- Franchise 500 Rank
-
N/R Not ranked last year
- Initial investment
-
$323K - $588K
- Units as of 2023
-
104 9% over 3 years
Thomas Walla, Merlin Hayes, and Mary Hayes opened a small hobby store in 1969. Then, in 1980, they bought out HobbyTown, a competing store. They began franchising in 1986 and, since then, HobbyTown has grown into the largest brick-and-mortar hobby retailer in the industry, with over 100 franchise locations across the U.S.
HobbyTown franchises operate on four core values to deliver the best possible customer experience. Among these four values, franchisees and their employees are expected to lead and serve, cultivate growth, bring it every day, and most importantly, keep calm and hobby on.
Why You May Want toStart a HobbyTown Franchise
Executive members and leaders within the HobbyTown brand are vested shareholders in the company. That being said, they want franchisees to do well and will give you the tools to run a business. With corporate backing, a turn-key operating system, and close connections with other HobbyTown stores, you'll have ample support.
HobbyTown's training takes place both onsite at a mentoring store and through Hobby University at company headquarters. Their field team will continue your training for three weeks prior to your store's opening day. HobbyTown's service team takes over when pre-launch training ends. They will provide ongoing support with IT, accounting, sales, marketing, inventory management and purchasing, and financial analysis.
What Might Make a HobbyTown Franchise a Good Choice?
To open a HobbyTown store, you will need to be prepared to invest financially, which will include a franchise fee. Your total investment will depend on your store's size, build-out requirements, and starting inventory. On inventory, HobbyTown makes sure that you stock the best products for your local area. Using point-of-sale and online data, corporate experience, and vendor relationships, inventory is well-mixed and constantly changing to keep your store fresh and exciting for a wide range of customers.
HobbyTown offers a few ways to get the most out of your store, including the choice to become an official retailer of RadioShack Express merchandise. When your store is listed as a retailer on radioshack.com, you may experience additional sales and new customers. Sales go beyond the physical location, as well. Customers can order products from your online store. There may also be an opportunity to expand to a multi-unit franchise.
You may be wondering why opening a HobbyTown is a good idea with such a strong presence from online retailers like Amazon. Fortunately, HobbyTown has national brand awareness as a locally-owned store. The company uses this label to its advantage, offering competitive prices and reliable customer service.
How Do You Start a HobbyTown Franchise?
When looking to start a HobbyTown franchise,, it would be a good idea to scout different locations. Learn as much as you can about the brand and check your local community to match the market need.
Franchisees will attend a discovery day at HobbyTown's corporate headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here, they will learn more about the opportunity and get ready to invest and sign documents. With continual company support, soon enough, you'll be helping customers do the things they love and maybe even finding new hobbies for yourself along the way.
Company Overview
About HobbyTown
Business Overview
Franchising Since | 1986 (38 years) |
---|---|
# of employees at HQ | 35 |
Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming |
# of Units | 104 (as of 2023) |
|
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a HobbyTown franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
Initial Franchise Fee
|
$49,000 |
---|---|
Initial Investment
|
$323,000 - $587,500 |
Net Worth Requirement
|
$500,000 |
Cash Requirement
|
$100,000 - $200,000 |
Veteran Incentives
|
$10,000 off franchise fee |
Royalty Fee
|
4% |
Ad Royalty Fee
|
2% |
Term of Agreement
|
10 years |
Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
In-House Financing | HobbyTown offers in-house financing to cover the following: franchise fee |
---|---|
Third Party Financing | HobbyTown has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory |
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
On-The-Job Training | 131 hours |
---|---|
Classroom Training | 32 hours |
Ongoing Support |
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
Marketing Support |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App
|
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
Is absentee ownership allowed? | Yes |
---|---|
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
|
No |
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
No |
# of employees required to run | 4 |
Are exclusive territories available?
|
Yes |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where HobbyTown landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to HobbyTown.
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
Build Your Entrepreneurial Dream with the Top Home Improvement Franchises in 2024
Whether you're a design enthusiast or a veteran contractor, turn passion into profit and explore the best home improvement franchises.
President Biden Just Vetoed a Franchise-Saving Resolution — Here's What You Can Do to Protect Your Business
President Biden's veto of the repeal of the expanded Joint Employer Rule leaves many uncertainties for the franchise industry. Here's how to protect your business.
These Are the Most Diverse and Equitable Franchises in 2024
If you're looking for a diverse franchise family, these brands are a great place to start.
He Began Selling Insurance to the Hispanic Community in the 1970s. Now His Family Owns a National Franchise With a Smart Strategy.
"The evolution of the immigrant community has changed everything."
After Decades of Hard Work, This Couple Is Living the Entrepreneurial Dream. Here's How They Achieved Generational Wealth.
Nadine and James Middleton's journey shows what can happen when hard-working people are matched with the right franchise.
She Worked Hard to Become An Engineer, and Didn't Want Her Degree to Go to Waste. Then She Found a Franchise That Was the Best of Both Worlds.
Kayla Opperman was the first Snapology franchisee in Colorado, and now she owns five locations.