When relocating an Apricot Lane franchise, what is the requirement regarding the simultaneous operation of the old and new locations?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
otherwise rendered unusable, and FRANCHISEE is unwilling or unable to relocate the franchise, FRANCHISOR will not be required to refund any fees or costs paid to FRANCHISOR.
-
- If FRANCHISEE relocates the Franchised Business, the FRANCHISEE shall:
- a. Conform the new store location to FRANCHISOR's then-current standards for store design;
- b. Close the old location simultaneously with the opening of the new location so that only one Specialty Store is open and operating under this Agreement within the Territory at any time; and
- c.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Apricot Lane Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee chooses to relocate their Apricot Lane store, they must close the old location at the same time the new location opens. This ensures that only one Apricot Lane store operates within the designated territory at any given time under the franchise agreement.
This requirement is in place to protect the brand's image and avoid market saturation within a specific territory. By preventing the simultaneous operation of two stores, Apricot Lane aims to maintain exclusivity and prevent cannibalization of sales between the old and new locations. This condition is intended to optimize the franchisee's potential revenue at the new site without undermining the existing business during the transition.
Furthermore, upon relocating, the franchisee is responsible for removing all Apricot Lane branding from the former location within seven business days of the new store's opening. This includes signs, graphics, advertising materials, and any other visible representations of the Apricot Lane brand. This swift removal ensures that the public is not confused by the presence of a closed Apricot Lane store and that the brand's image is consistently managed.
In summary, the simultaneous closure of the old location and the prompt removal of branding are critical components of the relocation process for an Apricot Lane franchisee, designed to protect the brand and ensure a smooth transition to the new site.