Franchise Fair targets baby boomers

Australia’s newest franchise expo has aligned itself with a baby boomers event as franchisors attempt to ramp up their recruitment efforts with the over-55 demographic.

The Franchise Fair will be launched in Sydney on May 13-15, offering a diverse range of franchise business opportunities.

Organised by JPG Expos, the Franchise Fair will be co-located with the Baby Boomers & Retirees Lifestyle Expo in Sydney.

JPG Expos principal John Gannan says it made a lot of sense to have the two expos together, particularly as Australian baby boomers are often more cashed up than their younger counterparts.

“Australian figures show that one in four Australians approaching retirement age has around $1 million in assets,” Gannan says.

“Many of those people are still active and keen to go into business for themselves but want to be sure that the business they choose has a really high likelihood of success, which is why they go for franchises,” he says.

Gannan says baby boomers typically have enhanced life skills and fit in well with franchise systems.

“They have been around the block, know how to deal with people and feel secure when involving themselves in proven systems and methods,” he says.

“Retail franchises are particularly appealing because once many of them are up and running, they pretty much look after themselves. For instance, doughnut and ice cream businesses, which can be largely left in the hands of employees.”

Gannan says baby boomers tend not to become involved in franchises that require lots of physical labour.

“Things like gardening and tree lopping may have initial appeal but they often can’t support employees, which is why retail is so appealing,” he says.

Gannan says the combined expo is “here to stay”, with the Sydney expo to be followed by an event in Melbourne in November and another one on the Gold Coast in March next year.

“The franchise fair provides comprehensive eastern seaboard exposure, and the fact that the baby boomers event routinely attracts around 10,000 visitors means the franchise expo will be viable from day one,” he says.