Tag Archives: business

New Apricot Lane Boutique – St. Armand’s Circle Featured in YourObserver.com

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Ginger O’Connor and her daughter, Melanie, will open Apricot Lane Boutique just off St. Armand’s Circle. Ginger, an 8-year resident of Longboat Key purchased 464 John Ringling Blvd., a one-story retail building, for $1.2 million on Feb. 9. The current tenant, Touch of Africa, will move out in one month, according to O’Connor, to make way for the new boutique. Ginger O'Connor in front of Touch of Africa Apricot Lane, a 23-year-old franchise based in California, is unique, O’Connor said. Each store is tailored to its location and the needs of local consumers. She said half of the merchandise in Apricot Lane will be recognizable brands such as Good Works jewelry, Tom’s shoes and analili clothing. The remainder, she said, will be items and brands that appeal to women of all ages. “The store will be a mother-daughter shopping experience,” she said. She said she hopes to open in May. “I’ve been shopping on the circle since I was 12,” O’Connor said. “I know there are a lot of boutiques on the circle. I think each … is a little bit different. I’m going to bring in a lot of different items – something for everyone.” Touch De L'Afrique Written by Jack Short Staff Writer Originally posted in YourObserver.com

New Apricot Lane Boutique in Fort Collins Featured in Biz West

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A veteran of the technology industry in Northern Colorado is making a radical career change, planning to open a women’s apparel boutique in Old Town Fort Collins.

Judy McLean, who had been web-development manager at meat processor JBS USA in Greeley, will open Colorado’s second location of the Apricot Lane franchise on April 15 at 119 W. Oak St.

“I have an entrepreneur spirit and I was tired of forcing a square peg into a round hole. It was time to follow my heart,” McLean said. “I’ve received great support from others who have made similar moves. This new journey feels natural.”

The store will replace Fine Art and Frame Co., which on March 1 will move its gallery and showroom across the pedestrian mall to 148 W. Oak St. Its frame shop, however, will remain downstairs at 119 W. Oak, with an entrance on the south end of the building.

Although Apricot Lane is a franchise, McLean said she will have the flexibility to tailor her women’s clothing and jewelry selections to local tastes. The 1,900-square-foot space is being decorated with brick walls, chandeliers and comfortable seating.

McLean chose the spot to tap into the “exciting and eclectic” vibe of Old Town. “I want that same feeling of anticipation to continue when they walk into my shop.”

Apricot Lane will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

Vacaville, Calif.-based Country Visions Inc. opened its first Apricot Lane store in 2007. It now supports more than 75 franchise stores in 29 states, with plans to open 15 to 20 more each year. Its other Colorado location is at the Shops at Southglenn in Centennial.

Fine Art and Frame Co.’s new showroom “will be an expanded venue of local, regional and international art for the public, corporate and in-home showings,” said owner Wendy Foster. “We are reinventing and diversifying our business model to improve and cater to our clients’ interests as we remain integrally involved in the art community.”

Founded more than 20 years ago, the business caters to hotels and resorts; health-care facilities; corporate offices and private residences, providing access to artists, custom framing; installation, certified appraisals, cataloguing and documenting of art collections advice about proper care and conservation of artworks, and art-restoration services.

Originally Posted on BizWest.com by 

 

Longtime Franchisee Adds Apricot Lane Boutique to the Mix

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Linnore Gonzales, owner of an Apricot Lane franchise in Centennial, CO was recently interviewed by Business Opportunities. Where they learned how Gonzales’ prior experience has helped her succeed, what her plans are for the future, as well as what advice she has for potential franchisees.

Why did you choose the Apricot Lane Boutique franchise?

I have always been a believer in the franchise model as shown in my past and present businesses. I have always been intrigued by the fashion industry and was happy to come across Apricot Lane and thrilled to find out that it is a franchise!

How long have you owned a franchise?

I purchased the Apricot Lane Centennial location from a former franchisee in November 2014. When I moved to Colorado in 1994, I had the opportunity to be introduced to the world of franchising. I bought an independent paint your own ceramic studio that I converted into a Color Me Mine franchise. I owned and operated three Color Me Mine locations for 10 years. I also owned a long-term part time staffing franchise, 10 til 2, for 7 years and presently own an interior decorating franchise, Décor & You as well as women’s magazine franchise, HERLIFE Magazine.

Why did you decide to get into franchising?

Franchising allows me to be in business for myself but not by myself. I love to be able to get the support of the franchisor and have access to a proven system without having to re-invent the wheel to find success. The advantage of a bigger organization is a huge plus. The opportunity to learn not just from your franchisor but from all the franchisees in the organization is something you will not get when you are an independent business owner.

What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?

Before I became a franchise owner, I worked in corporate as an Asset Manager in a real estate investment trust company in New York. I still have a position in a very prestigious Denver company as Director of Risk Management but having franchise businesses allows me to be diversified and still run successful businesses.

What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

For me my challenge in owning my Apricot Lane franchise was to be able to understand how to run and operate the business in a short period of time. We took over November 1, 2014 and needed to make sure we merchandise accordingly to be up and running and ready to face, tackle and take advantage of the holiday season.

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

Take advantage of what the franchisor can offer. Always remember the reason you picked a franchise business. Hire wisely. Learn to delegate and trust your employees so you can concentrate on areas that will build and make your business a success and not dwell on areas that will not bring in the income. Do not forget the marketing. It is important to be out there and continue to build and market your brand.

What’s next for you and your business?

Increase profitability and make Apricot Lane the go-to boutique in Colorado for high style fashion.

This article first appeared on the Business Opportunities website on January 6, 2016.

New Apricot Lane Boutique in Mount Pleasant Featured in Moultrie News

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Mt Pleasant Interior 31 Apricot Lane Boutique has opened in Mount Pleasant at Towne Centre. Locally owned by Mount Pleasant residents Robert and Sandra Barnes, the store will feature apparel, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and accessories to create must-have high-fashion looks for an affordable price. Featuring the most sought after styles, the boutique caters to both mothers and daughters, in their teens and their 50s looking for cutting edge styles. The store is the second located in the state. This new store will not only cater to mothers and daughters, but customers will find themselves being styled by a mother and daughter dynamic duo as Barnes’ own daughter, Ashley Herrin, will be working along side her in the store. A true family-run business, Barnes also has plans to open other franchises in the area to add to the local growth of the retail business in the area. “We are so excited to open Apricot Lane in our town as we know there are many places to choose from already, but none that bring fashion-forward looks at affordable prices and in limited quantities - unlike the larger retail chains. The females that shop with us will have a sense of uniqueness when making a purchase, as there will only be about six of each item in our store with no back stock inventory to refill the floor with the same item,” the Barnes said. Apricot Lane also seeks out any opportunity to do good in the local community. In store, Apricot Lane features brands such as 3Strands, which donates 100 percent of profits to empower, educate and employ young women who have been rescued from sex trafficking, and brands such as Emi Jay, HOME T’s, Good Works and more that donate a portion of each sale to a good cause. Just as Apricot Lane Boutiques are known to keep up with the most stylish trends, they are also on top of one of the newest crazes to hit the fashion scene: fashion parties. Apricot Lane Boutique offers clients a chance to have their own “Girls Night Out” at the boutique, with the store handling the details from coordinating the invitations to the planning of refreshments and snacks. Apricot Lane encourages hosts to bring ten to fifteen guests to the fashion parties. Groups can be made up of co-workers, mothers and daughters, young mothers looking to escape from the kids for a few hours, as well as charity groups, schools or sports teams. The store can offer incentives to donate a portion of sales back to the cause of choice. The Barnes offer the hostess 50 percent off any one item in the boutique, 20 percent off all remaining items and gift card incentives for bringing a certain number of guests. All attendees also receive 20 percent off everything in the store during the party. Apricot Lane Mount Pleasant promises to embody all the characteristics that appeal to shoppers: a great selection of apparel and accessories, a warm and welcoming environment, and genuine, honest customer service and style advice. Whether you’re looking for a great pair of jeans to create a casual look, or a classy outfit to enjoy a night out on the town, Apricot Lane has the brands and accessories to express your style. Apricot Lane is a member of the popular Country Visions, Inc. franchise, specializing in offering a high variety of fashion-forward styles, accessories and gift items at affordable prices. The franchise offers a new mix of merchandise both online and in-store, and offers customers the ability to build a unique style. Approaching system wide sales of $50 million and growing at a pace of 20-30 stores per year provides new resources and opportunities system-wide that will keep Apricot Lane Boutique on top as a fashion trend leader and top retail franchise. Originally Posted on MoultrieNews.com