BMO Business Banking’s Post

Why Investing in a Trending Salon Franchise is a Smart Move The beauty and wellness industry is booming, and investing in a trending salon franchise can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. Here are several reasons why this investment is a smart move: 1. Established Brand Recognition One of the most significant advantages of investing in a trending salon franchise is the established brand recognition. Well-known brands such as Great Clips, Supercuts, and Fantastic Sams have built strong reputations over the years. This brand recognition helps attract a steady stream of customers, reducing the time and effort needed to build a clientele from scratch. Customers are more likely to trust and visit a salon that is part of a reputable and recognized brand, ensuring a consistent flow of business. Read More:- https://lnkd.in/dJuuwrTH

A tragic reminder for brand owners I was hesitant to comment on this awful story for fear of amplifying it. But it serves as an important reminder for brand owners—particularly those who rely on franchisees, dealers, and licensees to “live the brand.” The actions of a Second Cup franchisee in Montreal, caught on video making hateful remarks and gestures during an anti-Israel protest, were not just appalling—they were a profound betrayal of the brand’s values. Second Cup’s immediate termination of the franchise agreement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the company’s commitment to upholding its principles. This incident raises broader questions for all brand stewards. While no organization could anticipate something as egregious as an antisemite managing a coffee shop in a Jewish hospital, it highlights that corporate values and commitments to DEI principles cannot remain just words in a glossy brochure or a marketing campaign. Franchise models, in particular, face unique vulnerabilities. While they fuel growth and foster local engagement, they also entrust the brand’s reputation to individuals who may not always align with its principles. One rogue actor can ripple damage across the entire organization, harming employees, customers, and communities alike. This story hurts everyone involved—including my home town. It hurts Montreal’s reputation as a city of diversity and tolerance. Values are not just words—they are actions. When tested, how brands respond defines whether those values truly hold. Second Cup responded. Montreal must also respond. Second Cup

A franchise surprise (true story) ☕️ A coffee shop owner, riding high after his successful launch, decided to open a franchise. He kept everything the same - decor, menu, recipes - but gave it a completely new brand identity. Imagine his surprise when he visited the franchise and saw familiar faces - his regulars from the original shop! ••• Loyalty to the Experience, Not Just the Label 🏷️ This encounter revealed a key insight: customers with discerning taste prioritize the overall experience over branding. Think about it this way: if you love the mouth-numbing spice of Sichuan cuisine, you'll actively seek out restaurants serving that flavor profile, whether it's a fiery hotpot, sizzling mala grills, or anything in between. The brand name becomes secondary. ••• The Power of Product Cues 🧩 So, what does this mean for your business? The key is to send clear signals to customers that your product aligns with their preferences. This involves optimizing your content, using relevant visuals, and creating touchpoints that resonate. But it goes beyond the digital world. You can create a multi-sensory experience that speaks to their taste - upbeat music for an energetic crowd, calming aromas for a relaxing atmosphere, or inviting textures and visuals for a curated experience. This approach builds a connection that transcends brand names, fostering customer loyalty and driving repeat business.

These tips are for executives, founders, and team members of franchisors, to help accelerate your growth and scale your brand.

Building a strong brand identity is important for franchises aiming to thrive in today's competitive market. From defining your brand values to building a strong online presence, these strategies will help you craft a franchise brand identity that sets you apart from your competitors. https://lnkd.in/epZhfvhT #entrepreneurship #franchisee #branding

Is name recognition important when you're looking for a franchise to buy? Maybe and maybe not. It's kind of an interesting thing…by the time most people have heard of a specific brand, chances are that brand is sold out in the city they live in. When I started my FranNet business, I started in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time, there was a women’s fitness brand that specialized in circuit training that was coming to town. The focus of the concept was a quick workout that allowed women to move station to station working out different muscle groups on a timer. It had a low cost of entry and was running a new fitness trend. Maybe you remember it? My phone used to ring off the hook with calls from women telling me, “I really want to own it. I don't see them anywhere around here, but the franchisor won't take my call.” After hearing their frustration, I reached out to the franchisor myself. Their response? 'We’re completely sold out.' The reason these women weren’t seeing the brand in the area yet was simple: others had already bought the rights to multiple locations before it became well-known. The market was gone before it even launched! This happens more often than you’d think. Chasing a trend is risky if you wait for it to become popular. Sometimes, the best opportunities are with brands that are still emerging. Curious about finding a franchise before it sells out? Let’s explore your options together. #FranchiseOpportunities #BuildYourEmpire #PredictTheMarket #BusinessOwnershipJourney

The Magical Wand of Kinder Joy - Harry Potter Collaboration Recently, the collaboration between Kinder Joy and the Harry Potter franchise has caused a surge in global sales. This collaboration has captured the attention of consumers worldwide, but what strategies as management students can we attribute to its remarkable success? Key Success Factors: 1. Consumer Sentiment Alignment: A core strategy behind this campaign was the deep understanding of consumer emotions. The target demographic, predominantly younger audiences who have grown up reading J.K. Rowling’s books and watching the film series, were instantly drawn to the nostalgia of reliving their favorite moments. By tapping into this emotional connection, Kinder Joy effectively created a product that resonated on a personal level with consumers. 2. Demand & Supply: Another pivotal strategy was the careful orchestration of demand and supply. By strategically limiting the availability of the Kinder Joy – Harry Potter edition created a sense of urgency. This scarcity-driven approach, combined with high demand, led to the products flying off the shelves both in-store and quick-commerce, demonstrating how balancing supply with demand can drive consumer behavior. 3. The Power of FOMO: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become a key driver in the modern consumer experience. As fans posted about securing their favorite miniature toys on social media, they inadvertently sparked excitement and urgency among others. This viral aspect contributed significantly to the campaign's sales growth, emphasizing the power of digital influence in today's marketing strategies. Key Takeaways for Brands: Emotional Connections: Understanding your consumer's sentiments and aligning your product offering accordingly can drive meaningful engagement and long-term loyalty. Balance Demand & Supply: A well-managed supply chain that creates a sense of scarcity can accelerate demand and amplify sales. Social Media Influence & FOMO: Today’s marketing campaigns must consider the viral potential of social media, where FOMO can quickly transform into substantial sales. The Road Ahead: Looking at high-growth regions like India and the USA, it's clear that brands like Kinder Joy have unlocked a strategic advantage. With the success of this collaboration, it wouldn’t be surprising to see future partnerships, potentially with franchises like Pokémon, which also has a significant fanbase in these regions. The nostalgia-driven sentiment in markets like these presents fertile ground for innovative collaborations. As consultants, we understand the power of market insights, strategic planning, and aligning brands with consumer behavior. This is a prime example of how a nuanced approach to market trends can lead to significant growth.

A powerful brand isn’t just memorable—it’s woven into the fabric of culture. And Friends? Well, it’s a franchise that has consistently been there for us (🎶 when the rain starts to pour 🎶) for three decades. 📈 The one with impact: A successful franchise isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about staying socially relevant by reflecting what matters to its audience. The Friends brand grew with its fans, adapting to new generations who find meaning in its humour, friendships, and life lessons. The Friends Experience, live now in Sydney, taps into these emotional connections and iconic moments, giving fans a place to celebrate both the memories and the values that resonate today. This kind of activation not only boosts brand loyalty but reinforces the franchise's place in culture. 💥 The one with a timeless franchise: Strong brands use “distinctive assets” to their advantage. With Friends, it’s the Central Perk couch, Monica’s apartment, and yes, even the infamous “pivot” scene. These assets aren’t just nostalgic—they’re tools that continue to drive engagement, growth, and fandom. ✨ So here’s to Friends, a Warner Bros. Discovery franchise that still lives in our heart - just like Monica’s Thanksgiving feast. 🍗💕 https://lnkd.in/gW4Hydaf

🎯 Unlock the Power of Franchise Brand Positioning! 🎯 Are you a franchise owner or aspiring entrepreneur? Understanding brand positioning is key to differentiating your business while staying aligned with your franchise's overall identity. In our latest episode of Tickle Your R.O.I., we explore how franchise owners can: ✅ Define a unique brand identity within franchise guidelines ✅ Connect meaningfully with target customers ✅ Balance individuality while reinforcing the parent brand ✅ Craft a memorable customer experience that drives loyalty We also share real-world examples and practical tips for standing out in a competitive market. Whether you're in food service, retail, or any franchise-driven industry, these insights will help you boost your R.O.I. and strengthen your brand. 🔗 Watch the Full Episode Here: [Insert Video Link] 💡 Have questions or want to share your experience? Comment below or reach out to us at info@wahhadesign.com. Let's build better brands together! #FranchiseMarketing #BrandPositioning #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #TickleYourROI #CustomerEngagement #SmallBusinessTips #Entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/eUB9s5yz

Lessons from Gordon Logan, Founder of Sport Clips Haircuts I recently had the privilege of speaking with Gordon Logan, the visionary behind Sport Clips—a brand that’s grown to over 1,800 locations. What struck me most was how Sport Clips started as a solution to a very specific problem: Gordon noticed that men’s haircare options were either too upscale or too bare-bones, with nothing tailored to the everyday guy who wanted convenience and quality. He didn’t just build a brand—he built a niche. A few takeaways from our conversation that resonated with me: Solve a problem: Sport Clips focused on a gap in the market and dominated it. Stay focused: The brand perfected its core offering before scaling. Empower franchisees: Gordon built systems that are scalable and sustainable, giving franchisees the tools to succeed. For me, this reinforced that franchising isn’t just about following a formula—it’s about creating one that works everywhere. What other gaps exist in the market that franchising could fill? If you’re a franchisor or franchisee with a unique perspective, I’d love to connect and chat about what makes a franchise model truly successful.