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 AUSTRALIA
FRANCHISE NEWS ARCHIVE
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: Jul - Dec 2008
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Bakers Delight plans 150 new franchisees. Global retail bakery franchise Bakers Delight is expanding its international network as consumers spend more on staple items. .... [more]
28 Dec, 2008
Midas loses its touch. Car care company Midas Australia has been placed itself into administration, the latest franchisor to bite the dust in the lead-up to Christmas. .... [more]
24 Dec, 2008
Franchising inquiry slammed as golden opportunity missed. Franchisees and a leading academic have slammed a Federal inquiry into the franchising system, saying it fall far short of what was required. .... [more]
18 Dec, 2008
Levi's store opens. Iconic jeans brand Levi's has opened the first city store dedicated to the legendary denims. The store in Forrest Chase stocks the widest range of Levi's products available in Perth. .... [more]
17 Dec, 2008
Franchise regulation debate continues. Debate about regulation of the franchise industry continues despite the conclusion of the fourth government inquiry in two years. .... [more]
17 Dec, 2008
BSR Australia sustains positive focus in a difficult year. National franchisor BSR Australia Ltd says it has maintained a positive outlook despite the global economic crisis, achieving substantial strategic objectives in the past six months. .... [more]
16 Dec, 2008
Bank of Queensland - BoQ - franchise model criticised. Anguish about Bank of Queensland's interstate franchise push has extended to an owner-manager quitting his branch near Newcastle, NSW. .... [more]
9 Dec, 2008
Harvey Norman flags store closures. Retailer Gerry Harvey is warning some of the stores in his Harvey Norman empire will close during the next six months because of the economic slowdown. .... [more]
8 Dec, 2008
Franchising Code goes after bullies. Bullies and rogues in the franchising industry have been targeted by changes in the Franchising Code of Conduct this week, but critics brand some of the recommendations as ''superficial.'' .... [more]
3 Dec, 2008
JB Hi-Fi turns up volume but Harvey Norman mute. Tough retail conditions have not dented discount electronics chain JB Hi-Fi's appetite for opening 24 new stores this financial year. .... [more]
3 Dec, 2008
Franchisors under fire from Federal Parliamentary inquiry. A Federal Parliamentary inquiry into the operation of the franchising sector has come down squarely on the side of franchisees, recommending the introduction of a statutory obligation to force franchisors to negotiate in “good faith” with franchisees, and fines for breaches of the franchising code of conduct. .... [more]
2 Dec, 2008
Pizza Hut cuts famous "William Tell' number. PIZZA Hut is poised to dump one of the most recognised phone numbers in Australian marketing in a multi-million-dollar move. Customers will be asked to key the fast food chain's name in to their phones instead. .... [more]
1 Dec, 2008
Franchise operators plan to keep business moving. Despite conventional wisdom that suggests the franchise industry expands in a downturn, fuelled by redundancies and associated payouts, franchisors are mindful that the hurdles to buying a business are higher in an uncertain market. .... [more]
28 Nov, 2008
Pizza Capers to open first store outside Qld. Queensland gourmet pizza chain Pizza Capers has announced its arrival into the Victorian market with the opening of its first store later this month. .... [more]
28 Nov, 2008
Joining the fanchising chain gang. History shows that when some employees lose their jobs and are given a golden handshake, or are in an older age group where bosses often aren't focused, there is a tendency for the displaced workers to buy themselves a job by purchasing a franchise. .... [more]
28 Nov, 2008
Harvey Norman closing stores as slowdown cuts margins. Retailer Gerry Harvey is planning to close stores as the economic slowdown erodes margins. Sales at his stores are down between 1 and 5 per cent and margins have been slashed by about 10 per cent. .... [more]
26 Nov, 2008
Taking the 'why?' out of a generation. Some businesses have built an empire off the back of the Gen Ys, such as JB Hi-Fi and Boost Juice Systems, while other business owners struggle with the 'Whys' (as in ''Why do I have to do that?''). .... [more]
24 Nov, 2008
Franchise inquiries on the rise, but downturn could lead to shakeout. Franchisors are starting to enjoy one of the few benefits of a downturn – as the unemployment rate rises, the level of inquiry from potential franchisees is beginning to grow. .... [more]
20 Nov, 2008
Mortgage Choice diversifies amid housing upheaval. Mortgage Choice will diversify into personal loans, equipment leasing and insurance amid an "unprecedented upheaval" in Australia's housing market. .... [more]
19 Nov, 2008
Lessons from the siege of real estate franchising. The franchising of residential real estate agencies – one of the single largest parts of the franchise sector in terms of overall unit numbers – is undergoing a revolution. .... [more]
18 Nov, 2008
Hobart franchisee wins Pack & Send honour. Andrew Goldsworthy and his wife Sharon have been named 2008 Pack & Send Franchisee of the Year. Owning the only Pack & Send store in Tasmania, the couple competed against the 92 other Pack & Send franchisees nationally to win the award. .... [more]
18 Nov, 2008
Cafes and restaurants hit hardest by downturn, supermarkets benefit. Research identifying greater concerns for the restaurant industry, as a result of a downturn in consumer spending, compared to other food industry sectors, appears to be on the mark. .... [more]
17 Nov, 2008
RAMS adds new UTM box for franchisee network access. RAMS Home Loans has bought a third unified threat management appliance from WatchGuard partner Harbour IT, this time to enable franchisees to securely access its corporate network. .... [more]
12 Nov, 2008
Know what you're getting into, ACCC warns. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has called for Western Australian small businesses to ensure they are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities. .... [more]
10 Nov, 2008
Australian hydraulic hose firm says G’day to Houston. PirTek, a Sydney, Australia-based industrial franchise company that entered the United States a decade ago is now targeting Houston. .... [more]
10 Nov, 2008
US burger chain heading down under. The Counter, a rapidly expanding American burger chain that enables consumers to build their own burgers, is coming to Sydney in December. .... [more]
5 Nov, 2008
7-Eleven crowned Franchisor of the Year. Convenience retailer 7-Eleven has been named as 2008 Franchisor of the Year by the Franchise Council of Australia. The retailer was awarded for its continued product and store innovation, strong franchisee partnerships and consistent growth in recent years. .... [more]
5 Nov, 2008
How to expand overseas. Lack of capital and insufficient cash flow are never the real reasons why businesses fail when they expand overseas, franchising experts told a recent conference. .... [more]
3 Nov, 2008
No dough blow. Holes have appeared in the pay cheques, as well as in the donuts, at Donut King in Cranbourne. The Federal Magistrates’ Court has fined the chain $30,000 for deliberately underpaying 10 casual staff members, some as young as 15, at the Cranbourne Centro Shopping Centre outlet. .... [more]
30 Oct, 2008
Franchising inquiry snubs Perth. A parliamentary inquiry set up to investigate franchising has snubbed Perth, disappointing WA business people who had hoped to air their grievances. .... [more]
29 Oct, 2008
Franchise offers low risk and it's secure. Whether it's salads, sports gear, hamburgers or home loans, the franchise offers many benefits to both the franchisee and the consumer. .... [more]
29 Oct, 2008
Franchising takes a positive position. The franchising industry is battening down the hatches to withstand the expected downturn in Australian economic fortunes, but remains guardedly optimistic about weathering a recession. .... [more]
25 Oct, 2008
How franchises can survive global gloom. A cry for help could be the best way to save a business from trouble, writes Keeli Cambourne. Even before the credit crunch, small businesses were having to look at creative ways of recouping costs. .... [more]
25 Oct, 2008
Bon Levi imprisoned for 10 months following ACCC action for contempt of court. The Federal Court of Australia today sentenced Mr Bon Levi, one of Australia's most notorious conmen, to 10 months' imprisonment, with 6 months suspended, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission successfully prosecuted him for five counts of contempt of court. .... [more]
24 Oct, 2008
Bakers Delight rewarded for being good sports. Bakers Delight’s sports commuity program has earned it the Media Campaign of the Year award in the 2008 MYOB Excellence in Fanchising Awards. .... [more]
23 Oct, 2008
Pack & Send honour boosts expansion plan. Australia’s leading retail freight and logistics company, Pack & Send, was awarded equal runner up at the 2008 International Franchisor of the Year Award, held in Singapore. .... [more]
22 Oct, 2008
Teamwork helps to lick the doomsayers. In tough economic times, the power of a franchise can bring sweet success, writes Keeli Cambourne. The global financial crisis may have many businesses rethinking their future but for franchises there is a positive side to the dire economic circumstances. .... [more]
22 Oct, 2008
Ecowash mobile named No1 Aussie export franchise. Aussie-born franchise ecowash mobile has just been announced as the Top Franchise Export for 2008 by the Franchise Council of Australia. .... [more]
22 Oct, 2008
Franchise sector continues to flourish. The franchising sector has continued its strong growth in the past two years according to the results of the Franchise Australia 2008 Survey revealed at the sectors leading annual conference - the National Franchise Convention. .... [more]
22 Oct, 2008
Gerry Harvey says retailers are suffering. Gerry Harvey, the country's biggest electronics and furniture retailer, says October sales have been "very difficult" as the slowdown in retail spending continues to eat into margins. .... [more]
22 Oct, 2008
Franchisors prepare for worst. The franchising industry is battening down the hatches to withstand the expected downturn in Australian economic fortunes, but remains guardedly optimistic about weathering a recession. .... [more]
20 Oct, 2008
Survey reveals drop in franchising disputes as franchising inquiry continues. A new survey of Australia’s $130 billion franchise sector has shown disputes between franchisees and franchisors have declined, with just 2% of Australia’s franchisees classified as being in dispute. .... [more]
17 Oct, 2008
JB Hi-Fi keeps fiscal 09 sales guidance. Electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi Ltd has maintained its guidance for fiscal 2009 sales to grow by 28 per cent, despite a "challenging" retail environment that the company expects will lead to further industry rationalisation. .... [more]
14 Oct, 2008
Allphones agrees to ACCC restrictions. Allphones Retail has pledged to the Federal Court to better inform franchisees - and not prevent them from selling their franchises - after an ACCC appeal to the Federal Court. .... [more]
14 Oct, 2008
Franchises brace for the downturn. Franchisors say they are preparing for the inevitable economic downturn by cutting costs and reviewing spending, but argue they are better suited to survive than other small businesses. .... [more]
13 Oct, 2008
Harvey plans back-up if GE cuts back finance. Gerry Harvey has flagged that he will crank up the retailer's in-house finance arm if troubled US conglomerate GE scales back its finance business. .... [more]
13 Oct, 2008
Souvlaki Hut top franchise. A Melbourne Greek restaurant chain with under 20 outlets is at the top of a survey measuring the satisfaction level of Australian franchisees, according to market research group, 10 Thousand Feet. .... [more]
10 Oct, 2008
Lord Mayor's Young CEO finalists announced. Four of Brisbane’s top bosses have been named finalists in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Young CEO of the Year award. .... [more]
9 Oct, 2008
Franchisors warned: open books. Based on recent meetings with the Federal government and the ACCC in relation to the current Federal inquiry into franchising it appears one of the more likely end outcomes will be increased powers to the ACCC. .... [more]
8 Oct, 2008
INTEREST: Marketing the key to survival for small business. Tumbling shares and global economic uncertainty. They need not be a problem - in fact, today's economic uncertainty could be a business opportunity. .... [more]
6 Oct, 2008
Old make way for new in the chain. The franchise industry is likely to go through a huge ownership shake-out over the next 12 to 18 months and will require a large surge in capital, the head of an advice group says. .... [more]
4 Oct, 2008
Harvey Norman to slash ad budget by up to $60m. Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey has indicated cuts to the company's total advertising and marketing budget may be as high as $60 million a year -- potentially having a major impact on the already struggling media ad market. .... [more]
2 Oct, 2008
Fast food chain ties up with DDB. Fast food chain McDonald's has consolidated its $65 million advertising account with DDB, dumping rival agency Leo Burnett from its Happy Meals and charities advertising. The move follows the company's decision to merge its Australian and New Zealand marketing departments. .... [more]
1 Oct, 2008
NightOwl franchise moves into Victoria. Queensland's NightOwl convenience store franchise is making a push into Victoria, the home-base of the phenomenally successful 7-Eleven. .... [more]
29 Sep, 2008
High Court give its ruling on franchise agreement. A High Court decision in franchising dispute Master Education Services v Ketchell has gone a long way to provide certainty to franchisors and franchisees. .... [more]
26 Sep, 2008
Franchising the globe. Domestic franchise success may have entrepreneurs dreaming of world domination, but there is more to international franchising than letting the royalties roll in. .... [more]
25 Sep, 2008
Go in with eyes open and Understand potential pitfalls before buying into a franchise. Buying into a franchise could be risker than you think with experts suggesting setting up shop is a big mistake for some. .... [more]
25 Sep, 2008
Franchising facing shakeout. The franchise industry is likely to go through a huge ownership shakeout over the next 12 to 18 months and will require a large surge in capital, says the head of a major advice group. .... [more]
19 Sep, 2008
Franchise Council hits back at critics. The Franchise Council of Australia has urged members to “push back” against claims of franchisor abuse aired in Federal Parliament last week. .... [more]
15 Sep, 2008
Franchising inquiry told of franchisor abuses, dispute resolution problems. The Federal Government’s franchising inquiry has received submissions from more than 15 angry franchisees, alleging unconscionable conduct, misappropriation of franchisee fees, inadequate disclosure and dishsonest behaviour. .... [more]
12 Sep, 2008
Franchising at a crossroads. Barely days after the High Court handed-down its decision in the Ketchell case, the franchise sector faces renewed political pressure for increased legislation from Federal Parliament itself. .... [more]
10 Sep, 2008
Allphones appeals deceit finding. Mobile phone retailer Allphones has appealed against a Federal Court finding that it engaged in "calculated dishonesty" and "continuing deceit" by withholding commission payments to its franchisees. .... [more]
4 Sep, 2008
Ikea tips its hand with new megastore. The Swedish retail giant Ikea is poised to expand its presence in Sydney with a new flagship store on a controversial former tip in Tempe, adjacent to the airport. .... [more]
4 Sep, 2008
Franchising a safe haven in tough times. Be it a pizza chain, a gardening service, an accounting group or a string of furniture shops, members of the franchising sector are in a favourable position to ride out tough economic conditions, according to chartered accountants PKF. .... [more]
3 Sep, 2008
Franchisors cheer High Court ruling. Just as big retailers such as Coles and Woolies are being targeted by the Rudd Government to possibly rein in their power over smaller rivals, the High Court has delivered a decision to protect franchisors from aggrieved franchisees. .... [more]
3 Sep, 2008
Franchise loophole closed. A High Court decision last week has been hailed as a landmark for the franchising industry. The decision on the Ketchell case means that a loophole, which possibly allowed franchisees to quit their franchising agreements on technicality if they could argue a breach of the Code, has now been closed. .... [more]
1 Sep, 2008
Hire a Hubby turns on mapping intelligence. Hire a Hubby has redefined its franchise territories using geospatial mapping software to introduce what it calls a more ‘plausible’ fee structure. .... [more]
1 Sep, 2008
Inquiry takes new look at franchising issues. The Joint Parliament Committee on Corporations and Financial Services has begun its inquiry into the Franchising Code of Conduct, with the chairman, Bernie Ripoll, emphasising that the committee is approaching the task "with a broad brief and an open mind". .... [more]
29 Aug, 2008
Victorian convenience store battle to heat up. NightOwl Convenience, Australia’s sixth largest convenience store franchise, is anticipated to open their Mornington store in September this year, as they look to embark on a Victorian expansion. .... [more]
29 Aug, 2008
Ketchell decision resolves the biggest issue in franchising “in 30 years”. The Franchise Council of Australia’s decision to fund the Ketchell case was vindicated yesterday when the High Court overturned a legal precedent that had created uncertainty across the sector. .... [more]
28 Aug, 2008
Mr Rental: emerging franchise, emerging threat. Queensland-based appliance rental brand Mr Rental has begun an aggressive incursion into Sydney. The campaign is supported by television advertisements and is aimed at taking targeted consumers away from the traditional retailer. .... [more]
26 Aug, 2008
Regional winners named in MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards. Regional finals were held in the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards this week, organised by the Franchise Council of Australia. .... [more]
23 Aug, 2008
Mrs Fields bankruptcy 'won't affect Australia'. Mrs Fields – Famous Brands in the United States is about to file for bankruptcy as part of their financial restructuring. But Andrew Benefield, MD of Australian franchisee Mrs Fields Australia (Cookies Australia Pty Ltd) says the local operation will continue trading with no impact to the Australian franchise, its stores or employees. .... [more]
22 Aug, 2008
Domino's profit up 29.6% on strong sales. Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd has boosted its annual profit by 29.6 per cent after generating strong sales growth across the group, particularly in Europe. .... [more]
20 Aug, 2008
SA franchising looks strong. The franchising sector is in a favourable position to ride out tougher economic conditions, chartered accountants PKF say. .... [more]
18 Aug, 2008
The Eagle Boys rise. Australia's third biggest pizza chain, Eagle Boys Pizza, increased full year sales by 21.9 per cent as the company increased the number of stores and eyes further expansion. .... [more]
18 Aug, 2008
Mums get the balance right. Combing work and motherhood is a tricky business. Keeli Cambourne talks to two women who have found how to make it work. .... [more]
16 Aug, 2008
McDonald's to open new stores despite economic doubts. McDonald's Australian arm is rolling ahead with plans to increase the number of its stores to around 800 from 767 despite a slump in the economy, but it plans to offer more budget-conscious choices on its menu boards to fit households' tighter spending habits. .... [more]
16 Aug, 2008
Churning: The dark side of franchising. Few topics provoke greater debate in the franchise sector than the issue of churning. It is a hugely controversial issue that has the capacity to draw strong responses from both franchisors and franchisees alike, though from entirely different perspectives. .... [more]
12 Aug, 2008
PwC acquires franchise consultancy. PricewaterhouseCoopers yesterday announced the acquisition of franchise consultancy, Franchise Developments Management Consulting. Pioneers among franchise developers in Australia, FDMC has been assisting clients build corporate, retail and service businesses since it was founded in 1983 by Sergio Alderuccio. .... [more]
11 Aug, 2008
Bosses warned on bad language. The Workplace Ombudsman says Australia's bosses have been put on notice, that the "f-word" has no place in workplace negotiations, after the Federal Magistrate's Court this week fined a Donut King franchisee $12,000 for breaches of the Workplace Relations Act. .... [more]
8 Aug, 2008
Retail chain wants to buy parts of Bill Express. Convenience retail chain 7-Eleven Stores is considering buying parts of Bill Express, which appointed an administrator in early July. The privately owned 7-Eleven has an exclusive option with administrator PPB to look at the assets of Bill Express and related companies. .... [more]
8 Aug, 2008
Lenard’s no chicken when it comes to change. With a new private equity investor on board, and big changes to its business model and product range in the pipeline, the challenges facing chicken franchise Lenard’s are far from paltry. .... [more]
1 Aug, 2008
Starbucks closes 61 stores in Australia. Starbucks will close more than two-thirds of its 84 stores in Australia by the end of the week under a cost-cutting plan announced Tuesday that will put almost 700 people out of work. .... [more]
29 Jul, 2008
Franchise boss hands over reins. Franchising entrepreneur Richard Hamood has sold his interests in the franchise chain he introduced to South Australia. The former master franchisee for Lenards in SA and the Northern Territory has sold his business back to the Queensland-based parent company. .... [more]
28 Jul, 2008
You'll get a reputation. The first franchisee satisfaction survey reveals reputation is important when it comes to attracting and training fresh blood. .... [more]
28 Jul, 2008
Franchisors 'need to act like banks'. Franchisors need to act more like banks by providing early and ongoing support and advice to their franchisees, particularly those that appear to be sailing on choppy financial waters, a business advisory company says. .... [more]
25 Jul, 2008
Fantastic acquires Dare Gallery's assets. Fantastic Holdings Ltd will re-establish Dare Gallery Furniture Pty Ltd after it acquired certain assets and liabilities from the administrator of the furniture company. .... [more]
24 Jul, 2008
ACCC launches unconscionable conduct action against franchisor. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched legal action against franchisor Seal-A-Fridge and its director Nigel Rooney, alleging the company engaged in unconscionable conduct towards its franchisees. .... [more]
23 Jul, 2008
Eagle Boys swoop on Pizza Haven. Eagle Boys Pizza has sliced further into the Australian takeaway food market with the acquisition of the country's fourth-largest pizza chain Pizza Haven Australia. .... [more]
18 Jul, 2008
Hand franchises to watchdog. Investing in a franchise business should be treated like investing in any other business and come under the scrutiny of the corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, a franchisee lobby group says. .... [more]
14 Jul, 2008
BOQ writes off franchise loans. Most of the loans from Bank of Queensland to owner-operators of its franchised branches in Sydney appear to be impaired, and the bank appears to be increasingly willing to write off some of those loans. .... [more]
14 Jul, 2008
Retail Food sees profit up at least 116% Food brand manager and franchisor Retail Food Group Ltd (RFG) expects its full year profit to rise by at least 116 per cent, following its acquisition of the popular Brumby's Bakeries and Michel's Patisserie franchises. .... [more]
10 Jul, 2008
RFG completes Donut King deal in China. Food brand manager and franchisor Retail Food Group Ltd (RFG) has finalised the terms of an agreement with Shanghai-based Mak Brands Ltd to expand its Donut King franchise into China. .... [more]
4 Jul, 2008
Kleins, the Titanic, and lessons for us all. The collapse of Kleins and several other insolvencies of both small and large franchisors so far this year has thrown the issue of franchisor failure into a rarely illuminated spotlight. .... [more]
2 Jul, 2008
Business prefers mediation to lawyers. Victoria’s Small Business Commissioner says his office has seen a sharp increase in the number of franchise and business-to-business disputes being brought to it for resolution. .... [more]
2 Jul, 2008
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