What proprietary items might Circle K franchisees be required to purchase from the franchisor or its affiliates?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, to maintain uniformity within the Circle K system, franchisees may be required to purchase certain proprietary items from Circle K, its affiliates, or sole-source vendors. These proprietary items include food products, merchandise, and accounting and software programs used in the operation of the store. However, franchisees will not be required to purchase items that are not generally used or offered for sale by Circle K or its affiliates in their Circle K stores.

Circle K also specifies that franchisees must purchase, install, and maintain an electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) system and a back-office computer system. These systems must meet the standards and specifications established by Circle K, which may be modified over time due to business, operations, and marketing conditions. The EPOS system is essential for electronic capture and transmission of transaction data, including credit and debit card transactions, gift cards, electronic messages, inventory management, and sales reporting.

Franchisees are also required to purchase all merchandise, supplies, equipment, and materials needed to operate the store from suppliers approved by Circle K. Circle K has the right to designate a single approved primary source for many merchandise items, and franchisees may be required to purchase these items from this primary source under Circle K's negotiated contract. Circle K and its affiliates may also make goods, products, and services available to franchisees for use in the store, on which Circle K and its affiliates may make a profit. Additionally, Circle K and its affiliates may receive consideration from suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers for services rendered or rights franchised to them.