Is there a minimum size requirement for an Apricot Lane territory?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
While there is no minimum size for a Territory, we typically will define a Territory as follows:
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- If your Store is inside an enclosed mall, the Territory is limited to the mall property.
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- For Stores that are part of a larger facility, the Territory is limited to the shopping center, entertainment complex, tourist attraction (e.g., amusement park, museum, etc.) or other facility in which the site is located.
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- For Stores at stand-alone locations, the Territory is typically defined as a 1-2 mile radium from the Store, but will depend on the market.
The Territory is only protected to the extent that neither COUNTRY VISIONS nor any affiliate will locate either a company-owned or franchised APRICOT LANE within your Territory during the term of the Franchise Agreement.
You will not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that we own, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that we control. We (and our affiliates) retain the right during the term of the Franchise Agreement to engage in any and all activities that we (and our affiliates) desire, any time or place, and whether or not these activities compete with the Franchised Business, including the right to:
- (1) sell and authorize other parties to sell merchandise, including merchandise bearing the Marks or any similar or related names or marks, to independent retail outlets, at wholesale, at retail to the general population and by means of catalogs, mail order, home parties, Internet and/or television buying networks and/or clubs, whether within or outside of the Territory;
- (2) establish and operate and authorize other parties to establish and operate Stores, the physical premises of which are located outside of the Territory, on any terms and conditions we deem appropriate;
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 30–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no minimum size requirement for a territory. However, the FDD outlines typical territory definitions based on the store's location. For stores inside an enclosed mall, the territory is limited to the mall property. If the store is part of a larger facility, such as a shopping center or entertainment complex, the territory is limited to that specific facility. For stand-alone locations, the territory is typically defined as a 1-2 mile radius from the store, but this can vary depending on the market.
Despite these guidelines, Apricot Lane franchisees should understand that the territory granted is not exclusive. This means that franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, other distribution channels, or competitive brands controlled by the franchisor. Country Visions, the franchisor, retains the right to engage in any activities they desire, at any time or place, even if these activities compete with the franchised business. This includes selling merchandise through various channels like retail outlets, wholesale, catalogs, mail order, the internet, and establishing other stores outside the franchisee's territory.
Prospective Apricot Lane franchisees should carefully consider the implications of a non-exclusive territory. While the typical territory definitions provide some guidance, the franchisor's right to establish competing outlets and distribution channels could impact a franchisee's potential sales and profitability. It is important to assess the local market conditions and potential competition before investing in an Apricot Lane franchise.