8 Low-Cost Retail Franchises for 2024

The U.S. retail market has more than doubled in recent years, increasing from just under $3 trillion in 2020 to more than $7 trillion in 2022. And while some world events (e.g. the COVID-19 pandemic) have slowed the growth rate some, the U.S. is on track to hit $7.9 trillion in retail sales by 2026.

All this to say: Now is a good time to get into the retail franchise market. If you're looking for an affordable opportunity, here are eight low-cost retail franchise opportunities you may want to consider.

Hawaii Fluid Art

Hawaii Fluid Art is a fun and unique DIY art studio where customers mix acrylic paints and a special pouring medium to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The business was founded in 2020 by Maya Ratcliff, who originally developed the proprietary process as a form of therapy. Hawaii Fluid Art began franchising in 2021 and has since grown to 38 locations in 19 states. The brand offers franchisees a low cost-of-entry, multiple revenue streams and a rapid return on investment.

• Units: 38
• Total Initial Investment: $148,500 - $242,300
• Franchise Fee: $49,500
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $50,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop

The Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop is an old-fashioned soda shop concept that leans hard into the nostalgic factor. Founded in 2009 by Ryan Morgan and Robert Powells, the brand began franchising in 2010 through RPM Summit Group, LLC, and now has nearly 100 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Rocket Fizz offers one of the largest and widest selections of glass-bottled soda pops and retro candies as well as new-to-market beverages, energy drinks and other confections. Branding is a major part of Rocket Fizz's appeal, as the franchising team works to ensure that all locations carry a similar selection and offer a similar shopping experience. Rocket Fizz provides ongoing training that runs the gamut from operating its point of sale system to interacting with customers.

Growth Club Profile

• Units: 94
• Total Initial Investment: $124,900 - $266,000
• Franchise Fee: $54,000
• Royalty Fee: 5%
• Marketing Fee: N/A
• Liquidity Required: $80,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Wild Birds Unlimited*

This retail franchise, which specializes in backyard bird feeders and other nature-related products, was founded in 1981 by Jim Carpenter with the goal of “bringing together humans and nature under the same blue sky.” Since the brand began franchising in 1983, it has grown to over 340 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The franchisor offers large, protective territories, multiple sales channels (in-store and online) and comprehensive support and training.

1851 Newsroom

• Units: 340+
• Total Initial Investment: $224,373 - $379,957
• Franchise Fee: $40,000
• Royalty Fee: 4%
• Marketing Fee: 1%
• Liquidity Required: $40,000 - $50,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts  & More

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More is a high-tech boutique that specializes in custom apparel printing, with a specialized direct-to-garment (DTG) technique that eliminates the need for minimum orders. Big Frog is a low-cost, high-volume, recession-resistant business with a tried-and-true business model some 15 years in the making. The low overhead/low inventory requirements, coupled with the low cost of entry, make this a viable option for aspiring franchisees. The franchisor also offers on-the-job training, classroom training and marketing support to owners. 

• Units: 75+
• Total Initial Investment: $167,114 - $316,096
• Franchise Fee: $60,000
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Marketing Fee: 1.5%
• Liquidity Required: $40,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Teddy Bear Mobile

"Pick it, stuff it, take it home and love it!" Teddy Bear Mobile offers on-site toy animal stuffing for parties, events and fundraisers. Once booked, the Teddy Bear Mobile "Stuffer" shows up with a stuffing machine, animals, clothing and accessories so customers can build their own stuffed toys. Teddy Bear Mobile even offers customized T-shirts for teddy bears to commemorate special events. Unlike most franchise opportunities, Teddy Bear Mobile advertises itself as a "$19,995 turnkey business" with no franchise or royalty fees. The franchisor offers ongoing corporate support, customized marketing materials and training, along with exclusive territories. In terms of retail franchise opportunities, it doesn't get much more low-cost than this!

• Units: 54
• Total Initial Investment: $19,995
• Franchise Fee: N/A
• Royalty Fee: N/A
• Marketing Fee: N/A
• Liquidity Required: $10,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: N/A

Just-A-Buck

Just-A-Buck is a discount store concept that mixes large acquisitions of close-outs and discontinued merchandise with smaller lots of items obtained through its purchasing network. The result is an inventory of higher quality and more variety than you find at the typical dollar store. Founded in 1988 in Poughkeepsie, New York, by Steven Bakst, Just-A-Buck started franchising in 1992 and has since grown to more than 40 locations. The brand is expanding slowly and controlling the growth of the chain but has single- and multi-unit opportunities available. Just-A-Buck’s small size means it can focus more attention on its owners by providing preopening, startup and ongoing support, as well as training, marketing expertise and more.

• Units: 40+
• Total Initial Investment: $140,000 - $250,000
• Franchise Fee: $25,000
• Royalty Fee: 4%
• Marketing Fee: N/A
• Liquidity Required: $50,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: Not disclosed

Mobility  Plus

Since it was founded in 2007, Mobility Plus has made a name for itself as a provider of high quality residential and commercial mobility solutions and equipment across the U.S. In addition to its products, Mobility Plus also offers installation and repair services, as well as short- and long-term rentals. The business began franchising in 2016 and now has 58 locations across 23 states. The franchisor provides franchisees with the  support and resources they need to help them run a successful business, including training, marketing support, operational guidance and access to the Mobility Plus brand and network.

• Units: 58
• Total Initial Investment: $125,000 - $221,000
• Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Marketing Fee: N/A
• Liquidity Required: $40,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Destination Athlete

Destination Athlete is a retail concept that specializes in equipment, apparel, fundraising and performance solutions for youth, high school and college athletic teams. The brand bills itself as a “one-stop resource with everything a team needs, from Training to Trophies.” Founded in 2008 by Doug Dickison, Destination Athlete began franchising that same year, presenting aspiring entrepreneurs with a low-cost home-based business that could be run part- or full-time. The franchisor offers owners exclusive protected territories and national brand support, along with a vendor network of 100+ members.

• Units: 182
• Total Initial Investment: $28,300 - $93,610
• Franchise Fee: $20,000 - $50,000 (depending on size of territory)
• Royalty Fee: 5-8%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $20,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

“Retail” is a pretty wide business concept that defies easy categorization, but the market offers a diverse range of opportunities from creative DIY art studios to specialized stores catering to niche markets. With the steady growth of the retail sector and the extensive support and training provided by these eight low-cost franchises, now could be an opportune time to venture into this dynamic industry.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey now.