ATLANTA (June 18, 2015) – Franchise opportunities are growing in New York City and New Jersey with Primrose Schools®, a high-quality early education and care provider with more than 300 schools independently owned and operated coast-to-coast. The company, which experienced record geographic expansion last year, is actively seeking potential Franchise Owners in the area during the International Franchise Expo, the franchise industry’s premier annual event taking place June 18 – 20 at the Javits Center in New York.
Last year, Primrose opened 19 new schools, awarded 45 franchise agreements and experienced a 13.5 percent increase in overall system revenue over 2013. The company opened its 300th school this spring in Atlanta, marking another major milestone for the franchise brand.
This is the fourth year Primrose has exhibited at the International Franchise Expo, which attracts thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners each year. “The International Franchise Expo is a top show for us – providing a way to really connect and engage with passionate entrepreneurs in the Northeast market,” said Chris Goethe, vice president of franchising for Primrose Schools. “In fact, we met a group of entrepreneurs at last year’s show who ultimately signed our first-ever multi-unit area development agreement. And, this award officially marked our expansion into New York. We invite other entrepreneurs to join us on our journey to make a difference in children’s lives and in their communities.”
Last year’s International Franchise Expo led Primrose to meet Raj Whadwa, a Franchise Owner who epitomizes the type of entrepreneurs the company is seeking. “Our decision to become Primrose Franchise Owners was two-fold,” said Raj, one Franchise Owner of the multi-unit agreement. “We were all looking for the opportunity to invest in a meaningful business and grow our business in the Long Island submarket, a community that we’ve been a part of for more than 20 years. Primrose offered us that and we are thrilled to continue the momentum as Primrose expands into the New York area.”
Multi-unit area development agreements are most common among quick-service restaurants and food franchises. However, for Primrose, this new growth strategy is helping the company to meet the demand for high-quality early education and care it’s seeing across the country.
Industry research firm, IBISWorld, reported last November that the child care franchise industry will continue to grow at an average annual rate of 2.6 percent to $54.5 billion by 2019. It attributes the projected growth to increasing disposable income, which is allowing families to spend more on high-value services. Additionally, Forbes reports more people are seeking meaningful and rewarding careers, such as opening early education and child care schools.
“My husband and I have always wanted to own a business, but we decided to wait until we found an opportunity that was the right fit,” said Amina Gunaratne, Franchise Owner of Primrose School of Berkeley Heights, the fourth Primrose school to open in New Jersey. “When we came across Primrose, we were immediately drawn to its commitment to providing an environment where children can grow academically, emotionally and socially. We made the right decision to join the Primrose family, and the leadership team has supported us every step of the way.”
Primrose School of Berkeley Heights has been well-received by parents and the local community since it officially opened its doors to more than 120 children in August 2014. “We’re currently at 70 percent full-time enrollment and are on track to be at 90 percent by the end of the year,” stated Amina. “Demand isn’t slowing down any time soon, and we’re already working closely with Primrose to identify a location for a second school just a few towns over.”
Primrose has identified 34 communities in New York City and New Jersey that are ready for immediate expansion due to strong demand for high-quality early education and care, entrepreneurial interest and available real estate opportunities. These include: Basking Ridge, Branchburg, Delran, East Brunswick, Edison, Flemington, Freehold, Forked River, Haddonfield, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Howell, Matawan, Middlesex, Middletown, Mount Olive, North Caldwell, Pennington, Ramsey, Randolph, Red Bank, Rockaway, Sicklerville, South Plainfield, Toms River, Voorhees, Washington Township, Wall, Wayne, West Windsor, Whippany, Woodbridge, Woodcliff Lakes and Wyckoff.
Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about Primrose Schools franchise opportunities in New York City, New Jersey and other Northeastern markets can stop by the company’s booth at the International Franchise Expo or visit www.franchise.primroseschools.com.
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Franchise offerings are made by a Franchise Disclosure Document and are only made in states in which Primrose Schools is authorized to sell franchises.
About Primrose Schools
Founded in 1982, Primrose Schools is the nation’s leader in providing a premier, early education and care experience in more than 300 schools in 25 states. Each Primrose school is independently owned and operated by Franchise Owners, who partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offer an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®. Primrose offers Franchise Owners an industry-leading proprietary early education blueprint and delivery model, as well as financial security, autonomy and a sense of purpose. For more information, visit www.PrimroseFranchise.com, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube, and explore our 360 Parenting blog.