Does the Apricot Lane Franchise Agreement include exhibits?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Franchises are offered under the terms of our Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") a copy of which is attached to this Disclosure Document as Exhibit B. The Stores operate within a specific area (the "Territory") from a location approved by COUNTRY VISIONS and specified in the Franchise Agreement. The Stores are usually located in lifestyle strip centers, value retail centers, regional malls, neighborhood centers and other locations.
Certain franchisees may qualify to participate in the franchisor-approved e-commerce platform program (the "E-Commerce Platform Program"). Through the E-Commerce Platform Program, qualifying franchisees may sell certain fashion apparel, accessories and other merchandise to customers through the franchisor-approved e-commerce distribution channel. Qualifying franchisees will be those who are not in default under their franchise agreement(s) with us, meet our then-current criteria for participation, and submit all application and any other materials that we request, including a signed Amendment for E-Commerce Platform, the current form of which is attached to this Disclosure Document as Exhibit B-1.
COUNTRY VISIONS has never operated a business of the type being franchised. Some of the persons identified in Item 2 operated businesses selling home accessories and gift items from August 1991 until April 1995, including COUNTRY CLUTTER stores and similar stores under different names. COUNTRY VISIONS has offered franchises for the Stores since its formation in January 1996. All of the franchises were offered and operated under the name COUNTRY CLUTTER until August 2004, when COUNTRY VISIONS adopted APRICOT LANE as an additional brand to be used for certain demographic segments and markets.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Apricot Lane Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement does include exhibits. Specifically, Exhibit B is a copy of the Franchise Agreement itself. Exhibit D lists the agents for service of process. Exhibit B-1 is the Amendment for E-Commerce Platform. Exhibit C describes the geographical area of the territory for locations other than enclosed malls. Exhibit A is the Open License Addendum, which is signed when a specific site has not been identified. Exhibit E is the Addendum to Lease, which contains required lease language for an Apricot Lane Boutique.
These exhibits cover essential aspects of the franchise relationship, such as defining the territory, e-commerce participation, and lease requirements. The Open License Addendum addresses situations where a location isn't immediately available, outlining the terms and deposit implications. The inclusion of these exhibits suggests that Apricot Lane aims to provide franchisees with detailed information and legal frameworks governing various operational aspects.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review each exhibit to fully understand their rights and obligations. For example, understanding the territory definition in Exhibit C is crucial for assessing market potential and competition. Similarly, the lease language in Exhibit E could impact lease negotiations. The E-Commerce Platform Amendment in Exhibit B-1 outlines the terms for franchisees who want to participate in online sales.
Overall, the exhibits to the Apricot Lane Franchise Agreement provide important details about the franchise operation. Reviewing these exhibits is a critical step in the due diligence process for any potential franchisee.