The New Year is right around the corner, so it’s time to reflect on the past year. We’re taking a look back at the major trends and changes in the franchising industry in 2017. We look forward to seeing what 2018 has in store for the industry, and we’ll see you next year!
Trending Topics
Online Shopping: Technology is advancing rapidly, and retail franchises need to be able to keep up. Consumers want to be able to shop from the comforts of their own homes, making online retail sites that are easily accessed by smartphones, tablets and computers advantageous to company growth.
Child Care and Child Education Combined: Canadian parents are seeking quality child daycare centres that can provide quality education for their children as well. Child-related franchises may need to adapt in order to fill the desires of today’s parents. And as parents and educators become more knowledgeable about the development of the brain during childhood, the more this trend will grow.
Age-in-Place Home Care: Seniors prefer spending their twilight years at home where they can be surrounded by friends and family and maintain their independence. This is causing a rise in age-in-place specialists and home care assistance senior franchises. With the senior care industry growing at an amazing rate, this trend isn’t going away any time soon.
Delivery: Busy Canadians are changing the food franchise industry. Restaurant franchises are having to adapt to keep up with consumer demand for convenience, with the main focus being on delivery. Whether it’s rethinking the menu for more delivery-friendly foods that travel well or finding space in house for a takeout counter, restaurants are facing the challenges of this trend head on.
In the News
Franchises Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday
Second Cup celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday in March with an artist-designed cup and recrafted maple beverages. The franchise’s festive cup featured 13 of the country’s iconic landmarks and traditions.
Domino’s Pizza was in the festive spirit in April when the franchise announced its partnership with vacation rental company CanadaStays for its “A Vacation of Celebration” contest. When Canadian customers ordered Domino’s online, they were automatically entered to win one of 15 trips from CanadaStays or one of 150 prizes.
Franchises Foster Meaningful Partnerships
A&W Food Services of Canada teamed up with Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair in August for the franchise’s Burgers to Beat MS fundraiser. Sinclair, whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis, was excited to be a part of the campaign. A&W donated $2 from every Teen Burger sold across Canada to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Freshii signed a multi-year partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors in October. The healthy food franchise will have a new Freshii kiosk at gate two in the Air Canada Centre, food items in the concourse, suites, and in-sea menus.
Franchises Mark Milestones
Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill celebrated its 25th anniversary in June with the opening of three new restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area. And with the new year came the fresh new look with a redesigned interior that ensures a cottagey feel.
McDonald’s Canada reopened its first-ever location in Richmond, B.C. in June to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary. The franchise unveiled the iconic original arches, employees wore uniforms from the 1960s, and customers could purchase a 1967 hamburger special for only $0.67. It wasn’t all a blast from the past – the event also showed off the franchise’s new self-order kiosks, a McCafe bakery, and wood and stone finishes.
In July, franchise consulting company FranNet celebrated its 30th anniversary with a new scholarship program for aspiring entrepreneurs. College and university students were encouraged to share selfies across social media to enter to win a $10,000 scholarship. One winner was chosen this year with another winner to be chosen in 2018 and then another in 2019.
Pizza Pizza’s 50th anniversary was this year, and Canada’s leading pizza franchise marked the occasion with a nation-wide party in October. The chain served slices at 1967 prices – only $1.50 for a cheese or pepperoni slice and a can of Coke – with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Foundation that supports Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Canada.