Don't Forget the Kids Franchise

by Ed Teixeira

We continue to read about the growing senior market. However, the market for children's products and services is far greater and continues to grow and offer significant franchise opportunities. Here are some top ranked franchises servicing the children's market.

There has been a good deal of attention focused on franchises that serve the ever growing senior market and you can include me among those writing about this topic. In fact, recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau reports 38 million seniors over 65 years old. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum is the market for children's products and services.  The same census data shows that children under 18 years old total 73.5 million. Of this total number, 24.5 million are under six years old and almost 24 million are in the six to eleven year old group.

It's often been said that "There are two things people will spend lots of money on kids and pets." From art classes to tutoring services franchises that serve the market for children below 18 years of age is large.

There are a number of reasons why the children's market will continue to grow:

• Cash strapped school systems will continue to reduce athletic and after school  programs
• The possibility of these programs being restored to previous levels after a recovery are low
• The sheer size of the U.S. population alone will lead to continued growth in the children's market
• The U.S. birth rate is much higher than Europe and Japan, due in great part to the number of U.S. immigrants.

Here is my list of some top children's franchises:

Gymboree Play & Music is top rated children's by a number of sources. Investment level will depend on whether you open a full Play and Music center or a Gymboree Metro Play Center. The range will be from $126,000 - $270,950. I have a personal bias towards Gymboree since my daughter just enrolled our six month old grandson in their program.

Stretch-n-Grow was founded in 1992. Stretch-n-Grow franchises provide fitness programs including after-school sessions and parties... The classes are typically taught at locations such as community centers, grade schools, day-care facilities and other community service locations. It's a home based franchise with an estimated start-up investment of $23,700, which includes a franchise fee of $22,600. There is a fixed ongoing royalty fee of $150 per month.

Kumon Math and Reading Centers is a giant in the tutoring or supplemental education sector that reports over 26,000 locations. That adds up to a great deal of brand recognition. The start-up costs of $33,000-$131,000 are reasonable.

Once Upon a Child sells new and used kids clothing, toys and furniture. From its over 200 franchise locations this franchise provides a worthwhile service by selling these used items. The investment ranges from $170,000 to $264,000 and has a modest 5% royalty fee.

Learning Express features retail stores that sell unique toys which are focused on fun and  inspiring creativity in children. The objective of the Learning Express concept is to foster the intellectual and physical development of children. The total investment for a franchise ranges from $199,000 to $345,000.

These are just a few of the franchise opportunities that are geared towards the children's market. As always be sure that you perform comprehensive due diligence on any franchise you pursue and be sure to utilize the services of competent financial and legal advice. FranchiseKnowHow is not recommending any specific franchises.

© 2010 FranchiseKnowHow, LLC

Ed Teixeira is the President of FranchiseKnowHow, LLC. He can be reached at franchiseknowhow@gmail.com