Who is responsible for the expenses associated with relocating an Apricot Lane franchised business?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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. If your lease expires or terminates and you are not at fault, or the site is destroyed, condemned or in any manner made unusable, if you are unwilling or unable to relocate the Franchised Business, COUNTRY VISIONS is not required to refund any fees or costs paid to COUNTRY VISIONS.
If you relocate the Franchised Business, you will conform the new store location to COUNTRY VISIONS' then-current standards for store design; close the old location at the same time you open the new location; and remove and obliterate any visible signs, graphics and advertising materials displaying any of our names, Marks and slogans. These changes must be completed within 7 business days of the opening of the new location.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 30–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is primarily responsible for the expenses associated with relocating their franchised business. The FDD states that a franchisee may relocate their Apricot Lane store within their territory, but this is at their "sole expense." This means the franchisee must cover all costs related to the move, such as packing, transportation, and setting up the new location.
However, Apricot Lane also has the right to charge the franchisee for any costs incurred by them, along with a reasonable fee for their services, in connection with the relocation. This implies that while the franchisee bears the initial burden of relocation expenses, Apricot Lane may impose additional charges for their involvement in the process. These charges could cover administrative work, site evaluation, or other support services provided by the franchisor during the relocation.
The FDD also specifies that if a franchisee's lease expires or terminates without fault, or if the site becomes unusable due to destruction or condemnation, and the franchisee is unwilling or unable to relocate, Apricot Lane is not obligated to refund any fees or costs previously paid. This highlights a potential financial risk for franchisees, as they may not recover their initial investment if relocation becomes necessary due to circumstances beyond their control. Franchisees must also conform the new store location to Apricot Lane's then-current standards for store design, close the old location when the new one opens, and remove all branding from the old location within 7 business days of opening the new location.