It’s not long now until Valentine’s Day. On the 14th February, loved ones across the globe will carry out romantic gestures and exchange cards and gifts. Today, we delve into the history of the annual celebration and suggest our top franchises you can head to for Valentine’s Day shopping.
You’ve probably already noticed the influx of chocolates, flowers and cards in your local shops. The rather commercialised holiday is met by emotions of excitement, indifference and even dread from the British public. Either way, the day of love is big business for many independent traders and large supermarket chains. Many of us choose to celebrate the day one way or another; if it’s not a romantic meal with a partner, it could be a night out with the girls. But how did Valentine’s Day originate?
The history of Valentine’s Day
Saint Valentine was a Roman priest during the 3rd century who served under Emperor Claudius II. Rome’s fourth Emperor thought that single men were better soldiers than those married and with families. He therefore passed a law that made marriage illegal for all young men. Valentine chose to defy his leader and married young couples in secret, but was later sentenced to death. The Vatican later canonised Valentine and in the 5th century, February 14th was known as his feast day.
It’s also believed that when Valentine was in jail he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and wrote her a love letter on his death day signed ‘from your Valentine’. However, while compelling, it’s debated whether this – or any of the stories – are actually true. As you can see, the history is somewhat murky and there are a fair share of myths circulating. However, the day came about, it’s been celebrated for thousands of years and will probably continue to be for thousands more.
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Top 6 franchises perfect for Valentine’s Day Shoppers
If you’re stuck for shopping ideas or want to give your Valentine something extra special this year, you might want to check out what some of the franchises below are offering.
Or, if you’re an aspiring business owner with a passion for the romantic celebration, you can find out all the details you need to start your own franchise unit.
1. Endura Roses
Beautiful red roses are a classic Valentine’s Day treat. Endura Roses’ talented team of florists and designers use industry leading preservation techniques to create spectacular floral arrangements that last. There are currently six of these florist franchises across the UK, but the brand is keen to further its growth in the UK and overseas.
- Becoming an Endura Roses franchisee: To make sure you have what it takes to be a successful franchise, Endura Roses encourages interested candidates to fill in a form and attend one of its Discovery Days. You can access this here.
- How much you need to invest: You should contact the brand to find out its investment requirements.
- What you get for your investment: You can make the most of the flower shop franchise’s excellent operations supports, creative product development and a dedicated floral design team.
2. Veeno
Nothing spells a romantic evening quite like sharing a bottle of wine. Veeno aims to provide a ‘gateway to Italian culture’ and has spent the last few years setting up Italian-style wine-cafés around the country.
It gives customers the chance to sample the authentic Italian experience of ‘Aperitivo’ - the ritual of drinking, nibbling on food and relaxing after work. And, despite only being established in the UK in 2013, Veeno’s unique concept has been widely accepted by a large pool of customers.
- Becoming a Veeno franchisee: Veeno has big plans. It aims to bring its Italian experience to Ireland, Scandinavia and the Far East, demonstrating the ambition of the team behind the rapidly expanding brand. When you join, you’ll be responsible for finding a great location for your new business in a busy area, which Veeno must approve to ensure maximum profitability. Click here to apply.
- How much you need to invest: Prospective franchisees should be able to fund start-up costs ranging from £35,000 up to £80,000. However, this franchise is all about flexibility and is enthusiastic to help investors who might not yet have managed to obtain the funds to open a new franchise.
- What you get for your investment: New franchisees can look forward to completing the restaurant franchise’s comprehensive training programme and taking a trip to the business’ family vineyard in Sicily. There, you’ll learn about the company’s roots and how its wines are created.
3. Heavenly Desserts
Treating yourself to chocolate and indulgent desserts is commonplace around Valentine’s Day. Heavenly Deserts was founded in 2008 and serves a range of delicious desserts across its 21 UK stores. It makes sure it caters to the widest possible share of consumers by selling vegan and gluten-free options alongside its main offering.
- Becoming a Heavenly Desserts franchisee: Heavenly Desserts is looking out for entrepreneurs with a can-do attitude and a focus on customer service. It goes without saying that you’ll also need drive and a desire to succeed. To learn more and sign up, click here.
- How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a total investment of £190,000 if you’re to become a Heavenly Desserts franchisee. This figure includes franchise fees of £17,500.
- What you get for your investment: All franchisees get access to a comprehensive three or four-week training programme, established supply chain solutions, operations manuals and a turnkey shop-fit solution. Heavenly Desserts also offers support in funding, recruitment, site selection, menu development and marketing.
4. Mr Simms Old Sweet Shoppe
Mr Simms’ traditional sweet shops offer a unique and evocative experience that caters for sweet lovers of all ages. Whether you want stick to classic Valentine’s Day chocolate or your loved ones’ favourite sweets, the candy shop franchise has got you covered. With over 75 stores in the UK alone, Mr Simms is already the number one retail franchise confectionery business in the UK and its success story is just beginning.
- Becoming a Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe franchisee: You’ll need a real passion for confectionery, a love of providing a sweet service and a desire to give back to your local community. If you’d like to know more, get in touch with the franchise to begin your franchising journey.
- How much you need to invest: The total investment is £37,000 to £59,500, depending on the size of your shop premises.
- What you get for your investment: You’ll be fully supported throughout your journey, with both classroom and on-site training and assistance whenever you need it. You’ll also get to run your own financially rewarding chocolate shop franchise – things don’t get much sweeter than this in the franchising world.
5. Card Group
Card Group was founded in 1997 under its “We are different” strapline and sells cards, gift packaging and party decorations and accessories. These products are sold in a range of stores, including supermarkets, convenience stores, bookstores and toy stores.
Franchisees who opt to join the card store franchise can benefit from the company’s 21 years of franchising experience. In fact, Card Group has already appointed several master franchisees to run stores in 45 countries worldwide.
- Becoming a Card Group franchisee: Investors should be passionate about building on the brand and have ample managerial and sales experience. Good communication skills will also be important to the success of a master franchise. To sign up, click here.
- How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum investment of £40,000 and a total investment of £60,000.
- What you get for your investment: After completing the initial training in Sweden, you will receive ongoing support in your territory.
6. Lash Perfect Beauty Bar
While you wouldn’t head here for your Valentine’s Day gifts, who doesn’t like feeling and looking their best on the day? This is an eyelash, eyebrow and nail bar based in South East England. The beauty franchise offers newcomers or experienced beauty therapists and lash technicians the opportunity to open an outlet and be associated with an established and reputable beauty brand.
- Becoming a Lash Perfect Beauty Bar franchisee: To express your interest in this low-overhead business opportunity, click here.
- How much you need to invest: Lash Perfect Beauty bar will only need you to provide a minimum upfront investment of £5,000 and a total of £9,999.
- What you get for your investment: Not only can franchisees benefit from big discounts on the latest professional and retail products, you’ll also be leased a Lash-Perfect-branded Fiat 500, so you can always advertise your business. Your beauty franchise will also be equipped with branded professional treatment kits and quality tools to give your clients the highest-quality results and keep them coming back.
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Check out one of these
These six franchises should cover all bases for Valentine’s Day shopping, but are also viable businesses all year round. You can see a full list of our retail franchises here.
Becky Martin, Point Franchise ©
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