Parable Awards Four Franchises
July 24, 2008—Parable Franchising awarded franchises to four Lemstone stores, bringing the count of the nation's largest Christian retail franchise to 59 locations. New franchisees include stores in Hiram, GA, Cedar Rapids, IA, Rockford, IL and Grand Blanc, MI.
Three additional Lemstone stores are slated to join the franchise by month end.
As Parable franchisees, stores will benefit from a strong national brand, improved data analysis, comprehensive promotions and supply chain advantages.
"We're really excited about the marketing opportunities that we didn't have before," says Steve Pickering of Lemstone/Parable of Cedar Rapids. "As a part of the Parable franchise, we can tap into the strength of a national brand, which independents will need to compete in today's market."
Last year, the Parable Group purchased Insight Retail Group (IRG), parent company to Lemstone Christian Stores. All stores were initially included under the umbrella of member store services until individual store assessments could be completed.
Along with integrating Lemstone stores into the Parable Franchise, Parable is aggressively pursuing brand-new franchise openings throughout the country, notes manager of franchise sales Phil Darr. He points out the marketing, merchandising and brand benefits offered by Parable combined with the operational tools of Insight Group have "created a complete package for new franchisees."
"We're committed to bringing new blood into this business, and new storeowners need all the support they can get," says Darr. "The 'new and improved' franchise system offers support from the ground up and provides a real jump start to the business."
The company has set its sights on signing a number of brand-new Parable franchised stores by the end of the year.
For more information contact Gary Weyel, Parable marketing and communications strategist, or visit www.parablegroup.com. The Parable Group is based in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
