FranNet Announces Top 5 Industries Trending for Spring of 2024
From home service concepts to senior care brands, FranNet offers tailored guidance that matches candidates’ personal aspirations with the latest and greatest market opportunities.
As North Americans contemplate new beginnings this spring, FranNet, renowned for its expert franchise matchmaking, is spotlighting the top five industries showing exceptional momentum in 2024. Drawing on a unique blend of personal consultation and market analysis, FranNet has become an indispensable resource for entrepreneurs aiming to align their business ventures with their personal and professional goals.
The State of the Franchise Industry
When it comes to the temperature of franchising right now, Jania Bailey, CEO of FranNet, says the overall sentiment can be summed up in one word: positivity.
"Overall, the franchise industry is very healthy — we are seeing a lot of activity, the floodgates have finally started to open post-COVID," Bailey said. “There are a lot of layoffs happening, which not only impacts the people losing their jobs and considering opening their own businesses, but also people around them who are realizing they want more control. And this surge is not just about the number of inquiries, but the quality of engagement we are seeing from potential franchisees.”
Leslie Kuban, owner of FranNet of Atlanta and one of this year’s top performers in the system, says she has seen a similar trend.
“Since last fall, I've observed a shift due to our high employment rate,” Kuban said. “Almost all of my clients were working, or planning to continue, so there was a significant focus on franchise models that required hiring a full-time manager. Now, the job market is still robust, but there are more layoffs than before, which creates opportunities suitable for owners to fully engage with the business. My recent placements involved individuals laid off from their jobs, or those who voluntarily left, opting for models that can be launched quickly.”
When it comes to who is buying franchises, Kuban says that the demographic continues to trend younger. Additionally, family-driven franchises, whether it be spouses or parent-child teams, are becoming more popular.
“It allows one to start the business while the other continues their current job,” Kuban said. “Entrepreneurship is increasingly visible and glorified among the younger generation, partly due to media like 'Shark Tank' and more extensive coverage in university curriculums.”
Katie Fagan-Small, owner of FranNet of the San Francisco Bay Area and another one of the system’s top-performers, shares a similar sentiment. “Younger generations are definitely getting more interested in franchising,” she said. “My typical client used to be someone who was just shy of retirement age, and now we are seeing more people — from late 20s to early 40s — who are already burnt out of corporate America. A lot of them work in volatile spaces like tech and they want to take more control over their future. They are ready to do something for themselves.”
Kuban says one of the biggest drivers she is hearing among her clients is the desire for flexibility. “When I first started in this business, the typical candidate was a corporate executive husband and stay-at-home mom,” she said. “Nowadays, both people are working, and they are struggling to balance both their careers and their family life. So, there is a real struggle with flexibility and family time, which is making franchising a more attractive option.”
Looking ahead, Fagan-Small says all signs point to an upward trajectory. “People are talking about an impending recession, the election year, etc., but what I continue to see is clients finding great real estate, good rates and opening their businesses fairly quickly.” she said. “So, it feels like it's the time for people who want to be an entrepreneur and especially the younger generation who wants to be in business for themselves.”
Top 5 Industries to Consider for Franchise Opportunities in 2024
Home Services: Home services continue to lead in franchise trends, fueled by increased investments in home improvements. With rising interest rates, many homeowners are reluctant to enter the housing market; instead, they’re choosing to invest in enhancing their current properties. This includes everything from basic renovations to comprehensive upgrades, creating numerous opportunities for franchises that cater to home maintenance, remodeling, landscaping and smart home installations.
Personal Care: The personal care industry is witnessing a significant resurgence, particularly as the emphasis on wellness and self-care grows stronger in the post-pandemic landscape. Franchises that provide services like spas, beauty salons and holistic wellness centers are becoming increasingly popular. This sector's revival is driven by consumers' renewed commitment to mental and physical health, making it a promising area for potential franchisees.
Health and Fitness: The health and fitness industry remains a strong sector for growth as individuals continue to prioritize their health. This sector includes traditional gyms, specialized fitness studios (like yoga, Pilates and spin classes) and emerging trends such as boutique fitness centers and wellness programs that integrate technology for personalized experiences. The sustained interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports a dynamic market for new and existing franchises.
Senior Care: The demand for senior care services is surging, propelled by an aging Baby Boomer population. This sector encompasses a range of services from assisted living facilities to in-home care and specialized health-care services. As the population ages, the need for comprehensive and compassionate care options becomes increasingly critical, presenting substantial opportunities for franchises that can offer quality and reliable senior care solutions.
Pet Services: Pet services have seen considerable growth, a trend that was accelerated during the pandemic as more people adopted pets. This industry extends beyond basic pet care to include grooming, training, pet-sitting and specialty services like pet spas or health-focused pet food stores. With more and more pet owners treating their pets as family members, the demand for high-quality pet care and products is expected to maintain its upward trajectory.
How FranNet Stands Out
While it's important to do due diligence and determine the strength of certain categories, Bailey emphasizes there is a lot more that needs to go into the decision.
"The biggest mistake we hear about is someone buying something because they’ve just heard it is a growing segment, but they haven’t explored whether it is a good fit for them personally," Bailey said. “While they might appreciate the product, it doesn't guarantee they'll enjoy the operational aspects of the day-to-day business.”
According to Bailey, FranNet distinguishes itself by not just pushing popular franchises but finding a fit that aligns with an individual's budget, goals and lifestyle. With more than 100 experienced consultants, FranNet is North America’s most respected leader in matching individuals with franchise ownership opportunities. Each consultant uses a proprietary profiling and consultative process to determine a business model unique to each client, and has matched thousands of prospective business owners to rewarding small business franchise opportunities.
“There is nothing I love more than helping entrepreneurs find the right business — I appreciate all my clients and the trust they put in me,” said Fagan-Small. “This is an exciting time for franchising and our goal is to match franchisees with businesses that we know will foster success for everyone involved.”
For more information on FranNet and to explore franchise opportunities, visit: https://1851franchise.com/frannet/.