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Wine Franchises

Franchise Opportunities

Wine Franchises

Looking for wine franchises? Everyone loves a good bottle of wine! We discuss a few things to consider before buying wine franchises. We've also highlighted some of the top wine retail franchises.

The U.S. retail wine business is a $25 billion industry. For people who enjoy wine, a retail wine store franchise is a great opportunity to enter small business ownership selling a product they already know and love.

But for wine amateurs, retail wine franchising can also be an enjoyable and profitable experience. Most retail wine franchisors equip their franchisees with all the information they need to successfully run their own store, so don't let an unsophisticated palate hold you back from exploring this fun and growing franchise industry.

The wine industry has experienced steady growth over the past decade because many American consumers have adopted wine tasting and consumption as a favorite leisure activity. Today's wine enthusiasts are looking for something more than just a bottle on a shelf. They are looking for a wine store that can enhance their wine experience and provide opportunities for them to grow in their love of wine and wine-related merchandise.

For wine store owners to be competitive, they have to offer quality wine at a great price. But more than that, they have to be sensitive to their customers' need for a total wine experience. Although some wine retailers find success in discount stores with a warehouse feel, most are acutely aware that ambience is important. It's also important for wine store owners to regularly host special events such as wine-tastings and wine education seminars. These events help wine store owners introduce their products and give potential customers a sense of enjoyment in their pursuit of wine.

Wine Styles has capitalized on consumer demand for an uplifting shopping experience. Their stores are warm, inviting, and reminiscent of a wine cellar in an old European village. Catering to an upscale customer base, Wine Styles leverages wine rich history as selling tool for their products. With franchises in several states throughout the U.S., Wine Styles is quickly expanding its business by adding new locations on a continuous basis.

As you might expect, there are many different kinds of retail wine franchises available for prospective franchisees. Research wine franchises in various retail formats before deciding on the one that is right for you.

Points to Consider

Given the current demand for wine and wine products, it's not surprising that competition in the retail wine industry is fierce! Although your franchisor will provide assistance in marketing your store, much of the competitive burden will fall on your shoulders. As a retail wine franchisee, you'll need to develop the business acumen to succeed in a competitive environment.
Some retail wine stores market their products to customers searching for the wine experience, while others market their operations as discount stores that target price-conscious wine consumers. These are very different approaches, meaning that you will have to choose which one is most capable of helping you meet your goals as a wine retailer.

Franchise Opportunities

Wine Styles. Wine Styles sells wine and wine products to a mostly upscale customer base. They presently have over 75 franchise locations in the U.S.
The Connoisseur Wine Store Franchises. The Connoisseur specializes in selling custom-label gift wines to consumers throughout the U.S. Operating from within Saks department stores, the Connoisseur can take orders from other stores and deliver wine and other gifts within 48 hours. In 2005, the company reported 7 U.S. locations.
Red Kangaroo Wine Store Franchises. In addition to selling quality wines, the Red Kangaroo franchise has expanded its business to include a full line of clothing, cigars, and other merchandise that appeals to wine enthusiasts. Although still a relatively small franchisor, Red Kangaroo is aggressively pursuing qualified franchisees for new stores.
Vino 100. Vino 100 prides itself on offering franchise opportunities in a user-friendly, affordable wine store format. Like most wine franchisors, they provide comprehensive training for new franchisees and are eager to add new locations in the U.S.

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