virginia. Aligning with the nationwide findings, statewide polling finds:

• A strong majority of adults (62-69%) view franchise businesses as positive contributors to the economic health of their local communities.
• Roughly three in four respondents preferred to shop at franchises versus corporate-owned chains.
• Upon learning about the American Franchise Act specifically, support ran roughly six to one over opposition in every state.

The findings are available here.

The research comes as IFA is urging Congress to pass the bipartisan American Franchise Act, a franchise-specific legislative approach that would codify the joint-employer standard to provide long-term clarity for franchisors and franchisees after four decades of changing regulations. The legislation has 128 bipartisan cosponsors in the U.S. House with companion legislation introduced in the Senate.

The research also demonstrates IFA's Franchise Means Local campaign is resonating with Americans across the country. The campaign has featured 26 stories featuring franchisees from diverse industries, backgrounds, and locations, helping educate the public about the benefits of franchise businesses to local communities.