Sweet & Sassy has
a unique business model in an ever-growing industry. Read more about the
industry here.
Can you tell us more
about the industry that Sweet and Sassy is involved in?
We are a retail store, salon, and party place for girls and
tweens. It’s a great business because
girls are always having birthdays, getting their haircut, and wanting to have
fun with their friends.
How has your industry
changed in the last 10-20 years?
It has changed
significantly in the last 10 years. 10
years ago there was no special place for girls to be girls and get their hair
cut and be pampered in a child-friendly way.
They went to chains with their brothers.
Ear-piercing was at a department store and not an experience. Most parties were at home 20 years ago. Riding to your party in a hot pink limousine
for a nominal additional fee wasn’t even an option!
What trends do you see in your industry over the next 5
years? Next 10 years? More growth and specialization. It’s a niche industry and expanding as tweens
want somewhere special for themselves.
What is the biggest
concern about your industry that a franchisee candidate should be aware of and
investigate?
It is not something you can do as a hobby like some other
franchises. You are running a retail
store, salon, and party place all under one roof. It requires commitment and hard work to run
well.
Why do you think
Sweet & Sassy stands out in the industry?
We are the best. We
have the best architects and store designers.
Landlords want our concept, so we have the best locations. We find the best retail tween products and
negotiate vendor discounts for the best retail.
We update our parties to keep them current. Our marketing staff is exceptional and we
have top-notch marketing and storefront material. It all comes together strategically to be
very Sweet & Sassy and the ultimate place to shop, get pampered, or have a
party.
What makes the Sweet
& Sassy opportunity more attractive than your competitor’s?
We have three businesses under one roof that all cross-sell
each other for a higher average ticket price.
Our architects, real estate consultant, store builder, retail vendors,
marketing staff, and operational staff are exceptional and provide a high-end
store that is strategic, professional, and where tweens want to be.
Describe the ideal
candidate.
We learned the hard way what makes a great candidate. When we started, we sold to those who
financially qualified and had good territories.
As some owners floundered and others excelled, we learned that location
was a factor, but also a strong work ethic from the owner, prior business
experience, and a commitment to customer service excellence were also big
factors needed for a successful store.
What’s the strongest
skill you require in a candidate?
Business experience and a strong work ethic.
Describe the working
environment of your franchisees.
Our franchisees work in their stores. They motivate staff, greet customers, plan
and order retail merchandise, and execute marketing plans. It is very much an on-your-feet people
position.
Why has you’re your
company been successful?
Strong brand, strong store design, great parties, great
retail products, commitment to serving our customers.
What advice would you
give someone interested in buying a franchise in your industry?
It’s a more difficult
industry than average. You are working
with stylists, high school party coordinators, front staff, retail customers,
marketers, etc. It is three businesses
under one roof and the ability to multi-task and get the job done is
critical. It is a commitment and not a
side business or hobby.
How much experience
in this industry should a franchisee candidate have should they consider buying
a franchise in your industry?
Our successful owners do not have any salon experience (a
common question), but do have 10+ years of business
experience. Business experience and
commitment to customer service excellence is a must.