Under what circumstances can Apricot Lane refuse a franchisee's request to approve a supplier or merchandise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FRANCHISOR may limit the number of recommended suppliers with whom FRANCHISEE may deal, designate sources that FRANCHISEE must use and/or refuse any of FRANCHISEE's requests to approve a supplier or merchandise for any reason, including that FRANCHISOR has already designated an exclusive source (which might be FRANCHISOR or its affiliate) for particular merchandise, goods or services or if FRANCHISOR believes that doing so is in the best interests of the Specialty Stores network.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Apricot Lane has broad discretion to refuse a franchisee's request to approve a supplier or merchandise. Apricot Lane may refuse a franchisee's request for any reason.
Apricot Lane can refuse approval if they have already designated an exclusive source for particular merchandise, goods, or services. This exclusive source could be Apricot Lane itself or one of its affiliates. This allows Apricot Lane to maintain control over branding and quality standards within the franchise network.
Additionally, Apricot Lane can refuse a franchisee's request if they believe that doing so is in the best interests of the Apricot Lane Specialty Stores network. This clause provides Apricot Lane with significant latitude to make decisions about suppliers and merchandise based on their overall strategic goals for the franchise system.