How do you open a convenience store?

A franchised convenience store is generally modest in size, located in a residential area or city center. It offers a range of products and services designed to meet consumers’ everyday needs. Although franchised, this type of business retains a degree of autonomy, enabling it to benefit from a recognized brand image, proven know-how and logistical support. These are all assets when it comes to entrepreneurship. According to the latest data available from the Cour des Comptes, the number of local shops in France is around 700,000 for 1.1 million employees. How much money do you need to open a convenience store? Which sector to choose: food, retail and personal services?

Which brands are the most profitable, and how do you estimate sales?

Some sectors are more buoyant than others. Food shops, pharmacies, bakeries, or even stores specializing in niche products can be more resilient to economic fluctuations. Profitability depends on the brand’s reputation, the concept, the outlet’s location, the competition, the management of the business and the chosen business model. Store sales average 223,000 euros. The local retail sector is a buoyant one, accounting for around 6% of GDP. Monoprix is a local hypermarket with 800 outlets and sales of over €1 million after 2 years in business. This supermarket chain is one of the leading local retailers in urban areas. It offers a 5-year contract to candidates wishing to become company managers by opening a store in the heart of towns in catchment areas.

What is a franchise business?

The aim of a local store is above all to meet a specific consumer demand. Whether it’s offering basic necessities or providing a special service, it must enable local residents to get what they need. In doing so, certain criteria must be met. In fact, the advantage of having a local store is that it’s located in a radius close to homes, around 10 minutes away or less. It’s also important to offer opening hours that suit the community’s habits. As a result, this type of store offers longer opening hours than superstores. Some supermarkets are also keen to diversify their offer by proposing complementary services such as relay points, postal services and the sale of transport tickets. Far from being traditional shops, convenience stores are a great place to live, and sometimes even a meeting place. It’s a way of supporting the local economy while promoting quality products and services.

Which stores are franchised?

Weldom is a DIY store that has made proximity its motto. Although part of the Adeo group (which also includes Bricoman and Leroy Merlin), Weldom has positioned itself as a specialist decorating and gardening retailer, with an offer tailored to customers’ needs. The proposed solutions are designed to simplify everyday life for local residents. Customers can find a Weldom store within 20 minutes of their home. The brand was voted best DIY franchise in 2023, and also won the award for best store chain of the year. The network comprises 274 specialist stores, while the Adeo Group has over 600 locations in France. To join Weldom, new franchisees will need to make a personal contribution of 150,000 euros and pay an entry fee of 6,100 euros. Candidates must also invest around 400,000 euros.

In France, the artisan bakery market is one of the country’s leading convenience stores. The business generated sales of 15.1 billion euros in 2023. Mamatte is an artisanal bakery franchise that is revolutionizing local commerce by offering all-you-can-eat meals in a convivial setting. With an overall investment of 900,000 euros, a personal contribution of 200,000 euros and an entry fee of 40,000 euros, entrepreneurs can join the network. Sales are estimated at 1.8 million euros over two years.

Small local shops are essential for revitalizing town centers in rural areas. They support the economy and promote sustainable development. It’s also a way of creating jobs. So it’s not uncommon for local businesses to diversify their activities by focusing on contact and a personalized customer experience. According to an OpinionWay survey, 81% of those questioned regularly frequent the same shops and are therefore loyal to them. Many customers even prefer to shop locally rather than visit a supermarket.

Summary

  1. A convenience store franchise combines autonomy with the support of a major brand to attract regular customers.

  2. Convenience stores, such as mini-markets and bakeries, play a key role in revitalizing town centers, and are profitable choices for franchisees.

  3. With banners such as Weldom and Mamatte, convenience store franchising enables us to anchor ourselves in the daily lives of consumers by offering services adapted to local needs.