Is the Circle K licensee required to purchase all signage from TMC's approved suppliers?

According to the 2025 Circle K Franchise Disclosure Document, licensees are required to purchase all items containing Circle K's proprietary marks, including all signage, from TMC's approved suppliers. TMC will provide the licensee with a list of approved suppliers, which TMC may modify from time to time.

This requirement ensures brand consistency and quality control across all Circle K locations. By mandating the use of approved suppliers for signage and other branded items, Circle K aims to maintain a uniform brand image and protect its trademarks.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they will not have the freedom to choose their own signage vendors or negotiate pricing with unapproved suppliers. While this may limit flexibility, it also ensures that the signage meets Circle K's standards and reflects the brand's identity. Franchisees should carefully review the list of approved suppliers and understand the associated costs to factor them into their overall investment.

Furthermore, Circle K retains the right to substitute, change, or modify its proprietary marks during the term of the agreement, and licensees must comply with any such changes. This could potentially require franchisees to update their signage and branded items to reflect the new marks, incurring additional costs.