Country Visions and Apricot Lane
Country Visions offers the APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE franchise, selling fashion apparel, accessories, and gifts in specialty retail stores. Known for its curated selection, the brand operates in the competitive women’s clothing and accessory market.
Country Visions and Apricot Lane franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of an APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE store ranges from $149,950 to $342,300. This includes a mandatory payment of between $44,950 and $47,500 to the franchisor or its affiliate. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies based on certain conditions. For standard cases, it is $39,500, but veterans who meet specific criteria can receive a $5,000 discount, making it $34,500 [p.10]. If an open license is granted, the fee is paid in two installments: a nonrefundable deposit of $5,000 upon signing and the balance when a landlord's letter of intent for a site is executed [p.91].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is 5.5% of Gross Revenues from the E-Commerce Platform, while the advertising contribution is 1% of Gross Revenues [p.170]. Additionally, there is a monthly fee of $1,000 for the Centralized Buying Service, which can be replaced by an Inventory Management Service fee of $600 per month if certain conditions are met [p.121].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The term of the initial franchise agreement and the conditions for renewal are not specified in the provided excerpts. This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you cannot transfer your franchise without the franchisor's prior written approval [p.129]. The transfer includes any sale, assignment, or other form of interest in the franchise agreement, ownership of the franchisee, or the franchised business [p.129]. However, if you are in full compliance with the agreement and meet certain conditions, the franchisor cannot unreasonably withhold approval [p.130]. You must provide at least 45 days' notice before proposing a transfer, and the proposed transferee must be of good moral character and meet the franchisor's standards for franchisees [p.130].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.205]. Additionally, the franchisor may terminate the franchise agreement if there is no suitable site secured and approved within the provided time or extensions [p.144], or if the franchisee fails to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and does not cure such failure after being given notice and a reasonable opportunity to do so [p.5].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide specific details on the required net worth or liquid capital for franchisees to qualify. However, it does indicate that the franchisor may require spouses to sign a Guaranty and Subordination Agreement if the financial or management qualifications of the owners are insufficient [p.34].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. The franchisee may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other channels of distribution controlled by the franchisor [p.30]. Additionally, the territory is only protected to the extent that COUNTRY VISIONS and its affiliates will not establish another APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE store within your territory during the term of the Franchise Agreement [p.30].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an extensive initial training program that must be completed at least two weeks before opening [p.29]. This includes pre-opening and Point of Sale Computer Reference manuals, as well as additional volumes of the Confidential Operations Manual accessible online [p.29]. Post-opening, HQ offers continued support for at least six months with follow-ups for a year [p.29]. The training covers various aspects such as financial controls, product procurement, retail operational techniques, and more [p.100]. Additionally, the franchisor may require renewal training to ensure franchisees are up-to-date on operations, training procedures, and policies at no additional cost, but with franchisees responsible for travel and lodging expenses [p.95].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of the end of the period shown in [p.40], there were 85 franchised Apricot Lane Boutique Stores open, with 35 stores that were excluded from the table due to opening during 2024, relocating, transferring ownership, or ceasing operations. In terms of closures and terminations, [p.47] indicates that a total of 67 outlets ceased operations between 2023 and 2025: 19 in 2023, 21 in 2024, and 27 in 2025.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor, Country Visions, Inc., does not make any financial performance representations except for providing actual records of an existing outlet if you are purchasing one. However, they do allow written substantiation for these financial performance representations to be provided upon reasonable request [p.41]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for new franchises without purchasing an existing outlet.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to abide by standards and specifications set by COUNTRY VISIONS regarding the merchandise you can carry and services provided. This includes adhering to approved vendors and types, brands, amounts, and varieties of merchandise [p.16, p.28, p.35]. You may have to buy or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than other options [p.3]. COUNTRY VISIONS can also modify these requirements and standards at their discretion [p.18, p.115].