Are Apricot Lane franchisees required to operate from a location approved by COUNTRY VISIONS?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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You may operate the Franchised Business only at the location specified in the Franchise Agreement unless we agree otherwise. If applicable, you may operate any temporary, seasonal, kiosk, cart or other adjunct operation only from a location approved by COUNTRY VISIONS. You also may not sell APRICOT LANE Store merchandise through any other distribution channel without our prior written approval.
You may relocate your Franchised Business at your sole expense within your Territory, but only with our prior written consent. COUNTRY VISIONS shall have the right to charge you for any costs incurred by us, and a reasonable fee for our services, in any relocation of the Franchised Business.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–9)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must operate from a location specified in the Franchise Agreement, which requires approval from COUNTRY VISIONS. This applies not only to the primary store location but also to any temporary, seasonal, kiosk, or cart operations. The franchisee is responsible for finding and securing a suitable site and negotiating the lease terms, but COUNTRY VISIONS has the right to approve or disapprove the site.
Before acquiring a site, franchisees must submit a written description of the proposed location, including a letter of intent detailing the terms and conditions. COUNTRY VISIONS will then approve or disapprove the site selection within 30 days of receiving the proposal. The FDD specifies that COUNTRY VISIONS uses factors such as the type of mall, location, market size, lease terms, identity of other tenants, and the developer's track record when approving a site.
If a franchisee chooses a site before signing the Franchise Agreement, the location is identified and approved beforehand. Otherwise, the franchisee signs an Open License Addendum, committing to find a site within a specified timeframe. Failure to secure a site within the agreed time may result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement and the retention of the $5,000 deposit by Apricot Lane. The franchisee may relocate their Franchised Business at their sole expense within their Territory, but only with prior written consent from COUNTRY VISIONS, which may include costs and fees for their services.