Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
The List Issue: Retail Brands
1851 highlights the top 25 retail brands that have made a mark on the industry.
There are many different ways to break into the retail franchise industry and still many opportunities for more companies to join the accomplished competition. From convenient stores to furniture company to pet supplies there is opportunity to find a niche market and soar with success. 1851 has highlighted the top 25 brands that have made a mark on the industry.
Unit Count- 63,000 in 18 countries
Investment Range- $37,200 - $1,635,200
7-Eleven continues to top the charts for being the best franchise in the U.S. It was ranked the top franchise for 2017 by Entrepreneur and is high recognized by other publications. This past year the company opened 3,000 new locations and expanded to 18 different countries.
Unit Count- 5,000 in 2 countries
Investment Range- $177,955 - $402,595
As online shopping continues to grow, The UPS Store Franchise is benefiting from the progress. This past year the system recently celebrated its 5,000th Retail Store Milestone.
Unit Count- 5,000 in 55 countries
Investment Range- $272,500 - $1,561,500
Being around for 90 years, Ace has grown to be the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world. Having locations in 55 countries the company celebrated opening their 5,000th store this past year. The company continues to be part of their community – especially this past year in the locations that were affected by the many natural disasters.
Unite Count- 300 + in U.S. and Canada
Investment Range- $146,692 - $228,406
Customized in selling bird-feed, bird-watching supplies, including birdhouses, feeders, food and binoculars, Wild Birds Unlimited has found a niche market to grow significantly. The company was recognized as a Top Innovative Franchise by Franchise Business Review.
Unit Count- 1,200
Investment Range- $119,000 – 287,500
As a trusted resource for hearing solutions for over 60 years, provide full service to customized hearing aids to solve any hearing issues for their customers. This past year the company launched their Miracle-Ear GENIUS TM Technology to improve their mission of helping those attain perfect hearing.
Unit Count- 600
Investment Range- $400,324 - $605,230
This franchise is dedicated to providing a doctor-centered business model with a primary focus to deliver great eye care to customers. What makes them different is offering a luxury twist to customer’s eye care needs. This franchise provides many opportunities for local Optometrist who are searching for a business venture.
7. BoConcept*
Unit Count- 22 and 120 studios in 45 countries
Investment Range- $305,750 -$1,052,700
Re-launching their U.S. development this year, the high-end franchise brand kicked off 2017 with a great start. The luxury styles were even featured in the 2017 New York Fashion Week VIP Lounge in September. The brand opened their flagship store in New York City this fall and continue growing throughout other parts of the country.
Unit Count- 4,200+ 130 counties
Investment Range- $169,503 - $305,231
A leading global innovator, manufacturer of tools, equipment, repair information and system solutions for professionals has continued to succeed this past year. Their second quarter of 2017 showed a 5.6% increase from 2016 level. It had a net earning of $153.2 million, compared to a net earnings of $140.1 million a year ago.
Unit Count- 1,300+
Investment Range- $195,450 - $327-650
Edible Arrangements is continuously the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements. It is recognized by many publications for the outstanding business model and products, including Franchise 500 and Entrepreneur.
10. Wireless Zone
Unit Count- 450
Investment Range- $128,000 - $393,500
Wireless Zone is the nation’s largest wireless retail franchisor and has been ranked No. 1 franchise in its category by Entrepreneur magazine. This part year, the company focused on community outreach. It hosted the largest ever annual gold outing in company history to raise funds for different charities.
11. Matco Tools
Unit Count- 1,500 in 2 countries
Investment Range- $91,385 - $269,565
Matco Tools, a manufacturing and distributor of automotive equipment, tools and toolboxes offers over 13,000 different items. This past year, Matco Tools launched the next generations of tool storage to maximize durability. The company was ranked among the top 50 in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2017 Franchise 500 ®.
Unit Count- 1
Investment Range- $189,800 - $352,050
Ben’s Barketplace is a premium pet food store that announced franchise opportunity only two years ago in 2015. The brand offers more than just food and supplies but also nutritional consultations and god washing services
13. GNC
Unit Count- 8,300
Investment Range- $192,117 - $354,217
As fitness and wellness continue to be large factors in people’s lives, GNC has grown significantly to due to the uptick. GNC offers vitamin and mineral supplements, foods, drinks and cosmetics. This past year, the brand names Ken Martindale as the permanent CEO.
14. Circle K
Unit Count- 6,314 in 10 countries
Investment Range- $185,500 - $1,601,500
The convenient store that is in more than 20 U.S. states and 10 countries, continue to grow and is recognized by top publications. It was franked among the top 500 2017 Franchises. For the past 18 years, of being a franchise, the company has offered quality fuel and food to its customers.
Unit Count- 380
Investment Range- $555,400 - $1,312,400
Pet Supplies Plus makes it easier to buy better products for your pets. The easily navigated stores offers an assortment of natural foods, toys, and services. This past year the company has put a lot of effort into giving back by helping Hurricane Ima pet victims by providing shelters to help the recovery. Their franchises now services about 68 percent of the U.S. population.
16. Big Frog Customer T-Shirts
Unit Count- 65+
Investment Range- $180,200 - $239,200
A newer franchise in the system, being founded in 2008, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts are soaring to fight with the top competitors and become the world leader in garment decorating industry. It has been recognized as a leading brand by many publications, including Franchise Business Review.
Unit Count- 345 in U.S. and Canada
Investment Range- $254,100 - $390,500
Specializing in selling new and used children’s clothes, toys and furniture, Once Upon a Child was rated top retail franchises by Entrepreneur for the 3rd consecutive year.
Unit Count- 700+
Investment Range- $152,200 - $369,450
Offering nearly 60,000 batteries, light bulbs and other products, Batteries Plus Bulbs have remind competitive in the industry by providing the top-rated products to customers. It also provides phone-repair services and We Fit It Repair Centers
19. Plato’s Closet
Unit Count- 430 in U.S. and Canada
Investment Range- $253,100 - $299,500
Plato’s Closet only buys current fashions that are in good condition to resell for affordable prices. The company continues to be recognized as one of the top retail franchises among many publications, including Entrepreneur.
Unit Count- 50+
Investment Range- $190,450 - $291,650
Creating a one-of-a-kind retail shopping experience, The Spice & Tea Exchange offers more than 140 spices, 75 hand-mixed blends and over 30 exotic teas. This past year, the company promoted Libby Breivogel to Marketing & Merchandise Manager.
Unit Count- 200+
Investment Range- $180,000 - $338,000
Placing an importance of insuring their customers the best athletic footwear, apparel and accessories, Fleet Feet Sports offers measurement, gait analysis and fitting services.
22. Petland
Unit Count- 7 countries
Investment Range- $273,500 - $1,024,000
Servicing over 7 different countries, Petland is dedicated to matching the right pet with the right owner and proving all essentials that they need to have a happy and healthy life together. Petland continuously donates to the communities. This past year, a franchise location donated $20,000 to a local shelter and the whole operation provided donations to support hurricane relief efforts.
23. ampm
Unit Count- 1,000
Investment Range- $400,509 - $7,807,883
AMPM offers a wide range of items for a quick stop shop. From 24 different fountain drinks to chilled and grilled food items, AMPM has something that everyone will love.
24. Fully Promoted
Unit Count- 350
Investment Range- $92,776 - $248,385
What used to be known as EmbroidMe, has now rebranded under the name Fully Promoted. The brand now offers branded products and marketing services. The brand decided to rebrand this past year at customer’s request, who have asked the stores to provide more products and services.
Unit Count- 3 countries
Investment Range- $117,670 -$183,175
Good Feet Worldwide is committed to finding arch support for their client’s lifestyle. The brand offers 23 different styles and over 300 sizes to fit any type of shoe.
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.
