10 Emerging Retail Franchise Brands That Are About to Take Off

Retail franchise opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, from kiosks and vending to brick-and-mortar storefront businesses such as health food stores, shipping services, fashion boutiques and just about any other kind of shop franchisees can imagine. 

While many have worried about the future of the retail industry due to the popularity of e-commerce, convenience still matters. That is why many forward-thinking and adaptable retail franchises are setting high expectations for the rest of the industry and are continuing to grow. There will always be a need for consumers to purchase goods and services, and with so many opportunities available, franchisees are sure to find the right fit.

Pet Wants

Locations: 84

Pet Wants franchisees offer fresh pet food manufactured from whole ingredients, containing no by-products. With a cutting-edge online ordering platform, superior nutritional offerings, low initial investment and the power of a nationally trusted name, anyone can tap into the booming pet food and nutrition market with Pet Wants. Two franchise models are available: a mobile model and a retail store model, with both offering delivery services.

Destination Athlete®

Locations: 90

Since 2008, the purpose of Destination Athlete has been to Build Better Communities Through Athletes™. Franchisees have the opportunity to help youth and high school teams get to their personal destination by providing a one-stop resource with everything a team needs from four key areas: apparel, equipment, fundraising and performance. Plus, franchise owners can enjoy the flexibility of a proven low-cost, home-based business model while tapping into the growing youth sports market.

Uptown Chesapeake 

Locations: 74

Uptown Cheapskate is a resale store for young adults that buys and sells name-brand apparel, shoes and accessories. The company, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, started in 2008 and began franchising the same year. As an emerging leader in the booming resale clothing segment, Uptown Cheapskate offers a winning business model and a world-class support system that begins the moment a franchise owner starts their journey.

ChemStation

Locations: 62

In the early ’80s, George Homan’s Dayton, Ohio, distribution company was suffering from the impact of the recession. To combat this, the company began franchising in 1983 and manufacturing its own detergent formulas, delivering the detergent to industrial customers in refillable containers. ChemStation customers receive free containers that franchisees refill. Franchisees handle all receiving, storing, disposing and rendering of the detergent for their customers.

Relax the Back, Corp.

Locations: 92

To help Americans treat neck and back pain, an Austin, Texas, osteopath opened the first Relax The Back location in 1984. Since the brand started to franchise in 1989, franchisees have had the unique retail opportunity to offer customers a variety of products for use in the home or office, while sleeping or traveling and for health and fitness. In 1998, the company created a Medical Advisory Panel composed of orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, ergonomists and fitness experts to help insure the quality of its products.

The Spice & Tea Exchange®

Locations: 67

The Spice & Tea Exchange was founded in 2008 by a group of talented individuals with a passion for life and food. What started as a small shop in St. Augustine, Florida has quickly grown into a nationwide franchise powered by passionate franchise owners who have a desire to bring flavorful ingredients to kitchens. 

The Woodhouse Spas

Locations: 64

Jeni Garrett opened the first Woodhouse Day Spa in Victoria, Texas in 2001. In 2003, she began franchising the concept. Each location offers a variety of spa services, including massages, waxing, facials, body scrubs, wraps, manicures and pedicures. On the retail side, Woodhouse franchisees also have access to an online boutique selling apparel, cosmetics, home decor and personal-care products.

Adam & Eve

Locations: 61

The adult industry is a multi-billion dollar market that is rapidly expanding to accommodate the needs and desires of more couples seeking to explore erotica in a safe, comfortable and friendly environment. Since starting to franchise in 2016, Adam & Eve has offered committed entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to take advantage of this profitable market segment and gain more control over their financial futures. 

Slumberland Furniture

Locations: 74

Since first opening as a mattress specialty shop in 1967, Slumberland has expanded its unique product mix and grown to include over 70 franchise stores across 12 states. Franchisees enjoy a strong brand position in the U.S. furniture industry, including the largest combined market in share in the Central and Midwest United States. This is largely due to the 50 additional, corporate-owned locations throughout the country.

Mainstream Boutique

Locations: 87

Mainstream Boutique was founded in 1991 by Marie DeNicola, whose previous experience included working in the LA garment district as a buyer, merchandiser and planner. After her husband's job took her family to Minnesota, she started a direct-sales company selling apparel and accessories. Mainstream Boutique evolved into a franchised retail concept in 1998 and has continued to appeal to franchisees across the country thanks to a proven business model and impressive media presence.