Learning Express
At a Glance
Products & Services: Specialty toy store
Number of Locations: 137
Total Investment: $209.5K - 298K
Founded: 1987
Began Franchising: 1990
About Learning Express
While chairing the Board of Directors are her children's nursery school, Groton Community School, Sharon DiMinico pitched the idea of raising revenue for the school by opening a specialty toy store. The school opened the first Learning Express store in Acton, Massachusetts, in 1987. DiMinico opened a second store in Needham six months later. And in 1990, she began franchising.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 137 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | 150 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 140 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $209,500 - $298,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $300,000
Liquid Cash Available: $100,000
Operations
32% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 10. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters. Available at franchisee's location. At certified training center
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Lease Negotiation
Marketing Support: Ad slicks,
Other marketing support: Catalogs, signage, email campaigns
Franchise Ranking History
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