FAQs

Are franchisees required to have a background in the retail sector?

No. In fact, we have had successful retailers without any experience in the retail sector. While having past retail experience will provide an advantage, we provide all franchisees with comprehensive onboarding.

It’s important that all potential new franchisees do their due diligence to understand today’s retail trends, challenges, and what is required for a successful retail operation.

What would be expected in terms of initial investment?

Your initial investment will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to:

  • Location & Size of retailing space
  • Extent of new build-out required (e.g., construction, electrical, storefront, flooring, painting, etc.)
  • Time of year – inventory investment required may vary depending on season
  • Staffing model
  • Marketing initiatives
  • Generally, we look for a prospective franchisee to have at least $350k in cash & unencumbered assets for start-up and any unanticipated issues that may arise in the first year of business.

How much money can I expect to make, and how quickly can I count on turning a profit?

This is the most frequently asked question but also the most difficult to answer for any franchisor. Ultimately, your success as a retailer will be based on many factors, including:

  • Location of store and negotiated lease terms
  • The degree of your involvement in in-store operations & staffing decisions
  • How effectively you manage your operations and control costs
  • Ability to action knowledge of the industry and capitalize on retail trends
  • Inventory management; curation of a product offering that meets the demands of your customer demographic (exciting and engaging customers)
  • Effective merchandising, storytelling, and marketing initiatives
  • Building loyalty; your ability to differentiate yourself from competitors and create a superior customer experience
  • Whether you engage in additional services (e.g., postal outlet, engraving services, party centre, e-commerce, etc.)
  • Number of locations owned (maximizing operational efficiencies across locations).

We are happy to partner with you to look at your individual situation and can provide helpful financial tools to best estimate your revenue potential, operating costs, and formulate anticipated income statements.

What advice do you have to help potential franchisees find success?

Do your research/due diligence. Ask a lot of questions, connect with other franchisees, visit existing stores within the network and work through the numbers so that you understand the financial investment required, both for initial start-up and ongoing operations.

Is there an opportunity for autonomy and creativity as a Hallmark franchisee?

Absolutely. We love an entrepreneurial spirit! Owners are encouraged to thoughtfully curate their product offerings and services in a way that effectively targets their store’s particular consumer demographics.

Bringing in complimentary products from other vendors, engaging local artisans for special events, running programs to support local charities, and tailoring marketing are all examples of creative initiatives that our franchise partners have successfully employed.

How has Hallmark changed over the years?

What hasn’t changed is Hallmark’s ‘reason to be’. We continue to be the place where consumers come to find what they need to connect and celebrate with others. What has changed is our approach to retailing. In today’s competitive marketplace, the importance of the customer experience is paramount. At Hallmark, we’re focused on four aspects of experience:

  1. Providing on-trend product innovation that wows.
  2. Providing exceptional customer service.
  3. Curating an environment where storytelling, artistry and community help us engage the customer and address their every need.
  4. Meeting the customer where they are – whether it’s in-store or online, we are there to help them.