UK-based retailer Labels4Kids seeks out Aussie franchisees

UK-based online retailer Labels4Kids is looking to expand into a range of countries including Australia and New Zealand, offering country licenses to approved franchisees to grow the brand.

Labels4Kids, founded in 2004 by mumpreneur Ann-Maree Morrison, offers personalised name tags and name labels for children. The best-selling item is a dishwater-proof vinyl label.

Morrison founded the business after noticing an unmet demand for durable labels for children’s clothing and possessions. She now has more than 70,000 customers across the world.

Based on this success, Labels4Kids is looking to expand into Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia and other European countries.

The business has already launched a French website, which is expected to increase the company’s annual turnover by 10%.

“The next step for the business is strengthening our foothold in individual countries by offering country licenses to approved franchisees,” Morrison told Franchising.

“As a country franchisee, there would be responsibility for the development of the Labels4Kids brand and eCommerce site, ensuring that the business is communicated more effectively with local market knowledge.”

Labels4Kids is offering international master franchise and country developer franchise licenses to approved franchisees who are “as passionate about the labels market… as we are”.

“Labels4Kids is not a job; it is not just about running a business. It is about building an asset or growing your investment and is a life changing experience,” the company says on its website.

International franchisees are required to develop the Labels4Kids brand in their country using their local knowledge, contact and business expertise.

Franchisees are expected to be hard-working, passionate and self-motivated. It is beneficial if they also have experience in people management, finance or sales and marketing.

A business plan is required for all franchises in addition to a minimum cash investment per country. Franchisees will also need a small office, either at home or elsewhere.

They will need sufficient working capital to fund the initial master franchise or country developer franchise license fee. This will vary depending on the country and market potential.

Franchisees will also need the working capital to develop their own pilot operation, as well as the ongoing resources required to promote the brand in their country.