New Kids On The Block: What Type Of Brands Are Joining IFA?

Scott Lehr, Senior Vice President, U.S. and International Development [caption id="attachment_6455" align="alignleft" width="118" caption="Scott Lehr"][/caption] What are some of the areas where you’re seeing a spike in brands joining the IFA so far this year? Since November 1, the beginning of our fiscal year, the types of companies joining IFA have been primarily from the following industries: 1) Service-related - including children’s services, automotive, hair salons, home improvement and senior care. 2) Food - including restaurant and pizza. Why do you think these two areas are thriving? New concepts continue to grow in the key segments.  Maybe different types of service-related or food concepts, but basically it’s the same. It’s just what continues to be popular. Is there any general trend in the type of new IFA members that you’ve noticed and expect to be a big trend throughout 2013? Good question.  We are still seeing a fair amount of gourmet burger franchises, as well as senior care.  A mini-trend we’re seeing recently are lash-related franchises such as Amazing Lash Studio and Cherry Lash Lounge.  The health segment is very strong too.  We are seeing a lot of healthy eating establishments and more weight loss and fitness concepts filling niches. It makes sense that the type of trends and concepts popular constantly change and evolve over time.  You mentioned the lashes concept being a trend that’s recently popped up.  Is there a concept, or area, flying under the radar now that you think will be huge by the end of the year or by next year? One trend that started then waned, but I'm sure is coming back are the green, solar, and wind businesses.  We had seen some concepts start slow or close, so we are waiting for  those availabilities again.