Who is ultimately responsible for finding and securing a suitable site and negotiating the lease for an Apricot Lane franchise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Typically, COUNTRY VISIONS uses a national real estate broker to identify sites for the APRICOT LANE Stores through contacts with shopping mall developers or operators. However in some cases franchisees find their own sites. Regardless of any site selection or leasing assistance that COUNTRY VISIONS may provide, you are ultimately responsible for finding and securing a suitable site and negotiating your lease. You must decide whether to accept a particular site or leasing terms. You should conduct your own evaluation of the suitability of the site and consult with an attorney for legal advice on the lease terms. You must provide to us a copy of all communications between you and your landlord and any leasing specialist you use.
Before acquiring any site for the premises of the Franchised Business, whether by lease or purchase, you must submit a written description of the proposed site to COUNTRY VISIONS, including a letter of intent describing the terms and conditions in detail, together with evidence that is satisfactory to us that your prospects for obtaining the proposed site are favorable. COUNTRY VISIONS will approve or disapprove your site selection within 30 days after receiving your written proposal.
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, while Country Visions, the franchisor, may offer assistance with site selection and leasing, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for finding and securing a suitable site and negotiating the lease for their Apricot Lane store.
Country Visions may use a national real estate broker to identify potential sites through contacts with shopping mall developers or operators, and in some instances, franchisees may find their own locations. Regardless of the assistance provided by Country Visions, the final decision on accepting a site and its leasing terms rests with the franchisee.
Apricot Lane franchisees are advised to conduct their own evaluation of the site's suitability and seek legal counsel regarding the lease terms. Franchisees must also provide Country Visions with copies of all communications between themselves, their landlord, and any leasing specialists they utilize. Before acquiring a site, franchisees must submit a written description of the proposed site to Country Visions, including a letter of intent detailing the terms and conditions, along with evidence demonstrating favorable prospects for obtaining the site. Country Visions will then approve or disapprove the site selection within 30 days of receiving the written proposal.