Parable Franchising Reaches 50 Stores
San Luis Obispo, CA — Parable Franchising, the largest Christian retail franchise in the nation, marked the 50-store milestone with the signing of Gospel Supplies in Tucson, Arizona, owned by former CBA board members Winston and Delores Maddox. Winston served as chairman of the board from 1999 to 2000.
Parable began franchising in July 2004, reaching 50 stores in just two years.
"Only about 20% of franchisors reach the 100 store mark. At 50 stores, we're half way there; and at our current rate of growth, I'm confident we'll hit that mark by the end of 2007," says Chris Brown, Parable manager of franchise sales.
Through Parable Franchising, owners join forces to develop brand recognition, share knowledge, increase market share and unite to streamline the supply chain. Steve Potratz, Parable CEO, attributes the rapid growth of the franchise to its unique model emphasizing lower cost and more owner control than typically associated with franchising. Most franchises charge a franchise startup fee, an ongoing royalty fee and a contribution to a national brand fund. Currently, Parable requires no fees for conversion stores, with the exception of a half percent of sales toward the national brand marketing fund.
"With thousands of independents closing across all industries, Parable Franchising offers the opportunity for Christian retailers to work together for the success of all," says Potratz.
One key benefit for independent Christian retailers lies in connecting to a national brand.
"Fully supported vendor promotions that weren't previously available to independent stores are now possible because of the franchise," explains Rod Huff, Parable vice president of franchising. "Print, radio and television advertising partnership opportunities have and will continue to give Parable franchise stores increased recognition."
Operationally, Parable Franchising uses benchmarks to help generate best practices that all stores can follow, plus programs such as inventory control and buying services. Accountability through regional coaching helps stores stay on track.
"Every independent Christian store is unique in their scope, but they all have similar challenges: extremely sensitive business models, traffic volumes dropping, operational issues, staffing challenges and inventory management issues," explains Brown. "Parable Franchising offers solutions for each of these challenges."
Parable Franchising offers a nationally branded turnkey business plan for opening and operating Christian retail stores. Parable Franchising is a member of the family of companies including The Parable Group, a retail services organization that provides data-driven solutions to independent Christian retailers in the areas of merchandising, marketing and operations. For more information contact Gary Weyel or visit www.parablegroup.com. The Parable Group is based in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
