If COUNTRY VISIONS develops private-label merchandise, must an Apricot Lane franchisee carry it?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If COUNTRY VISIONS or anyone we authorize develops private-label or exclusive merchandise, whether or not under the Marks, you must carry it and keep a representative selection of the products at all times.
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, if COUNTRY VISIONS, the franchisor, or anyone they authorize develops private-label or exclusive merchandise, Apricot Lane franchisees must carry it. This includes keeping a representative selection of these products in stock at all times. This requirement applies whether or not the merchandise is branded with Apricot Lane's trademarks.
This mandate ensures brand consistency across all Apricot Lane franchise locations and allows COUNTRY VISIONS to control the product offerings. For a franchisee, this means they have limited autonomy in selecting merchandise and must allocate shelf space and resources to private-label products developed by the franchisor. This could impact a franchisee's ability to cater to local market preferences if those preferences differ from the franchisor's product strategy.
Furthermore, Apricot Lane retains broad authority over the merchandise franchisees can carry. They may establish and modify standards and specifications regarding merchandise, including approved vendors, and the type, brand, amount, and variety of merchandise. Apricot Lane can also require franchisees to discontinue offering any merchandise not specifically approved by them. Franchisees must also purchase certain specified products and services from Apricot Lane or its affiliates, including store merchandise. This gives Apricot Lane significant control over the products sold in the stores and the vendors franchisees can work with.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the implications of these restrictions on their business. While the franchisor's control may ensure brand consistency and potentially offer access to exclusive products, it also limits the franchisee's flexibility and ability to respond to local market demands. It would be prudent to discuss with existing franchisees their experience with private-label merchandise and the impact on their sales and profitability.