FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Support Services

Buying a Grower Direct franchise gets you two of the most critical elements for success in a retail business venture; a name brand that is known and trusted, and a system of tried and proven procedures for your day to day business operations.

More Specifically,

1. Fresh high-quality flowers will arrive at your store every week, thanks to:
   1. Our own annual purchase agreements with the world's finest flower growers
   2. Grower Direct's dedicated trucking system, and our own distribution centre in Miami (point of entry for most flowers coming into North America)
   3. Dedicated buyers in both the Canadian and US marketplace, allowing immediate access to flower markets
   4. Grower Direct's own "Flora-Text, Flowers On Demand" service that provides instant market specials to stores via their cell phone text-messaging feature. At no cost to the store.
      
      
2. Training and information to ensure that you and your staff know how to look after display and
        sell your flowers most effectively.
   1. State-of-the-art retail and floral industry training manuals and other materials, especially written and produced for the Grower Direct Franchise Owner.
   2. The "Grower Directions" video series provides close-up practical product knowledge for the modern flower shop; from care and handling tips to customer service and colour theory, all tailored to the needs of Grower Direct franchisees and their staff.
   3. Our company's unique audio newsletter, called WIFM (What's In It For Me?) offers industry and company "news" about people, events, trends that affect your business.
   4. The Grower Direct Audio Learning System, a series of cassettes and CD's covering specialized marketing topics, business operation themes, product knowledge and more.
      
      
3. Merchandising and marketing programs to help build your business and expand your clientele.
   1. Membership in FTD, the world's best-known long-distance floral order/delivery service brings prestige, brand recognition and the promise of new 'out of town' customers. This is provided at no charge to Grower Direct stores by home office.
   2. Membership in FloraWorld (no charge to Grower Direct stores). This is Canada's homegrown worldwide floral wire service (mandated to steer all possible new business to Grower Direct stores).
   3. An initial Ad Kit filled with point of sale materials, posters and wall hangings to brighten up your store and reinforce your Grower Direct identity.
   4. Ongoing and seasonal marketing programs, complete with national advertising campaigns, point-of-sale display and sales support materials like poster, price tags, and aprons.
   5. Ongoing support for special advertising needs of individual stores and local clusters, ideas, graphics and media buys etc., from our in-house team.
   6. Cross promotions with high profile and well-branded large firms and organizations, both Canadian and International.
   7. Growing brand awareness through activities of our National Advertising fund.
      
      
4. Business and Operational Support.
   1. Advice and support in finding the right location and in negotiating terms for your lease.
   2. Store design expertise and preparation of blue prints for your store design.
   3. Ongoing and free supply of stationary items such as letterhead and envelopes, business cards and various forms.
   4. A national program of standards and measurements to ensure adherence to a common standard of product quality, value and customer service.
   5. As requested, ongoing support from our financial team in the analysis of your accounting and performance records
   6. Flat-fee royalties, which do not escalate with your increasing sales. As you become more profitable, you reap the full benefit!
   7. Support team at Home Office is the best in the industry, offering invaluable experience, knowledgeable feedback and guidance