Is an Aplus franchise exclusive?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
The APLUS franchise is non-exclusive. You will not receive an exclusive territory or any type of protected territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets we own, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that we control, including an area representative that may sell APLUS store franchise opportunities. You must comply with our system standards regarding soliciting consumers to choose to patronize your APLUS Store. We are not restricted from soliciting consumers and we are not required to pay you compensation for any related sales.
We operate 19 company-owned APLUS Stores in the State of New Jersey. We are not restricted from operating company-owned APLUS Stores in close proximity to your APLUS Store, either under the APLUS trademark or other marks. Our training programs are available at our designated training facility for your staff and for our staff. In addition, with respect to motor fuel sales, our affiliate, Sunoco, operates or supplies retail outlets throughout its marketing area with Sunoco or various branded motor fuel which may or may not compete with you for motor fuel sales.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD page 47)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Aplus franchise is non-exclusive. This means that franchisees will not receive an exclusive territory or any type of protected territory. As a result, Aplus franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that Aplus owns, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that Aplus controls. This includes competition from an area representative that may sell Aplus store franchise opportunities.
Item 12 of the FDD states that the Aplus franchise is for a specific location approved by Aplus, and franchisees may not relocate it or establish additional Aplus stores without prior written approval. Unless Aplus grants development rights under a Development Agreement, franchisees do not receive any options or rights of first refusal to acquire additional franchises.
Aplus operates 19 company-owned Aplus Stores in the State of New Jersey and is not restricted from operating company-owned Aplus Stores in close proximity to a franchisee's Aplus Store, either under the Aplus trademark or other marks. Additionally, Aplus's affiliate, Sunoco, operates or supplies retail outlets throughout its marketing area with Sunoco or various branded motor fuel which may or may not compete with franchisees for motor fuel sales. Prospective franchisees should consider the potential impact of this competition on their business's profitability and market share.