Under what condition can a Circle K store plan vary from the written Plan-O-Gram?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We require you to offer and sell at your Convenience Store only those products and services specified or approved by us, which will include those products and services generally offered at Circle K Stores. You must offer for sale all products and services that we designate as required for all franchisees. These products and services will consist generally of the products and services offered by convenience stores. Your products and services must be presented in the Store according to the floor plan and gondola plan specifications of the Plan-O-Gram presentation design provided to you by us. You must comply with every detail of the Plan-O-Gram designed for your Store. Your Store plan may not vary from the written Plan-O-Gram without our written approval.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 78–79)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to adhere strictly to the Plan-O-Gram presentation design provided by Circle K for their store's layout and product placement. This Plan-O-Gram includes floor plans and gondola plan specifications that dictate how products and services must be presented within the store.
The only exception to this rule is that a Circle K franchisee's store plan may deviate from the written Plan-O-Gram if they obtain prior written approval from Circle K. This means that any modifications or alterations to the standard store layout or product presentation must be explicitly approved in writing by Circle K before they can be implemented.
This requirement ensures that all Circle K stores maintain a consistent brand image and customer experience. It also allows Circle K to control the products and services offered, as well as their placement within the store. For a prospective franchisee, this means they must be prepared to follow Circle K's established plan unless they can justify and receive approval for a change. It is important to note that obtaining such approval is not guaranteed and may depend on the specific circumstances and the franchisee's ability to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed variation.