Unit 6. Trends in Franchising
Unit 6. Trends in Franchising
Unit 6. Trends in Franchising
TRENDS IN FRANCHISING
Overview
This unit is designed to introduce young people who are taking up business courses
to the fascinating world of advertising in the past and in the present. This unit clearly
addresses the growth of the franchising sector from where it began to where it is
now and the market developments in the future. Furthermore, this unit also
highlights the multi-unit franchise model, its benefits and other positive
characteristics.
Learning Objectives
Setting Up
Name:________________________________ Date:_______________________________
Section:______________________________ Score:_____________________________
Directions. Give yourself two minutes to do this activity (let us find the extent of your
familiarity with the franchise businesses). List as many franchise companies that you
can think of locally or even globally. Use the sheet provided in answering.
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Lesson Proper
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what these "licensees" ended up with was their own businesses (or franchises as we
would call them today.)
Another First Famous Franchisor Was Martha Matilda Harper
One early female franchisor was an also entrepreneur named Martha Matilda
Harper. Sent away by her father at the age of seven to be a domestic servant, Harper
would spend 22 years in this profession before opening her own hair salon in New
York City. The Harper Hair Parlor was unique because it included reclining shampoo
chairs (unheard of at the time), emphasized comfort and customer service, provided
child care, and had evening hours.
Photos of her stunning floor-length hair was her primary advertisement, and
customers flocked to her salon to give their hair a treatment with “The Harper
Method.” In 1891, Harper also offered some of the first low cost franchise
opportunities, allowing salons to open under the Harper name. She also provided
motivation, coaching, advertising assistance, and motivation to build up would-be
entrepreneurs, just like the franchises of today.
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1) Shifting Demographics
Major changes in the U.S. population are affecting not only who consumers are today,
but also the available labor market. Franchisors and franchisees alike must adapt to
this changing customer and employee base to find opportunities for growth.
Millennials -- This generation, whose numbers outstrip even those of the Baby
Boomers, are coming into their own as a potent economic force as they begin their
careers and raise families. This group of more than 70 million - whether as entry-
level employees or as media-savvy consumers raised on the Internet -- present a
huge opportunity for franchisors and franchisees who can provide goods and
services related to their growing needs.
Baby Boomers -- As this "forever young" generation ages, it will demand many new
services: health and fitness programs; financial and retirement planning and advice;
assistance with their aging parents; child care for their younger children and
educational services for their college-bound children; legal and tax services;
nutritional, cosmetic, and "anti-aging" products and services; and more.
Seniors -- People are living longer, more active lives today, a trend that will only
accelerate as Boomers age. This will create a "booming" market for services
demanded by this affluent, expanding demographic. Healthcare-related services,
delivered at home or in assisted living facilities, will continue to grow. Home
renovations for seniors, health and fitness programs tailored to their aging bodies,
and increased acceptance and use of "cosmeceuticals" will expand in the years
ahead.
Minorities -- The U.S. is well on the road to having a "New Majority" as the ranks of
Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians continue to grow. From food to fashion,
real estate to business services, as members of these groups continue their rise in
numbers and economic clout, their needs will continue to expand as well --
presenting new opportunities and challenges for franchise brands focused on
serving them.
2) Growth Segments
What if you could start a franchised business with the guarantee that you couldn't
fail? While there are no sure bets in life or in business, some areas are more likely to
succeed than others.
Recession - proof brands are understandably popular in any economic environment.
These types of businesses include hair cutting, tax preparation, accounting, shipping
and packaging, child and pet care and services, auto maintenance and repair, home
repair and renovation, computer-related services, real estate, and staffing and
employment. The recession that hit home in 2008 drove some operators of fast-
casual restaurants to add lower-cost quick-serve and fast food brands if they could,
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to keep the cash flowing. Used goods concepts, including clothing, sports equipment,
and electronic games also tend to do well in any economy.
"Green" businesses, already on the rise, received a big boost in 2009 with federal and
state governments pushing for increased funding for the energy sector -- an effect
that continued to ripple for years into energy-related businesses. Energy-reduction
services for both homes and the commercial sector will continue to expand. "Green"
(LEED-certified) buildings, made with recycled materials and using less energy
present opportunities for handyman franchises, and as the market matures more
and more opportunities will appear.
Fitness, health, and personal care -- This sector, which includes gyms, fitness centers,
nutrition, recreation and sports, spas, tanning centers, and "healthy" fast food,
provides targeted opportunities for each of the demographic groups described
above. The increase in childhood obesity has given rise to fitness centers and
programs that combine fun and education for the younger set. Baby Boomers have
their own set of needs in these areas, as do seniors, who both need fitness, health,
and nutrition programs tailored to their age group.
No business is free from risks, but having a firm grasp of current trends -- and where
they are likely to go in the coming years -- is a big step in the direction of long-term
franchise success.
Franchising Trends in the Philippines
The Philippine market offers an innately large consumer base that is attractive for
franchise operators. Its strategic location makes the country an appealing option as a
franchise hub to launch a future Asia-Pacific expansion. Additional favorable factors
include: Wide use of the English language, Cultural affinity with American values,
low labor cost, large pool of skilled labor and management talent, and moderately
well-placed infrastructure. The competitive climate that exist in the more urbanized
locations in the country forces new entrants to creatively innovate and adapt quickly
to the environment in order to succeed. Challenges associated with the lingering
political instability, weak currency, corruption, and peace-and-order problems in the
Philippines are serious issues international franchisors need to face head on. There
is no clear indication as to when these challenges will be mended. However, for the
more valiant and aggressive franchisors willing to face the current risks in hope of
long-term gains, and who are prepared to introduce flexible contractual
arrangements, the Philippine market appears to be a unique investment haven.
As we welcome a new decade in franchising, it’s helpful to see how the past 10 years
have helped create a more vibrant economy where Filipinos consumers now enjoy
abundant product variation, technological advancements, investment opportunities,
and on-demand knowledge.
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Here are the top franchising trends of the past decade that have had a significant
impact not just in the industry but in the daily lives of Filipino consumers:
Food crazes that became Filipino favorites: The decade of milk tea
The last decade marked the rise, the fall and the rise again of milk tea. With its strong
consumer reception, the right question to ask is “Who doesn’t love milk tea?” After
the Philippines ranked second-highest bubble tea drinkers in Southeast Asia next to
Thailand (based on a study by GrabFood), it is undeniable that we truly are crazy
about milk tea.
This trend started early in the decade with brands such as Cha Time spearheading
the craze. However, the rise of milk tea was temporarily halted in 2015 during the
poisoning incident of an independent milk tea operator in Sampaloc, Manila. But
since then, foreign brands such as Coco, Macau Imperial, and Tiger Sugar have
continued to enter the market.
Meanwhile, local brands such as Cha Thai, Sugar Panda, Bean Leaf, Island Tea Co.,
Icelavie, and Caffe La Tea persist to innovate on milk tea signatures and twists that
are performing remarkably well in the franchising scene. With the escalating
demand especially from the youth, milk tea continues to become a favorite both by
consumers and franchisees.
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Fruit drinks as the healthy alternative
With the rising incidence of Filipinos with health-related concerns, the trend of fruit
drinks became popular as they are labeled as the healthier alternative to carbonated
soda and caffeinated drinks. Fruits like mango, lemon, watermelon, papaya, apple,
banana, guyabano, and many more are simply turned into ice-blended drinks that
have attracted health buffs due to convenience and affordability.
Citrus Zone, GuriGuri, Happy Mango, Pure Nectar, and BarefruitGuyabano are among
the most popular brands that have invaded the fruit drink industry in the
Philippines. As the saying goes, “Eat fruits and vegetables as your medicine so you
won’t eat medicine as your food.”
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Education franchises on the rise
“The demand for education in all its forms is a good sign for a country like the
Philippines as it gains momentum towards developed-country status in the next
decade or so,” stated Mr. Manuel Siggaoat, managing director of Francorp
Philippines, in an article he wrote about the top trends in Philippine franchising back
in 2015.
The Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute (CTHI), Tinker House, Seriously
Addictive Mathematics (SAM), ALOHA Mental Arithmetic, and Bricks 4 Kidz are
franchises that enhance learners’ competitiveness, creativity, critical thinking, logical
reasoning, problem-solving, and other important skills beneficial for potential
discovery and career development.
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International franchising is a strategic way to reduce dependence on domestic
demand and grow new, future revenue and profit centers worldwide. Extending a
brand globally through franchising involves low risk, requires minimal investment,
and offers a huge upside potential for scaling capabilities.
Benefits of International Franchising
In addition to entering new overseas markets with additional customers,
international franchising can also offer what is called foreign master franchise
owners. These individuals are typically a native of the country and understand the
political and bureaucratic problems in his/her country far better than any outsider.
Foreign master franchise owners pay a hefty upfront fee to acquire a designated
geographic area or, in some instances, an entire country where they operate as a
mini or sub-franchise company, selling franchises, collecting royalties, training the
owners, and overseeing all other related matters. They can even open units by
themselves. In general, a specified number of franchises must be outlined for the
exclusive right to use the business model in an entire country.
Some Companies That Franchise Internationally
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property issues, to name just a few. Of course, the process is not without its
complexities.
Where to Look for Franchising Help?
Here are a couple of resources that will guide you in the international franchising
area:
MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISE
Definition of a Multi-Unit Franchise
A multi-unit franchise is when a franchisee purchased the rights to develop and
multiple units in a particular territory. When you own multiple units, you are less
likely to be involved in the day to day operations of a single unit. You will instead be
focused on the overall management of all of your units. You will need to have general
managers and staff you can trust at each of your units to make sure they are
successful.
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A single-unit franchise means that you entered into an agreement with a franchisor
for just one franchise unit and no expectations for later expansion into multiple
units. Many single-unit franchise units are owned by people interested in owning
their own business, but are not looking for or don’t have the capital for a larger
enterprise.
With single-unit franchises, the franchisee is usually the main operator of the unit
who runs the day to day operations. With a single-unit franchise, there is only a
single franchise agreement between the franchisor and the franchisee.
Keep in mind that entering into a multiple unit contract is going to mean more
money from you upfront. Whatever you would pay for one unit just multiple it by the
number of units you are interested in owning.
For example, if each franchise unit is P175,000 and you want to own 5 of them, you
will need to make a P875,000 investment. And then you will have to factor in the
ongoing costs for each franchise unit you own like payroll costs, rent, and inventory.
Advantages of a Multi-Unit Franchise
For the franchisee there are a lot of benefits in this type of franchising
opportunity as well:
Lowers Your Overhead Expenses Per Unit
While the initial start-ups costs will be higher for multi-units, once your units
are established, you will be able to lower your overhead expenses per unit
because you will have some fixed costs that will be shared across all locations.
For example, if all your locations will share the same vendors, then you will
be able to negotiate better deals for goods and services.
Offers You Better Stability
We have heard the horror stories of new franchise businesses folding in the
first year. That is a big fear for new franchise owners, but it doesn’t have to
come to fruition to a franchisee. And part of your plan is to start with multiple
units right from the get go thus improving your chances of success. Each of
your units can help buoy each other up if lean times hit.
It Is Not As Expensive As You Might Think
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While you will have to spend more money at first, it might not put you in the
hole as much as you might think. Franchiser owners often offer discounts and
incentives to their franchisees if they purchase multi units. If you know you
want to eventually expand anyway it might make sense to buy them now at a
lower cost.
Helps You Establish A Stronger Brand
The franchisor will be providing you with some marketing and advertising
messaging to help attract customers, but the great thing about owning multi
units is that you can establish your brand within the larger brand, but
showing the customers what makes your multiple units stand out from the
rest. And because you will want the same central message across all three
units, you will be able cut down on the money spent of advertising and
marketing.
Will Help You Establish Stronger Relationships
Another benefit of owning more units is that you will develop more contacts
in the franchise world and with vendors and real estate agents.
References
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/international-franchising-a-global-strategic
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/multi-unit-franchise-1350579
https://www.franchising.com/franchiseguide/current_trends_in_franchising.html
https://www.franchisemarket.ph/blog/10-business-trends-philippines
https://www.franchising.com/articles/the_evolution_of_franchising.html
Assessing Learning
I. Research Work
Directions: Choose at least one local and multinational business that has embraced
the multi-unit franchise model and flourished in the franchising industry. Give the
historical business history and the advantages gained by embracing the multi-unit
franchise model. Cite also some of the strategies that have been taken to develop and
retain its place in the industry.
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