Kichen retail franchise In-toto intends to open a further 30 stores by 2017 following the launch of its concept store in Leicester.
The 1,200 sq ft Leicester store, which opened last month, is owned and managed by In-toto and will serve as a test bed for new products, ranges and software while operating as a showroom and training centre for new franchise owners.
The new store is managed by kitchen expert Derek Bell who has over 25 years of experience as a designer, installation manager and kitchen sales executive. In-toto Leicester will operate on exactly the same terms and conditions as other In-toto outlets and demonstrate the performance of the In-toto business model.
Jonathon Wagstaff, Managing Director of In-toto, said: “The development of the In-toto franchise is a key part of the strategy for our business in the United Kingdom. Our goal is to get to 75 outlets by 2017. Target towns have been identified that can support an In-toto operation and deliver the financial goals of the franchise owners and our objectivies.
“Our forecast 10-15 per cent growth annum over the next five years will be achieved from a combination of existing outlets developing second and third stores, newly appointed franchise owners from outside the industry and operators within the industry looking to develop their own business with the support of the In-toto network.”
The company has spent over £80,000 refurbishing the Leicester store which showcases the latest of In-toto’s German kitchen designs, traditional kitchens and new furniture which from within the ‘Inliving’ range of accessories to enhance the home.
In-toto Birmingham franchise owner Belinda Dangerfield who after just four years in the business is looking to open a second store in the Midlands, attended the Leicester store opening and said it marks a significant step forward for existing and new franchise owners who can utilise it as a centre of excellence for training, and to test run new designs, products and ranges.
She added: “The addition of a store which serves as a support resource to the 44 other retailers across the country is a real asset to the franchise offering. Seeing the new ranges and room sets, appliances and furniture that In-toto is introducing gave me some fantastic ideas and inspiration that I can take back to my studio to help develop my own business. The Leicester store has taken the development ethos that is behind In-toto onto the next level and will undoubtedly bring added value to our already unique and supported network.”
Wagstaff said: “In-toto has a track record of 32 years as a leading high street kitchen franchise offering mid to high end contemporary German and traditional British kitchens and operate so successfully that 15 per cent of store owners, like Belinda, have had the confidence to invest in multiple In-toto stores.
“We are committed to supporting our franchise owners even further by truly understanding the franchise owner experience and the only way to do this is by owning and managing our own store.”
Published: 23 October 2012
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