If Apricot Lane or its affiliates develop private-label or exclusive merchandise, is a franchisee required to carry a representative selection of that merchandise?

According to the 2025 Apricot Lane Franchise Disclosure Document, if Apricot Lane or any of its affiliates develop private-label or exclusive merchandise, franchisees are required to carry a representative selection of that merchandise. The franchisee must use or provide these items only from the premises, at retail, and only in the manner Apricot Lane specifies.

This requirement ensures consistency across all Apricot Lane stores and helps maintain brand standards. By carrying a representative selection of private-label or exclusive merchandise, franchisees contribute to a unified brand image and customer experience. This also allows Apricot Lane to control the quality and presentation of its exclusive products.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they must be prepared to allocate shelf space and resources to market and sell the private-label and exclusive merchandise developed by Apricot Lane. While this could potentially increase sales and brand recognition, it also means less flexibility in choosing which products to carry and potentially higher inventory costs if the merchandise does not sell well in their specific location. Franchisees should inquire about the typical selection size, marketing support provided, and historical sales data for these exclusive items to assess the potential impact on their business.