Former HR Manager Gabriel Moreno was eager to find a business that would allow him to utilise his professional experience while also providing him with excellent growth potential to maximise his ambitious goals.
Coming from a background in franchising, Gabriel knew that the support of an experienced franchisor would be the most successful route for him to achieve his dream of being his own boss.
“I used to be a HR Manager for a fast food franchise, so I know that it’s worth joining a franchise for the level of industry knowledge provided by a well-established franchise brand. This increases your likelihood of success and a decent return.”
Gabriel drew on his years of franchise experience to outline a list of essential criteria for his new business venture.
“The key things I looked for when choosing a franchise was ongoing support, comprehensive training, expert advice, a brand with a proven track record, and a focused business model that had wide appeal and is a genuine benefit to the local community.”
With a clear idea of what he was looking for in his ideal franchise, it didn’t take Gabriel long to discover the benefits that second-hand entertainment franchise, CeX, had to offer.
“CeX is an innovative franchise model that deals with exciting and constantly moving products such as electronic devices, films, games, updated technology and entertainment in general,” says Gabriel. “I was also attracted by the healthy margins and the 12-month buy-back guarantee offered to new franchise owners made me feel confident.”
Subject to conditions, CeX will refund stock, shop build and fit costs, and take over the store management and running costs should the franchise not meet the franchise owner’s expectations.
The CeX franchise package includes initial training, store location identification, store design and stock selection. Once up and running, franchise owners receive ongoing training and procedure updates together with expert advice on further stock selection, testing, marketing, loss prevention and pricing updates via CeX’s bespoke EPOS system that has been specially designed over 20 years for buying and selling.
“CeX assisted me with store location identification, unit search and negotiation and interior branding and design,” recalls Gabriel. “I had over 600 hours of practical in-store training experience across the different roles in store, and also received one-week pre-opening support followed by two more weeks once my store was open.
“This level of training made me feel ready to run my own unit and now I really feel like part of the CeX family.”
With only a few months of trading behind him, Gabriel is feeling confident about his end of year sales and the future expansion of his retail empire.
“Our projected turnover is set to exceed our expectations,” confirms Gabriel, “and we hope to hit our target of £1 million.
“Once this first store is fully operational and efficient, I am planning on opening more CeX stores.”
Reported by Tiffany Brooking