How is 'abandonment' defined in the context of a Pearce Bespoke franchise?

According to Pearce Bespoke's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'abandonment' is specifically defined in the context of the franchise agreement. It refers to a franchisee's failure to operate their Pearce Bespoke franchise during regular business hours for a period of ten consecutive days. This is considered a default of the franchise agreement, potentially leading to termination.

However, there are exceptions to this definition. If the failure to operate the business is due to circumstances beyond the franchisee's control, such as an act of God, war, strikes, or riots, it would not be considered abandonment, provided the franchisee did not obtain prior written consent from Pearce Bespoke. This highlights the importance of communication with the franchisor in unforeseen circumstances.

This definition protects Pearce Bespoke's brand and ensures consistent operation across all franchise locations. For a prospective franchisee, it's crucial to understand the implications of this clause and to maintain open communication with Pearce Bespoke to avoid any misunderstandings or potential defaults related to business operation.