What factors can affect the timing of opening an Apricot Lane store?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The typical length of time between signing of the Franchise Agreement and the opening of your Franchised Business is approximately 6 months if your location is identified at the time you sign the Franchise Agreement. For an Open License, the time can be 18 months or more. Factors affecting the timing of your opening may include the time it takes you to select site for a new store and negotiate your lease, construct or remodel your store, arrange financing, complete required training, complete leasehold improvements and decor and furnishing modifications, comply with local ordinances or community requirements, and obtain delivery of your equipment, inventory and signs. The Store may not be opened for business without the final approval by us of the Store's compliance with the System. We are to be given access to the premises while work is in progress for review purposes. You are responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates, including a certificate of occupancy. The Store may not be opened until all requisite government permits have been issued. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental orders in some jurisdictions caused delays in some new Store openings of approximately 30 days on average. COUNTRY VISIONS extended all applicable opening deadlines for affected franchisees.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several factors can influence the time it takes to open a store. The typical timeframe between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening the store is about 6 months if the location is already identified. However, if the franchisee signs an Open License Addendum because a site hasn't been selected, this period can extend to 18 months or longer.
Several elements can affect the opening timeline. These include the time it takes to select a site and negotiate the lease, construct or remodel the store, arrange financing, and complete the required training. Franchisees must also factor in the time needed to complete leasehold improvements, decor and furnishing modifications, comply with local ordinances and community requirements, and obtain delivery of equipment, inventory, and signs.
The opening of an Apricot Lane store is contingent upon final approval from Country Visions, ensuring compliance with their system standards. Franchisees are responsible for securing all necessary permits and certificates, including a certificate of occupancy, before opening. Failure to commence operations within 6 months of signing the Franchise Agreement, or within 12 months of securing a site under an Open License, can result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing with Country Visions.