Baskin Robbins To Take Its Store Count To 698 By 2015

Baskin Robbins, one of the largest chains of ice-cream specialty shops, has chalked out a vigorous expansion plan for the coming year. The brand is planning to open 150 new stores by the next year. It is looking forward to open parlours in 18 major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Indore, Kolkata, Guwahati, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Trivendrum, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Surat, Baroda and Ahmedabad.

Sharing a word on the brand’s presence, Sanjay Coutinho, Chief Executive Officer, Baskin Robbins says, “We have 548 stores across 142 cities. All our stores are owned by individual franchisees.”

Baskin Robbins was founded in 1945 by Burton "Burt" Baskin and Irvine "Irv" Robbins who had a mutual love for old-fashioned ice cream and shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream store by providing customers a variety of flavours made with ingredients of the highest quality in an inviting atmosphere.

It is known for creating and marketing premium ice-cream and providing quality and value to consumers in nearly 50 countries across the globe. Baskin Robbins entered India in 1993 through a joint venture with The Graviss Group. Its first manufacturing plant outside North America was opened in Pune. The company has a dedicated team of people with expertise in the hospitality industry.  

Snap Fitness Pursues Aggressive Global Growth With New UK Master Development Agreement

Snap Fitness the world's leading 24/7 fitness franchise today announced a master development agreement for the United Kingdom with TwentyTwoYards Ltd. The agreement is one element of the Lift Brands-owned company's rapid international expansion; its Indian franchise partner recently announced plans to bring 300 new clubs to the second most-populous country in the world.
"The importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle transcends cultures" Peter Taunton Lift Brands CEO and Snap Fitness Founder said. "Snap Fitness' model has proven successful across multiple continents and with the fitness and business expertise of TwentyTwoYards we are confident America's fitness brand will be embraced by individuals across the pond."
As indicated by the 2014 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report the rapidly-growing low-cost market continues to drive the UK health and fitness industry's growth. Year over year the report found a 4.5 percent rise in the number of health club members. There are three Snap Fitness clubs currently operating and eight in development in the UK but the TwentyTwoYards group plans on opening 200 locations over the next four years.
"In the UK we have an ever-increasing awareness and desire to prioritize personal health and fitness" said Matt Quinn of TwentyTwoYards. "Snap Fitness clubs are helping more people than ever achieve their lifestyle goals and I couldn't be more excited to bring this internationally-proven brand to our country."
Snap Fitness is also expanding its footprint in the Indian market. Since selling its first franchise in 2009 Snap Fitness India has expanded rapidly with 50 clubs open or in development. Snap Fitness India CEO Dr. Virkam B.M. announced plans of opening 300 additional clubs by the end of 2017. The company which is pursuing new locations in cities including Delhi-NCR Bangalore Raipur and Kolkata.
With a total of 500 clubs opening over the next four years in the UK and India Snap Fitness is expecting to increase its number of clubs 25 percent.
"Entrepreneurs around the globe are recognizing the opportunity that Snap Fitness provides – not only is it a win for their portfolio but for the community as well" said Steele Smiley Lift Brands Chief Officer responsible for all domestic and international growth. "We are aggressively looking for the right partners to bring Snap Fitness to other emerging markets."

Under the agreements Snap Fitness provides master franchise partners with exclusive rights to use the fitness brand's trademarks intellectual property and systems for the length of the term. Additionally a dedicated team at Lift Brands headquarters in Chanhassen Minn. works directly with the companies to provide support.Currently Snap Fitness has more than 2000 clubs open or in development in 15 countries. 

Siyaram’s expanding aggressively using the franchising module

The textile giant Siyaram Silk Mills, has been on an expansion spree this year. It has been opening a new franchise every seventh day. The brand known for delivering the best suiting fabrics has always believed in its values and principles. Siyaram’s in this time is the largest Indian manufacturer of blended fabrics and is quick to adapt with the advancement going on in the technology space and fashion world.
 
The company’s vision is to be present in all cities and small towns reaching every common man in remote areas delivering international quality at affordable price. With active 170 Siyaram’s shops all over India, by the FY14-15, Siyaram’s aim is to touch 200 plus franchisee showrooms. The Siyaram’s franchisees also have tailoring service under brand name Tailor Fit which makes Siyaram’s shop a complete male wardrobe solution which has fabrics, readymade and accessories along with tailoring service. With consequent consumer friendly developments, Siyaram’s is confidently reaching great heights and will continue to brain storm new additions with time keeping the consumer in mind.
 
The brands that fall under Siyaram’s shop are, Siyaram’s Suitings & Shirtings, J. Hampstead Fabric & Apparel, Oxemberg, Mistair, Moretti, Roayle Linen and Miniature. The company along with Siyaram’s Shops is also planning to come up with exclusive Oxemberg shops which will display wide range of garments and accessories.
 
 The customers are highly satisfied with products and services provided in Siyaram showrooms, the brand plans to continue with the same efficient customer service across all its franchise stores.

AISECT's 'Bear Pre-School and Activity Club aims to open 100 branches across the country by 2018

After three decades of creating world class secondary and higher education products and solutions for learners across the country, Bhopal-based education group AISECT has ventured into the pre-school and activity club segment. The Brainy Bear Pre-School & Activity Club has been launched by the group as a first-of-its-kind affordable pre-school & activity hub chain for kids in cities, small towns as well as district level areas.

Adhering to the Group’s core philosophy of inclusivity in education, Brainy Bear Pre-School & Activity Club focuses on providing affordable and quality early childhood education for toddlers as well as a range of fun and knowledge based activities for school kids in the metros as well as smaller towns. The flagship centre of the brand has been launched in Bhopal and Brainy Bear Pre-School & Activity Club aims to penetrate across all major cities and districts in the country with about 100 centres operational by 2018.

The brand’s expansion will be through company owned centres as well as carefully chosen franchise centres in two formats – an urban centric model where the centre would be technology driven with a lot of focus on English language content and a less technology driven model for district level places where the centres would offer the same quality of learning techniques as the urban centric model but with an increased use of Hindi language content. A unique feature of all Brainy Bear Pre-Schools and Activity Clubs nationally will be that the complete staff on the premises will be female to ensure mental comfort of the parents.  

Commenting on this new offering by AISECT, Ms. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi who is the Founder of Brainy Bear Pre-School & Activity Club and a Director of AISECT said, “Though organised preschool is one of the fastest growing verticals in the education industry, it is presently limited to the metros and only a select few tier-2 cities. Through this venture, our aim is to reach to the districts and small towns of India and provide quality interactive early education to children. We are also trying to strengthen the after school learning with a strong emphasis on experimentation and exploration. The early years are very critical to developing a love for life-long learning. With our carefully crafted curriculum which lays emphasis on a threefold development plan of knowledge, skills and values, we are sure of offering a solid foundation to the toddlers and school going kids. I am extremely keen to work with like-minded edupreneurs who want to be a part of our endeavor to create a healthy learning environment for a child’s overall development and growth.”

“This low investment, high profit franchise model will not only focus on the profit scope for our business partners; it will also take quality early education to children at the small town and district levels, providing them the joy of interactive learning irrespective of where in the country they are located.” Ms. Chaturvedi added.

Hidesign To Tap Tier-II Cities Via Franchise Model

Hidesign, a luxury leather brand, is looking forward to take its brand to tier-II cities via franchise model. The brand has its presence in 32 cities pan-India.

On its expansion plans in new locations, Narresh Mehtta, COO, Hidesign, states, “We are now embarking upon expansion through the franchising model in the tier-II cities by opening stores in leading malls and select high streets. We want to reach out to our targeted customer profile so that they can see our latest collection and experience the brand in our store.”

Founded in 1978 as a two man workshop to becoming a global brand today, it has come a long way. The brand is recognised for its quality, ecological values and personalised service. By keeping its focus on a classic contemporary look, Hidesign caters to the savvy and sophisticated urban professional. The leather collection includes handbags, clutches, briefcases, laptop cases, wallets and belts.

Hidesign has grown from its artisan roots to an international brand with over 60 exclusive retail stores and a distribution network across more than 20 countries. Hidesign can be found at premium international outlets, including John Lewis and House of Fraser in the UK, Myers and David Jones in Australia, Stuttafords and Edgars in South Africa, Lifestyle and Shoppers Stop in India and Parkson, Robinsons and Isetan in Southeast Asia.

Berkshire Hathaway's QSR Chain Dairy Queen Seeks Partner For India Foray

US based ice cream and QSR chain, Dairy Queen is looking for a partner to foray into the Indian QSR market. The unit of Berkshire Hathaway’s is planning to open its burger chain in the country.

The company was said to be in talks with Reliance Retail Limited for launching its dairy business in the country, however the deal did not consummate.

Owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire, Dairy Queen has over 6000 restaurants in the United States, Canada and 18 other countries.

To start with, the Minneapolis based chain would be looking at opening 100 burger stores in the space dominated by McDonalds in the organized sector having a lion’s share of 75%. The unorganized sector accounts for 40% sales of the total INR 1 Bn market.

This would be its second attempt after its 2011 effort for the foray.

Dairy Queen joins other player including Burger King, Fat Burger Carl's Jr, Wendy's and Johnny Rockets that are seeking to gain a share of the country's QSR market pegged at INR 55 Bn in 2013.

Berkshire had acquired International Dairy Queen Inc. for $585 Mn in cash and stock in 1997.

The Indian QSR business has been one of the active sectors attracting a lot of PE/VC attention. Be it early stage or the ones in their growth phase.

Pepe Jeans To Come Up With Kids Wear In 2015

One of the most accepted denim wear brand, Pepe Jeans has plans to launch its kids wear range next year in India. The chic brand from London has already gained laurels in Indian franchise industry.  The brand has around 200 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) and all are franchisee run. It also has 700 Point of Sales (POS) in Multi Brand Outlets (MBO) and has presence in 125 cities in India.

Kavindra Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, Pepe Jeans says: “The DNA of our brand is Denim. 50 per cent of our business is via denim and rest 50 per cent is non-denim. Denim franchising is without doubts a wise decision that one can make. Denim never goes out of trend and is well accepted across age groups.”

Regarding the franchisees Mishra adds: “My brand’s franchisees are just like our partner. After handling so many brands and having an experience of 16 years in the industry, I can confidently say that apparel brands don’t work on RoI. It is all about finding good partners. For Pepe, we don’t look for investors instead we seek excellent partners with local expertise and one who understands retail, fashion and who can add value to the business.”