Are all Apricot Lane franchisees required to participate in the gift card program?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Gift Card Program
You must participate in our gift card program, currently administered by Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions. These gift cards operate like gift certificates and are redeemable at any participating Store. All new Franchised Businesses must participate in the program. You will purchase from Ceridian-Stores Value Solutions a gift card unit, initial supply of gift cards and set up for $700, which is included in Item 7 under Initial Store Marketing and Point of Purchase expense. You will need to purchase additional "blank" cards and other supplies from Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions at its then current pricing. The customer selects
the amount to put on the gift card from $10 to $500 and this remains in your account and is debited as the card is redeemed along with applicable transaction fees. Inter-store redemptions are reconciled monthly. All amounts due from your Franchised Business for transactions under this program are debited from your designated bank account by Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions. We cannot promise or represent that this program with Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions will continue in the future, and the terms and conditions of the program if it continues may be subject to change. We reserve the right to change administrators of the gift card program or to modify or discontinue the gift card program.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 17–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, participation in the gift card program is mandatory for all new franchisees. The gift card program is currently managed by Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions, where gift cards function similarly to gift certificates and can be redeemed at any participating Apricot Lane store.
New Apricot Lane franchisees must purchase a gift card unit, along with an initial supply of gift cards, and cover the setup costs, totaling $700. This expense is included within the Initial Store Marketing and Point of Purchase expenses detailed in Item 7 of the FDD. Franchisees will also need to buy additional blank cards and supplies from Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions at the prevailing prices.
Customers can load amounts from $10 to $500 onto the gift cards. These funds are held in the franchisee's account and debited as the cards are redeemed, along with any applicable transaction fees. Inter-store redemptions are reconciled monthly, and Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions directly debits the franchisee's designated bank account for all transactions under this program.
It is important to note that Apricot Lane cannot guarantee the continuation of the program with Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions, and the terms and conditions are subject to change. Apricot Lane retains the right to change the administrator, modify, or discontinue the gift card program altogether, which could impact franchisees.