When must the Apricot Lane training program be completed?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The training program is designed to begin before opening and must be completed at least 2 weeks before the Franchised Business Opening. Once your store is open, the HQ team will provide continued postopening training for at least 6 months, and follow-ups for at least a year. All franchisees and their designated employees must successfully complete all phases of training to COUNTRY VISIONS' satisfaction. Training materials include a 4 volume Confidential Operations Manuals. The first 2 provided to our franchisees are the Pre-opening manual and the Point of Sale Computer Reference. The Confidential Operations Manual is located on the Apricot Lane Resources site online.
We do not charge any fees for the initial training programs, but you must pay our then current fees for any additional or supplemental training we provide (See Item 6). You must also pay your personnel's travel, living and other expenses and compensation incurred while attending any training programs.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the training program is designed to begin before opening a franchise and must be completed at least 2 weeks before the Franchised Business Opening. This initial training is provided without tuition fees from Apricot Lane, but franchisees are responsible for covering all travel, living, compensation, and other expenses incurred by themselves and their personnel while attending the training programs.
The Apricot Lane training program consists of two phases. Phase 1 includes orientation and onboarding, which must be completed at home by all new franchisees before Phase 2. Phase 1 incorporates self-paced activities, e-learning, and virtual learning facilitated by the Apricot Lane HQ team. Phase 2 includes an in-Boutique experience and buying at a designated market, tradeshow, or event to purchase opening inventory.
Apricot Lane also provides continued post-opening training for at least 6 months, with follow-ups for at least a year after the store opens. Furthermore, Apricot Lane may require previously trained and experienced franchisees and/or their managers or employees to attend and successfully complete continuing education training programs or seminars, conducted virtually or at another location as Apricot Lane may determine. Franchisees will not be charged tuition for any mandatory additional training, but they will bear all costs of attendance at these programs. Franchisees will not be required to attend more than 2 of these programs in any calendar year, and they shall not collectively exceed 6 business days in duration during any calendar year.