What specific actions are Degree Wellness franchisees required to take to maintain the condition and appearance of the Franchise?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
10.1 Condition and Appearance of the Franchise. You agree that:
a. neither the Franchise nor the Premises will be used for any purpose other than the operation of the Franchise in compliance with this Agreement;
b. you will maintain the condition and appearance of the Franchise; its equipment, furniture, furnishings, and signs; and the Premises in accordance with our standards and consistent with the image of a Degree Wellness Studio franchise as an efficiently operated business offering high quality services, and observing the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, efficient, courteous service and pleasant ambiance, and in that connection will take, without limitation, the following actions during the Term of this Agreement: (1) thorough cleaning, repainting and redecorating of the interior and exterior of the Premises at reasonable intervals; (2) interior and exterior repair of the Premises; and (3) repair or replacement of damaged, worn out or obsolete equipment, furniture, furnishings and signs;
c. you will not make any material alterations to the Premises or the appearance of the Franchise, as originally developed, without our advance written approval. If you do so, we have the right, at our option and at your expense, to rectify alterations we have not previously approved;
d. you will promptly replace or add new equipment when we reasonably specify in order to meet changing standards or new methods of service;
e. on notice from us, you will engage in remodeling, expansion, redecorating and/or refurnishing of the Premises and the Franchise to reflect changes in the operations of Degree Wellness franchises that we prescribe and require of new franchisees, provided that (1) no material changes will be required unless there are at least 2 years remaining on the Initial Term or any renewal Term of this Agreement (all actual changes will be subject to our approval); and (2) we have completed the proposed change in at least twenty-five percent (25%) of all similarly situated Degree Wellness and affiliate-owned Degree Wellness Studios, if there are any, and have undertaken a plan to make the proposed change in the balance of such Degree Wellness and affiliate-owned Studios;
f. you will place or display at the Premises (interior and exterior) only those signs, emblems, designs, artwork, lettering, logos, and display and advertising materials that we from time to time approve; and
g. if at any time in our reasonable judgment, the general state of repair, appearance, or cleanliness of the Premises of the Franchise or its fixtures, equipment, furniture, or signs do not meet our standards, then we shall have the right to notify you specifying the action you must take to correct the deficiency.
If you do not initiate action to correct such deficiencies within 10 days after receipt of our notice, and then continue in good faith and with due diligence, a bona fide program to complete any required maintenance or refurbishing, then we shall have the right, in addition to all other remedies available to us at law or under this Agreement, to enter the Premises or the Franchise and perform any required maintenance or refurbishing on your behalf, and you agree to reimburse us on demand.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must maintain the condition and appearance of their franchise, equipment, furniture, furnishings, signs, and premises according to Degree Wellness's standards. This aligns with the image of a Degree Wellness Studio franchise as an efficiently operated business offering high-quality services, cleanliness, sanitation, efficient and courteous service, and a pleasant ambiance.
To meet these standards, franchisees must perform thorough cleaning, repainting, and redecorating of the interior and exterior of the premises at reasonable intervals. They are also responsible for interior and exterior repairs of the premises, as well as repairing or replacing any damaged, worn-out, or obsolete equipment, furniture, furnishings, and signs. Franchisees cannot make any material alterations to the premises or the appearance of the franchise without prior written approval from Degree Wellness; failure to obtain approval can result in Degree Wellness rectifying the alterations at the franchisee's expense.
Degree Wellness also has the right to specify new equipment to meet changing standards or new service methods, which the franchisee must promptly implement. Additionally, Degree Wellness can require franchisees to engage in remodeling, expansion, redecorating, or refurnishing of the premises and the franchise to reflect changes in operations, provided that there are at least two years remaining on the initial or renewal term of the agreement. These changes must also be implemented in at least 25% of similarly situated Degree Wellness and affiliate-owned studios, with a plan in place to extend the changes to the remaining studios.
If the franchisee fails to maintain the required standards, Degree Wellness has the right to notify the franchisee of the deficiencies and the actions needed to correct them. If the franchisee does not begin corrective action within 10 days and continue diligently, Degree Wellness can enter the premises and perform the necessary maintenance or refurbishing at the franchisee's expense, which the franchisee must reimburse on demand.