THE QUIET ECONOMIC ACHIEVER

Written on the 14 August 2013 by Bloomtools

Australia’s franchising sector is the quiet economic achiever, according to Bedshed’s Gavin Culmsee, with PwC research showing it achieved double digit revenue growth of 10 per cent on last year against a backdrop of tough economic and retail trading conditions.

Chief Operating Officer Gavin Culmsee said would-be entrepreneurs should be looking at franchising for the potential economic and lifestyle rewards on offer.

“Bedshed’s franchisees come from a range of different career backgrounds, from electricians to the corporate world,” he said. “Franchising is typically a safer and smoother foray into business ownership, because we’re there to help with whatever you need throughout the process.”

Mr Culmsee said during a store’s pre-opening phase, Bedshed has daily contact with the franchisee.

“We assist with everything from lease negotiations, floor layout, operations, merchandising and marketing to staff interviews, financial matters, training and IT,” said Mr Culmsee.

Bedshed opened its newest store in suburban Melbourne’s Nunawading last week, with franchisees Patrick and Gill Weiner at the helm.

“The career-changing clincher came when I arrived home from one of many business trips and our daughter didn’t recognise me,” said Patrick.

After several years working for himself trading the markets, Patrick’s passion for retailing kicked in and he and his wife began investigating opportunities for their own retail business.

Of franchising, Patrick says they have a better chance of success with someone backing them up, as opposed to starting a business from scratch.

“This had nothing but huge appeal for us. We seriously considered two or three options but didn’t settle until we found a partner who believed in us as much as we believed in them,” he said.

Gill said before signing they met with Bedshed’s management team and other franchisees.

“Other franchisees have a genuine desire to help you succeed. We’re basing our warehousing model on what another franchisee has done and how they operate,” she said.

The Nunawading store brings Bedshed’s national store count to 35. With a strong track record spanning more than three decades, Bedshed is actively looking for new sites and franchisees to join its growing network of stores on the eastern seaboard.