Children’s Orchard Franchise Targets Oklahoma City for Expansion with Three New Children's Store Franchises. Upscale-Resale Pioneer Brings Renowned Chic, Sophisticated Image to Local Parents
Oklahoma City, OK– Children’s Orchard franchise, a 25-year-old leader in the “upscale resale” of gently used and quality name-brand children’s clothing and products, has announced plans to expand its presence in Oklahoma City with three new locations, creating franchise opportunities for local entrepreneurs and offering cost-conscious parents a place to find the latest styles for their children while receiving cash for items they have outgrown or no longer use.
“Oklahoma City is ready for Children’s Orchard through local franchise ownership,” said Taylor Bond, President and CEO of Children’s Orchard. “The demographics and consumer lifestyle in the area meet Children’s Orchard’s expansion model and criteria. We are excited to introduce local parents to an entirely new and exciting type of shopping experience – an upscale boutique environment offering gently used name-brand children’s items.”
The announcement of the franchise offering in Oklahoma City is part of Children’s Orchard’s aggressive plan to create a strong market presence in suburban and outlying neighborhoods throughout the country. Bond, a seasoned resale franchising veteran who formerly served as president of Computer Renaissance, said the 100-unit chain is seeking ambitious candidates who wish to take control of their destinies through franchise ownership of a proven and increasingly popular concept. The company will accept agreements for single or multi-unit franchise operations, depending on the entrepreneur’s desire and whether the community’s population will support multiple Children’s Orchard locations.
With nearly 100 locations in 25 states, Children’s Orchard strikes a nerve with two ‘wow’ factors when customers enter the children's clothing store franchise: a classy atmosphere filled with quality products, and the idea of being handed cash for items their own children no longer need.
“Our concept strongly appeals to parents because we help them afford fashionable, quality clothes and other products for their children, and at the same time we pay cash or give them store credit for quality clothing, toys, cribs, strollers and accessories that their kids no longer use,” said Bond, noting a 2000 study by the USDA which found that the average two-parent, middle-income family with three child under age nine spends approximately $26,940 a year on child-related expenses. “We’re also seeing significant growth on the franchise side as entrepreneurs realize how Children’s Orchard stands out as a tremendous opportunity in an economy where savvy shoppers continue to seek the best value for their dollar,” said Bond, adding that Children’s Orchard children's store franchise projects to have 300 locations open by 2007.
Children’s Orchard also provides an outlet for charity. Items that don’t meet quality standards for selling can be left at the store for donation to local organizations serving the needy.
Children’s Orchard is working to further its national brand recognition through a new rebranding campaign, complete with a new tagline – “FIND A TREASURE. SAVE A FORTUNE.™” It is aimed at grandparents and middle-to-upper income families with children – the retail chain’s key customer target audience.
With an emphasis on high-quality standards and friendly customer service, all Children’s Orchard locations follow strict guidelines when purchasing products, making sure that all clothing is the current style and in great condition, and that all toys and other products work, are safe and are in good shape. For safety’s sake, Children’s Orchard won’t buy or sell used car seats, items that have been recalled or used stuffed animals. In addition to resale items, stores also offer a line of new products carrying the Children’s Orchard brand name, such as socks and tights.
The new Children’s Orchard branding campaign builds on the chain’s emphasis on high-quality standards and friendly customer service. For example, one of the new taglines, “It’s Better Than a Sale, It’s Resale,” amplifies how Children’s Orchard always offers quality and major brands at low prices, versus the occasional so-called “sale” at traditional retail stores.
About Children’s Orchard
Founded in 1980, Children’s Orchard is the nation’s first franchise of gently used and new name-brand kids stuff. With nearly 100 franchise locations in 25 states, each Children’s Orchard location buys and sells quality used and new children’s brand name clothing, toys and accessories in an upscale retail environment. Children’s Orchard stores are designed to emphasize quality, value, comfort and commitment to the local community. For more information, please visit the website at www.childorch.com or call (800) 999-KIDS.