According to a study carried out by the Fédération des Franchises in 2021, 11% of franchises operating in Belgium came from abroad. This figure shows that foreign franchises are well and truly present on the Belgian market.
Foreign companies looking to expand their distribution network in Belgium may come from a variety of sectors. Bakery, ready-to-wear, beauty and well-being, fast food: here are 6 foreign franchises to invest in in Belgium.
Brioche Dorée, the bakery-pastry and fast-food chain
Brioche Dorée is one of the foreign bakery-pastry and fast-food franchises to enter the Belgian market in 2019. Since then, it has been actively seeking new franchisees to expand its network in Belgium. The chain offers a variety of popular products such as pastries, sandwiches and salads. In addition to initial training, Brioche Dorée franchisees benefit from marketing and sales support, reinforcing the appeal of the franchise in Belgium. Brioche Dorée stands out in the Belgian fast-food market for its French know-how and quality products.
To become a Brioche Dorée franchisee in Belgium, certain conditions must be met, including a personal contribution of €70,000, an entry fee of €3,500 and premises of between 100 and 150 m². Although the franchise currently has around 10 outlets in Belgium, it aims to open 30 by 2025. Average sales per outlet are estimated at €650,000. In addition, project owners will benefit from royalties on sales and advertising, as well as assistance in finding premises and setting up sales outlets.
Entering the beauty and wellness market with the Lady Minute franchise
Lady Minute is a French franchise specializing in walk-in beauty treatments at competitive prices. Offering a wide range of services such as hair removal, facial and body care, make-up and nail services, the brand’s innovative concept is sure to appeal to Belgian franchisees. By joining this network, Lady Minute franchise candidates will be entitled to full support, including initial training, assistance with opening, marketing and operational support. The no-appointment concept offers great flexibility for customers, and the brand’s strong reputation in France makes it easy to establish a foothold in the Belgian beauty and wellness market. By respecting Lady Minute’s values and having a good knowledge of the Belgian market, future franchisees can prosper in this dynamic sector.
The overall investment to open a Lady Minute franchise in Belgium is estimated at between €150,000 and €250,000. This includes a minimum personal contribution of €50,000, an entry fee of €35,000, expenses related to fitting out the premises, purchasing equipment and products, and working capital. The potential sales of a Lady Minute center in Belgium after two years of operation are between €400,000 and €600,000.
How to open a ready-to-wear franchise in Belgium with Jules
Founded in 1991, Jules is a French men’s ready-to-wear brand looking to accelerate its development in Belgium, one of its priority markets. As one of the foreign franchises that are recruiting, the brand already has over 20 points of sale and plans to open 20 to 30 new franchised stores a year. Jules offers quality casual and sportswear collections at affordable prices. Franchisees wishing to join this network will benefit from strong support from the network head, including initial and ongoing training , marketing and communications assistance, and access to several suppliers. Although the Belgian ready-to-wear market is competitive, the Jules franchise stands out for the quality of its products and its retail expertise.
To open a Jules franchise in Belgium, an overall investment of between €155,000 and €250,000 is required, including a personal contribution of €80,000, taxes and licenses, for initial stock, fitting out the premises, purchasing furniture and equipment, as well as communication and marketing. Jules does not charge an entrance fee. Average franchise sales after 2 years range from €850,000 to €2,500,000, according to information available on the Jules website.
How to become a Wasabi Sushi & Bento franchisee
Founded in the UK in 2003, Wasabi Sushi & Bento is a Japanese fast food chain opening its first restaurant in Brussels in 2019. It currently has four restaurants in Belgium. The brand offers a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, california rolls, bento and other authentic Japanese dishes at affordable prices. It stands out for its fast, friendly service, modern ambience and commitment to quality fresh produce. To join this Japanese fast-food franchise, you’ll need a total investment of €100,000, including a €25,000 personal contribution and a €30,000 entry fee. After 2 years in business, a Wasabi Sushi & Bento franchisee can expect to achieve sales of €1,000,000.
Five Guys, American-style fast food
Arriving in Belgium in 2018 with the opening of its first location in Brussels, Five Guys is an American hamburger chain founded in 1986 in Washington D.C. In addition to customizable hot dogs and burgers prepared to order, the chain also offers fresh-cut fries, milkshakes and other beverages. This American brand currently has 5 restaurants in Belgium, located in Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent and Liège. To open a Five Guys franchise, an overall investment of €120,000 is required, including a personal contribution of €25,000 and an entry fee of €40,000. Potential sales after 2 years in business are €1,200,000 per restaurant.
Kruidvat
Kruidvat is a Dutch franchise specializing in the sale of health and beauty products, personal hygiene, baby and children’s products, household products and food products. Its first Belgian branch opened in Antwerp in 1988. The brand stands out in the retail sector for its spacious, well-organized stores, friendly, helpful staff and regular promotions. Kruidvat currently has over 700 stores in Belgium.
