Tag: Economy

FRANCHISING PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE U.S. ECONOMY

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

 

Franchising supports millions of jobs, contributes significantly to GDP, and empowers individuals to achieve business ownership and success. This dual role of economic driver and enabler of entrepreneurship underscores franchises’ essential place in the U.S. economy.

 

Franchising plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy.

By FMM Contributor

 

The franchise model has significantly contributed to the nation’s economic fabric by creating jobs, generating revenue, and promoting entrepreneurship. Let’s take a closer look.

Economic Contribution

Franchises are a significant economic driver, producing goods and services worth billions of dollars annually. In 2023, the total economic output of franchised businesses is projected to reach $860.1 billion, up from $825.4 billion in 2022. This output represents a stable 3% share of the U.S. GDP​  (Franchise.org)​. The consistent growth in franchise output underscores the sector’s resilience and crucial role in the broader economy.

Job Creation

One of franchising’s most significant contributions is job creation. Franchises employ approximately 8.7 million people, and employment in the sector is growing steadily. In 2023 alone, franchises are expected to add around 254,000 jobs, reflecting a 3% increase​ (International Franchise Association)​​ (Franchise.org)​. This job growth is not just in low-wage positions; franchises often provide competitive wages and benefits. For instance, franchises pay nearly 3% higher wages than similar independent businesses, with many offering health insurance, vacation time, and other benefits​ (International Franchise Association)​.

Supporting Local Economies

Franchises are deeply embedded in local economies, providing stability and growth. They contribute significantly to local employment and business activity. States in the Southeast and Southwest are projected to experience the fastest franchise growth in 2023, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading the way​ (Franchise.org)​. This regional growth helps balance economic development across the country, ensuring that more areas benefit from the presence of franchised businesses.

Promoting Entrepreneurship

Franchising lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship by providing a proven business model and support system. These systems allow aspiring entrepreneurs to start their businesses with reduced risks compared to starting an independent business from scratch. Franchisees benefit from established branding, marketing, and operational support from franchisors, which helps them navigate the challenges of running a business more effectively​​.

Adaptation to Economic Challenges

Franchises have shown remarkable adaptability in economic challenges like inflation and labor market fluctuations. The franchise model’s ability to leverage economies of scale helps mitigate input costs, benefiting from volume discounts on essential supplies​ . Additionally, many franchises have adapted their operations to address labor shortages and increased costs, ensuring continued growth and stability even during economic downturns.

Resilience and Recovery

The franchise sector has demonstrated resilience during the post-pandemic economic recovery phases. In 2021, the franchise sector rebounded significantly, with a 16% increase in output, reaching nearly $788 billion. This recovery continued into 2022 and beyond, showcasing the sector’s ability to bounce back from economic disruptions and contribute to broader financial stability​ (International Franchise Association)​.

Broader Economic Impact

Beyond direct contributions, franchises also have significant indirect impacts on the economy. They stimulate related industries, such as real estate, supply chain management, and marketing. For example, establishing a new franchise location often increases demand for local suppliers and service providers, creating a domino effect that benefits the economy.​

Conclusion

Franchises are vital to the U.S. economy, providing substantial benefits through job creation, revenue generation, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Their ability to adapt to economic challenges and contribute to local economies ensures their continued importance. As the franchise sector grows and evolves, it will remain a cornerstone of economic activity and a driver of financial resilience and recovery.

Franchising supports millions of jobs, contributes significantly to GDP, and empowers individuals to achieve business ownership and success. This dual role of economic driver and enabler of entrepreneurship underscores franchises’ essential place in the U.S. economy.

 

LEARN HOW TO TURN YOUR BUSINESS INTO A NATIONAL FRANCHISE

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This article was researched and edited with the support of AI

THE INFLUENCE OF FRANCHISE OPERATIONS ON THE U.S. ECONOMY.

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by Tech Daily on Unsplash

 

Franchises play pivotal roles in national and local economic landscapes, supporting jobs, generating substantial revenue, and fostering community engagement. The franchise model sustains economic stability and fuels growth, reflecting its enduring value and potential.

 

The Influence of Franchise Operations on the U.S. Economy.

By Contributing Writer for FMM

 

Franchises form a crucial segment of America’s commercial sphere, significantly influencing the economy at multiple levels. Unbeknownst to many, franchises are frequently visited establishments in daily life, including eateries and accommodations, among other sectors. This industry’s reach is extensive and flourishing.

Franchises in the U.S. are not limited to a single sector but span a diverse range, encompassing over 300 types of goods and services. This diversity is a testament to the adaptability and versatility of the franchise model, with over 15% of American businesses operating under a franchise model and nearly 4,000 franchise brands currently active across the country.

The Appeal of Franchising

Franchising’s popularity stems from its role in consumer habits and business ownership. Consumers enjoy consistent quality and service across various locations, which is comforting given their habitual nature. For example, a McDonald’s visit should feel familiar whether it’s in California, Connecticut, or even across continents.

Franchisees stand to gain significantly from the franchise model. They benefit from established business models and brand recognition, gaining valuable industry insights and operational practices from the franchisor. This partnership reduces the typical hurdles of starting a new business, such as extensive time and capital investment. On the other hand, franchisors benefit by expanding their brand while reducing overhead costs and achieving better scale economies and market adaptability.

Franchisors themselves benefit by expanding their brand while reducing overhead costs and achieving better scale economies and market adaptability.

Economic Contributions of Franchises

Franchises are a significant part of the U.S. economy and are growing. They are projected to generate a staggering $826.6 billion in revenue in 2022, up from $720.44 billion five years prior. This growth indicates enduring entrepreneur interest and increasing consumer patronage, underscoring the economic significance of franchises.

Franchises also provide detailed potential earnings in their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which includes a range of operational data crucial for prospective franchisees.

Employment and Local Economic Impacts

Franchises are significant job creators, directly employing an estimated 8.2 million people in the U.S., with many more in affiliated roles like transportation, supply, and manufacturing.

Regions vary in franchise density, with the Southeast leading, followed by the Midwest and others. States like Texas and Florida lead in franchise growth.

Franchises are not just economic powerhouses but also community builders. They boost local economies through taxes, which support community services. They create employment opportunities and engage in community initiatives like supporting non-profits and sponsoring local events, further embedding themselves into the local fabric. Community engagement is a testament to the Franchisee’s and the Franchisor’s commitment to their areas, making them an integral part of regional development plans.

National Economic Influence and Future Outlook

With their robust business models, Franchises have proven to be resilient during economic downturns. According to the International Franchise Association (IFA), they contribute about 3% to the U.S. GDP, with a combined impact of jobs, payroll, and output nearing 7% of GDP. This sector is recognized for its resilience during economic downturns, such as the 2008-2010 recession and recent pandemics, demonstrating more stability than many other business sectors. This track record of resilience makes them an attractive investment option, even in uncertain times.

Current trends and data indicate continued growth and expansion in the franchise sector, with a significant number of new franchises launched annually and an increase in international brands entering the U.S. market.

Conclusion

Franchises play pivotal roles in national and local economic landscapes, supporting jobs, generating substantial revenue, and fostering community engagement. The franchise model sustains economic stability and fuels growth, reflecting its enduring value and potential.

MAIN STREET – TRAFFIC AND SALES TRENDS

Posted on by Franchise Strategist

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON MAIN STREET ?? – TRAFFIC AND SALES TRENDS
By Roger Lipton
Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash

There is not much to celebrate among restaurant industry operators. “Flat” is better than “Down”, but sales and traffic trends continued to be lackluster in April, and there is no reason to expect a change in May (now history) or the month to come. We have described many times how the dining industry has been an excellent leading indicator relative to the economy. We suspected earlier this year, as our readers know, that the lack of momentum in the restaurant industry indicated that the economy was unlikely to break out on the upside. That has proven to be the case as the slowdown in the economy is clearer by the day. The latest GDP expectations for the second quarter are in the 1.25-1.5% range, a lot lower than the 3.2% of the first quarter, and bringing the first half very close to the 2.3% of the Obama years.

While some worse numbers than shown below have circulated, we quote below the Miller Pulse survey numbers.

Back in restaurant land: Continued weak traffic was the feature in April, with higher check values (up 4.1%) overcoming a 2.1% traffic decline and bringing same store sales to a 2.1% increase. As we have said repeatedly, that is not enough to overcome higher labor, rents, and other operating expenses, so margins will continue to be challenged. The two year stacked comp is up 3.8% in April, down 10 bp from March.

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By segment:

Quick service restaurants were up 2.7% in April, with 4.6% check average overcoming 1.9% traffic decline. Over two years, QSR SSS fell 30bp month to month to 4.3% so not much has changed.

Casual dining did worse, with same store sales down 0.5% in April even with a boost from the Easter calendar shift, and traffic was down 2.8%. Over two years, SSS was up 60 bp to a lackluster 1.3%, with traffic obviously down.

We have heard no credible reports that trends have improved in May so, with two thirds of the second quarter in the rear view mirror, and the economy showing signs of slowdown, there seems little reason to think that operating results will improve in Q2. A pickup could be in the cards, and the restaurant industry could lead the way, but not yet.

Read more from Roger Lipton here:
https://www.liptonfinancialservices.com/“>https://www.liptonfinancialservices.com/
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About the Author:

Roger Lipton is an investment professional with over 4 decades of experience specializing in chain restaurants and retailers, as well as macro-economic and monetary developments. After earning a BSME from R.P.I. and MBA from Harvard, and working as an auditor with Price, Waterhouse, he began following the restaurant industry as well as the gold mining industry. While he originally followed companies such as Church’s Fried Chicken, Morrison’s Cafeterias and others, over the years he invested in companies such as Panera Bread and shorted companies such as Boston Chicken (as described in Chain Leader Magazine to the left)

He also invested in gold mining stocks and studied the work of Harry Browne, the world famous author and economist, who predicted the 2000% move in the price of gold in the 1970s. In this regard, Roger has republished the world famous first book of Harry Browne, and offers it free with each subscription to this website.
Roger Lipton https://www.liptonfinancialservices.com/