Franchisor Hopes Sister Concept Finds Similar Success as Budget Blinds

ORANGE, Calif. – Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) announced today that it will begin licensing of Closet Tailors franchises in Canada within the next few months. Closet Tailors is a custom storage solutions franchise. The decision to bring Closet Tailors to Canada is based largely on the rapid growth and franchisee achievements in Canada experienced by Budget Blinds, HFC’s original custom window coverings franchise concept.

“After studying the numbers and debating among the five partners, we decided that the time was right to offer our second concept in Canada,” said Chad Hallock, CEO and President of HFC, which is the parent company to Budget Blinds and Closet Tailors.

Franchising as a whole has enjoyed great success in Canada. According to the International Franchise Association, over 80,000 franchise units representing 900 brands operate in Canada and contribute nearly $100 billion to the Canadian economy.”

Further, the Canadian market has grown rapidly for the franchisor. Since entering the market in late 2005, the system has grown to 70 franchise territories. Last year, a franchise from Alberta joined the company’s Million Dollar club, after selling over $1 million (U.S.) in product during a 12-month period. Earlier this year, the first showroom opened in Alberta.

Craig Howes, who operates several Budget Blinds franchises with his business partner Don Townsend in Red Deer, Alberta and posted over $1 million (U.S.) in reported sales in 2007, credits the business model.

“The business model provides the franchisee the choice to operate a small business or grow to a large business,” said Howes.

“Budget Blinds is positioned perfectly for Canadians, boasting the largest buying power in the industry, the strongest marketing capability in the industry and a highly supportive franchisee infrastructure. Regardless of a franchisee’s interests in volume or size, the best part about a Budget Blinds franchise is the available potential! It is what you make of it!” said Howes.

This growth and franchisee enthusiasm encouraged Home Franchise Concepts to explore the possibility of bringing additional concepts to Canada in the near future.

“The Canadian market has accepted the custom window treatments and home décor concept of Budget Blinds so well, that we feel good about bringing Closet Tailors, our custom storage solutions concept, to Canada, as well,” said Hallock.

Mudrooms or transition rooms are an area near an entryway of the house. These rooms are perfect for storing everyday items the family uses. Mudrooms corral items like coats, hats, purses, dog leashes, the kids’ school bags, briefcases, gym gear, keys, and shoes. Mudrooms are common in homes in snowy climates, but these transitional rooms are now in demand everywhere!

Why are Mudrooms hot!

• Extra Storage
  • Who can’t use an extra closet or storage space for your everyday items? Prevent your belongings from getting misplaced somewhere in the house.  Extra storage is very helpful for bulk items from Costco and Sam’s Club too!

• Less Cleaning
  • A mudroom won’t stop every ounce of dirt from getting into the living quarters, but it will help cut down the dirt, clutter, rainwater and dust that is dragged into the house.

• Enhance the Value of Your Home
  • Having a mudroom adds that special curb-appeal and can have a valuable impact on the resale of your home!

What belongs in mudrooms?

• Where ever your mudroom is located make sure that the space is tiled, vinyl, or concrete. It is easier to clean than having carpet.
• Mats are great for scrapping off the excess dirt off of shoes and boots.
• Washable rugs are great for collecting water and preventing dirt from being tracked all over the floors.
• Shelving is a must. Make sure they are at levels that can be reached easily.
• If you want to hide your everyday items and you do not have a closet, cabinets are a great solution.
• Rods and hooks are good to hang up coats, keys, purses, hats, and other sundry items. 
• Personalize your mudroom. Add a comfortable bench to sit is not only stylish, but great while taking off shoes. Closet Tailors has an array of storage solutions that can help create a space specifically to your wants and needs.
• A comfortable bench to sit is great while taking off shoes.
• Add a full length mirror for style to take a quick look at yourself before heading out the door.
• A shoe rack is helpful for letting wet or muddy shoes to dry. Plus, it keeps them being misplaced or collecting dirt on the floors.
• For clothing that is wet or dirty add a basket or a hamper to make it more convenient when it comes time to do laundry.
• Cubbies are useful for kids. Make them at a reachable height. They can store towels, school bags, and the kids’ belongings.
• Wire Baskets are helpful for storing mittens, scarves, and other items that can normally can be misplaced or clutter the house.
• Remember the pets! Having a hook for leashes. Stow biscuits in a decorative container. Keep grooming supplies at hand.

In addition to a well stocked pantry, a well stocked refrigerator is helpful, too.  Ensure you have plenty of string cheese, healthy fruit and cut veggies on hand to pack in lunch boxes. Added bonus: Cut veggies can double as after-school snacks and be added to dinners to boost veggie counts!

Try this spin on the traditional cut veggie tray!

Chopped Veggie Salad:

• 2-3 c. Chopped Veggies of Your Choice, e.g., celery, carrots, peppers, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower.
• ½-1 c of your favorite Italian dressing or vinaigrette or homemade lemon dressing!
• 1 c cubed mozzarella or 2-3 sticks of string cheese sliced into 1-inch pieces
• ¼-1/2 c. pine nuts (optional)
• Small can pitted olives (optional)

Combine chopped veggies and dressing in a zip top bag. Seal and let marinade in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.   Pour marinated veggies into serving bowl, toss in mozzarella pieces, olives and pine nuts. Serve alone as a tangy veggie side dish with pizza or pasta or spoon ½ c over salad greens to boost your veggie consumption!

Homemade Lemon Dressing:

Juice of 1-2 lemons

• 1 Tblsp Lemon Zest
• ¼- ½  c. Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Whisk together. Enjoy over veggies or add fresh rosemary and use as a marinade for chicken!

A well-stocked, organized pantry can simplify making school lunches! Stock your pantry with grab-n-go lunchtime staples like fruit leather, fruit cups, pudding snacks, single serving packs of cookies, small packages of chips, juice boxes and the like lunch prep can be a snap!

If you prefer to purchase large packages, take some time to pre-pack chips and cookies in small baggies to save precious moments in the morning.

Then, when it comes time to pack the lunches, just grab the appropriate items from the pantry and send them on their way!