Step 2: Opening a New Franchise - Learning Express

New Learning Express franchisees typically have no retail management or business ownership experience, but our comprehensive Training & Support Program helps you open your Learning Express franchise efficiently and effectively. The Program starts well before you attend Home Office Training and months before we spend the three weeks in your store training you and your team.

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Fill out some credit apps. That’s all you need to do before getting access to the nation’s best curated selection of specialty toys at special terms from approximately 200 different vendors, large and small. Our New Store Order (NSO) is as good as it gets.

After you complete your classroom training, we support you through your opening for three weeks, making sure that your inventory has been received and merchandised, and ensuring that you and your staff are comfortable with the day-to-day fundamentals of running your business.

Your Grand Opening is an exhilarating experience, but there is more to do to grow your business, and we are with you all the way.

We offer ongoing training and support that’s designed to help take your business to the next level. Additional first-year classroom training, webinars, calls, and visits from in-field support experts will give you the knowledge and confidence to grow your business.

An exciting marketing program is key to retail sales growth. Our in-house graphics department not only designs all of the materials for your Grand Opening, they produce ads, banners, graphics, postcards, and catalogs that are available on our Intranet. On request, they also provide customized materials for your local needs. Social media is very important in today’s retail environment, so we train you to provide effective, engaging content for your customers.

The perfect product mix is important at Grand Opening to wow customers but it also needs to remain fresh, unique, and up to date to keep them coming back. Our buyers work full-time sourcing new product, negotiating vendor terms, and monitoring market trends to make sure the right products with the best terms in the industry are included in our buying program.

The European toy industry continues to develop, driven by a consistent demand for children’s products, including educational, traditional, and modern toys. Franchising in this sector allows business owners to benefit from established brand recognition and operational support. Popular toy store franchises provide structured business models and assistance with launching and managing stores, ensuring compliance with brand standards.

Leading toy store franchises

Prominent brands offering franchise opportunities in Europe include Toys “R” Us, Toy Planet, and Hamleys. Each of these companies operates on a franchising model designed to support new business owners with established systems and access to supply chains.

Toys “R” Us operates stores in multiple European countries and provides franchising options in selected regions. The required investment ranges from €300,000 to €600,000, including a franchise fee of approximately €50,000, inventory, and store setup costs. Stores are typically located in urban areas or shopping centers to attract consistent foot traffic.

Toy Planet, originating in Spain, has expanded its franchise model across Europe. The investment needed for a Toy Planet franchise ranges from €150,000 to €250,000, with a franchise fee of around €20,000. The business model focuses on affordability, offering a wide variety of products to meet diverse customer needs.

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Hamleys, a well-known brand in the premium toy segment, offers franchises in several European countries. Opening a Hamleys store requires an investment of €500,000 to €1 million, depending on store size and location. The brand emphasizes the creation of experiential retail spaces that attract families and children.

Financial requirements

Launching a toy store franchise involves several costs, including the franchise fee, store setup, and inventory. Franchise fees for toy store brands range from €20,000 to €50,000, depending on the brand and market presence. Additional costs for store design, shelving, and initial marketing campaigns vary by location, with premium brands typically requiring higher investments.

Ongoing costs include royalty fees, usually 5% to 10% of monthly revenue, and contributions to marketing funds. These costs support national advertising campaigns and continuous brand development. Entrepreneurs are advised to allocate working capital for covering operational expenses, such as rent and salaries, during the first months of operation.

Steps to open a toy store 

The process begins with selecting a suitable brand and conducting market research to identify demand for children’s products in a specific area. After choosing a franchise, an application must be submitted to the franchisor, including details about financial resources and potential store locations.

Franchisees are required to meet the franchisor’s criteria, which may involve interviews and an evaluation of business plans. Upon approval, the franchisor assists with location selection, lease negotiations, and store design to align with brand guidelines.

Training programs are provided for franchisees and their teams, covering inventory management, customer service, and operational procedures. Franchisors also offer tools for tracking sales and managing stock levels, ensuring efficiency from the outset.

Franchisor support

Franchisors provide a range of services to support new business owners. These include access to supply chains, ensuring stores are stocked with seasonal and popular products. Brands like Toys “R” Us use data analytics to help franchisees optimize inventory and respond to consumer trends.

Marketing support is a key component of franchise agreements. Franchisors manage national and regional advertising campaigns, which benefit all franchise locations. Individual store promotions are often coordinated with these larger efforts to maintain consistency.

Operational assistance includes regular training sessions, site visits, and ongoing consultation. Brands like Hamleys focus on creating engaging in-store experiences, providing guidelines and resources to franchisees to enhance customer satisfaction.

The toy store sector in Europe relies on consistent demand for children’s products, with seasonal peaks during holidays. Franchise models reduce the risks of entering this competitive market by providing established branding and operational systems. Franchisees gain access to proven methods for inventory management, marketing, and customer engagement, increasing the likelihood of success.

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