What is Annex Brands' policy on the presentation of a uniform image to the public?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No replacement of leasehold improvements, furnishings, equipment, displays, signs, or graphics will be made, nor will any material alteration to the Center as originally developed or approved by Franchisor be made, without Franchisor's prior written consent. Franchisee will place or display at and within the Center only such signs, logos, emblems, lettering, graphics, and display materials as are periodically approved or designated in writing by Franchisor. Franchisor may require any changes, replacements, or modifications not previously approved by Franchisor to be rectified at Franchisee's sole expense and Franchisee will promptly make any such changes, replacements or modifications.
B. AUTHORIZED PRODUCTS, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES. The presentation of a uniform image to the public and the resulting positive reputation and goodwill are essential elements of a successful franchise system. Franchisee therefore agrees that the Center will offer for sale such products, services, and will use those brands and models of equipment as Franchisor, in its sole discretion, periodically determines to be appropriate for Centers.
In determining approved brands and models of equipment, Franchisor may consider standards of quality, value, customer recognition and acceptance, advertising support and availability, and such other standards as are periodically determined by Franchisor to be relevant. Certain trade dress fixtures, equipment, supplies, other merchandise and services may be required to be purchased directly from Franchisor and/or its affiliates, or may be permitted to be purchased from other suppliers provided Franchisor is held harmless by Franchisee regarding any products liability cause of action. On items or services sold by Franchisor and/or its affiliates, Franchisor anticipates a reasonable profit to cover overhead expenses.
Franchisor may periodically publish a suggested price list for products and services offered at the Center. The purpose of such a list is for guidance only. Franchisee is not bound by these suggested prices and may offer products and services at prices determined at the sole discretion of Franchisee, except as otherwise noted in Subsections 9.J, 9.K, 10.A and 10.F of this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, maintaining a uniform image is crucial for the success of the franchise system. Annex Brands requires franchisees to offer specific products and services and use particular brands and models of equipment that Annex Brands deems appropriate.
Annex Brands considers factors such as quality, value, customer recognition, advertising support, and availability when determining approved brands and models of equipment. Franchisees may be required to purchase certain trade dress fixtures, equipment, supplies, other merchandise, and services directly from Annex Brands or its affiliates, or from other suppliers, provided Annex Brands is held harmless regarding any products liability cause of action. Annex Brands anticipates a reasonable profit on items or services sold by them or their affiliates to cover overhead expenses.
While Annex Brands may periodically publish a suggested price list for products and services, it is for guidance only, and franchisees can set their own prices, with some exceptions as noted in specific subsections of the agreement. Franchisees must also secure written consent from Annex Brands before making any material alterations to the Center or replacing leasehold improvements, furnishings, equipment, displays, signs, or graphics. Franchisees are required to use only signs, logos, emblems, lettering, graphics, and display materials approved or designated in writing by Annex Brands, and must rectify any unapproved changes at their own expense.