Apricot Lane Boutique | 7 cessful,” he says. Every month, they hold conference calls with their franchisees, where they talk about what’s working and what isn’t in their stores. “When you bring in that varied background and experience level and you’re open to that level of communication, it brings an unbelievable level of strength and support to the entire system,” says Petersen. “Besides our corporate buyers, we have buyers attending fashion markets all over the country – they are called, franchisees and everyone benefits from each other.” Apricot Lane’s intensive training program begins with ensuring the trainee is a good candidate. Each prospective franchisee must complete a DISC profile. The results are compared against the “eagles” within the franchise system. The brand’s real estate team actively goes out and scouts locations, and meets with potential owners to look at real estate. Once a franchisee has joined, they begin a home training programwherein they are sent a computer, as well as manuals and written tests, which they have to submit back. “We’re going to teach them as much as we can while they’re at home, working around their schedules with work and their families,” Petersen says. Later, during corporate training, owners go to Los Angeles for a day to meet the company’s buyers in the local fashion district to get a look into the industry. Amerchandiser is sent to their store once corporate training is completed, to assist with merchandising and setting up. “Once we leave that, 90 days after they open is our post-opening training and that is where good habits are being developed,” Petersen says. “We’re then with them on an ongoing basis throughout.” 3STRANDS GLOBAL Giving back to the local community and making a difference around the world is critical to Apricot Lane Boutique. It is one
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