What was the net change in the number of franchised Buff City Soap outlets during 2024?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Start of the Year | End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 169 | 252 | +83 | |
| Franchised | 2023 | 252 | 262 | +10 |
| 2024 | 262 | 251 | -11 | |
| 2022 | 6 | 8 | +2 | |
| Company-Owned1 | 2023 | 8 | 9 | +1 |
| 2024 | 9 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 175 | 260 | +85 | |
| Total Outlets | 2023 | 260 | 271 | +11 |
| 2024 | 271 | 260 | -11 |
Source: Item 20 — Outlets and Franchisee Information (FDD pages 64–69)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of franchised outlets during 2024 was a decrease of 11 locations. At the start of 2024, there were 262 franchised Buff City Soap outlets, but by the end of the year, the number had dropped to 251. This is a notable decrease compared to the previous years, where there was an increase of 10 franchised outlets in 2023 and an increase of 83 in 2022.
This decrease in franchised outlets could be a point of concern for potential franchisees. It is important to investigate the reasons behind this net change. Factors contributing to this decrease could include closures, terminations, or non-renewals of franchise agreements. Understanding the reasons for this decline is crucial for assessing the stability and potential risks associated with investing in a Buff City Soap franchise.
A prospective franchisee should inquire with Buff City Soap about the specific reasons for the net decrease in franchised locations during 2024. Understanding whether the closures were concentrated in specific regions or due to particular operational challenges will be valuable. This information, combined with a review of the performance of existing locations, will help a potential franchisee make an informed decision about investing in a Buff City Soap franchise.
It's also worth noting that while the number of franchised locations decreased, the number of company-owned stores remained the same. This could indicate a strategic shift by Buff City Soap, or it could simply reflect different performance dynamics between franchised and company-owned locations. Further investigation into these trends is advisable for anyone considering opening a Buff City Soap franchise.