Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$168,950 - $360,300
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total US Locations
109
Business Summary
Apricot Lane operates retail specialty stores that sell fashion apparel, accessories, bath and body products, decor, gifts, candles, and jewelry. Apricot Lane stores cater to the general public, including those looking for fashion, gifts, and impulse purchases, using a distinctive system of formats, procedures, methods, and techniques.
Corporate History
Apricot Lane's franchisor, Country Visions, Inc., was incorporated in California on January 2, 1996. Although Country Visions, Inc. itself has never operated an Apricot Lane store, some of its management previously ran Country Clutter stores from 1991 to 1995. Country Visions began offering franchises for retail specialty stores in January 1996, initially under the name "Country Clutter". In August 2004, Apricot Lane was introduced as an additional brand for specific demographic segments and markets. From 1998 to 2007, the company also offered seasonal Christmas stores under names like Christmas Clutter and Santa's Clauset. Currently, Apricot Lane stores are the only type of franchise offered, specializing in fashion apparel, accessories, bath and body products, decor, gifts, candles, and jewelry.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$168,950 - $360,300
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$39,500
Royalty %
5.5%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$27,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$152,000
Working Capital
$30,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Apricot Lane (Country Visions, Inc.) shows some financial aspects for potential franchisees to consider. In both 2023 and 2024, Apricot Lane reported negative working capital, indicating that its current assets were not sufficient to cover its current liabilities. The negative working capital was approximately $121,349 in 2023 and $259,253 in 2024. Additionally, Apricot Lane used cash in its operating activities for both years, with negative cash flow of about $143,352 in 2023 and $109,929 in 2024. The financial notes also mention that Apricot Lane has two outstanding notes receivable that are in default, although management believes they are fully collectible and has set aside funds for potential losses. While the company reported a net income of $214,495 in 2024, which is an increase from $4,020 in 2023, the negative working capital and cash flow from operations suggest that Apricot Lane relies on other sources, such as financing or franchise fees, to support its daily business needs. The independent auditors did not raise any "going concern" issues.
Financing Details
Apricot Lane (Country Visions, Inc.) does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, Apricot Lane does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for its franchisees. Therefore, potential Apricot Lane franchisees will need to secure their own financing from third-party sources.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
109
Franchised Units
109
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,600
Franchising Since
1996
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Apricot Lane has no reportable litigation. According to Item 3 of the FDD, no litigation is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or its management.
Bankruptcy History
Apricot Lane has no bankruptcy history to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
APRICOT LANE franchisees wishing to renew their franchise must meet several conditions. They need to provide a written notice of renewal to Country Visions between nine and twelve months before their current agreement expires. Franchisees must have complied with all provisions of their franchise agreement and other related agreements throughout the term and must not be in default at the time of renewal. They are required to secure an extension of their current lease or find an approved substitute location, ensuring the premises meet Country Visions' then-current design specifications and are fully furnished and stocked within 90 days of the expiration date. All financial obligations to Country Visions and its affiliates must be paid in full. Franchisees must also meet Country Visions' current qualification and training requirements, which may include attending a refresher training course (for which tuition is not charged, but travel and living expenses are the franchisee's responsibility). Finally, they must sign Country Visions' then-current form of franchise agreement (which may have different terms, but no new initial franchise fee) and execute a general release of claims against Country Visions and its affiliates at least 60 days before the term ends. Country Visions reserves the right to deny renewal if there's a history of material disputes or consistently negative interactions with the franchisee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Country Visions provides comprehensive support to APRICOT LANE franchisees throughout their journey. Before opening, Country Visions can recommend a leasing consultant and real estate broker, and it reviews and approves the proposed store site within 30 days. The franchisor also assists with the construction bidding process and can make professional architectural services and pre-approved general contractors available (optional, at additional cost). Country Visions reviews all final construction plans, provides initial training for the franchisee and one employee (covering operations, product procurement, marketing, and more, including participation in inventory buy events), and grants access to its online Confidential Operations Manual. It also provides a list of approved vendors and sends a representative for 3-5 days to assist with staff training and opening support at Country Visions' expense. Finally, Country Visions helps implement the required grand opening marketing plan. During operation, APRICOT LANE franchisees receive ongoing support including review and approval for relocations and promotional materials, and access to the Confidential Operations Manual. Country Visions offers continuing or additional training (for which tuition is free for mandatory courses, but travel and living expenses are the franchisee's responsibility). It maintains and administers a national Marketing, Advertising and Development Fund, coordinates product distribution, monitors quality standards, negotiates discounts with suppliers, and conducts ongoing research and development for the system. Country Visions also provides operational advice based on reports and inspections, and field visits are available at the franchisee's request and expense.
Initial Training Hours
186
Training Location
Virtual, webinars & online; in-Boutique; designated markets (e.g., Dallas); Los Angeles fashion district.
Ongoing Support
After an APRICOT LANE store opens, Country Visions provides ongoing support including continued post-opening training from the HQ team for at least six months, with follow-ups for at least a year. Apricot Lane franchisees can receive continuing or additional training programs (up to two programs, not exceeding six business days annually, with no tuition charged for mandatory sessions, though franchisees cover travel and living expenses). Country Visions offers advice on business operations based on submitted reports and inspections, and field visits are available upon the franchisee's request, with the franchisee covering associated travel and expenses. The franchisor also monitors quality standards across the network, coordinates product distribution, negotiates discounts with suppliers, and conducts ongoing research and development for the system. Additionally, Country Visions maintains and administers a national Marketing, Advertising and Development Fund, reviews and approves promotional materials, and provides access to the Confidential Operations Manual and Confidential Information.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Apricot Lane territories are typically defined based on the store's location type. If an Apricot Lane store is situated inside an enclosed mall, its territory is limited to the mall property itself. For stores located within a larger facility like a shopping center, entertainment complex, or tourist attraction, the territory is restricted to that specific facility. For stand-alone Apricot Lane locations, the territory is generally defined as a 1-2 mile radius around the store, though this can vary depending on the specific market.
Staffing Notes
Each Apricot Lane store must always be managed and supervised by the franchisee, unless the franchisor provides written approval for delegation. The franchisee or a designated owner/general partner must devote full-time efforts to the business. Day-to-day, on-premises management can be delegated to a full-time manager who has successfully completed the initial training program or other franchisor-designated training. The franchisor requires notification of the identity of any employees acting as managers, and these managers must complete the initial training program and sign confidentiality agreements. The franchisee remains ultimately responsible for the store's operation and for supervising all managers. The franchisor provides initial training for the franchisee and one employee (operating manager or assistant manager), covering daily store operations, employee relations, customer service, sales, inventory, merchandising, marketing, and reporting. Post-opening training and follow-ups are provided by the HQ team for at least six months to a year.