What specifications and standards must an Apricot Lane franchisee comply with for renewal?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
one percent (1%) of the FRANCHISEE's annual gross revenues or Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), whichever is less, per calendar year.
B. Changes to Business and System Modifications
1. Remodeling, Modernization, Changes to Existing Business
FRANCHISEE may be required to periodically make reasonable capital expenditures to remodel, redesign, modernize and change the Franchised Business and to replace and modernize the Premises so that the Franchised Business will reflect the then-current image intended to be portrayed by the Specialty Stores. All remodeling, modernization, or changes to the Premises must be done in accordance with the standards and specifications as prescribed by FRANCHISOR from time to time and with the prior written approval of FRANCHISOR. All replacements must conform to FRANCHISOR's then-current quality standards and specifications and must be approved by FRANCHISOR in writing. FRANCHISEE may be required to remodel, redesign, modernize or change the Premises not more than once during the term of this Agreement or renewal hereof, or more frequently as required by the lease for the Premises.
2. System Modifications
FRANCHISEE acknowledges that from time to time hereafter FRANCHISOR may change or modify the System, including the adoption and use of new or modified trade names, trademarks, service marks or copyrighted materials, new computer systems, including hardware and software, new inventory items, new merchandising techniques, new equipment or new techniques and that FRANCHISEE will be required to accept, use and display for the purpose of this Agreement any such changes in the System, as if they were part of this Agreement at the time of execution hereof. FRANCHISEE shall not change, modify or alter in any way the System, except as directed by FRANCHISOR.
3.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to periodically make reasonable capital expenditures to remodel, redesign, modernize, and change the franchised business and to replace and modernize the premises. This ensures that the business reflects the current image of Apricot Lane stores. All remodeling, modernization, or changes to the premises must align with the standards and specifications prescribed by Apricot Lane and require prior written approval. Replacements must meet Apricot Lane's current quality standards and specifications and must also be approved in writing.
The document states that franchisees may be required to remodel, redesign, modernize, or change the premises not more than once during the term of the agreement or renewal, unless the lease for the premises requires more frequent updates. Furthermore, Apricot Lane may modify the system, including adopting new trade names, trademarks, service marks, copyrighted materials, computer systems, inventory items, merchandising techniques, equipment, or techniques. Franchisees are required to accept, use, and display these changes as if they were part of the original agreement.
The expenditures for these changes and modifications during the agreement term are capped. The document specifies that the required expenditures shall not exceed the lesser of two percent of the franchisee's average annual Gross Revenues or $15,000. This limitation helps franchisees manage the financial impact of required updates and changes to maintain brand standards and system consistency.