Apollo Blinds Expands in Ireland Via Franchising

Britain's biggest blind store chain is targeting Ireland as part of growth plans to increase the size of its franchise network.

Apollo Blinds already has four franchises in Ireland and has identified at least 20 other key territories including Waterford, Cork, Kerry, and additional stores in Dublin, where it believes franchisees can build profitable and prosperous businesses as part of Apollo Blinds.

The focus for expansion in Ireland is part of Apollo Blinds' aim to double its franchisee network within the next five years, backed by Apollo Blinds' parent company Hunter Douglas, which is the world's largest manufacturer of window blinds. Having the backing of Hunter Douglas puts franchisees at a distinct commercial advantage, according to Apollo Blinds' General Manager, Patrick Harrison.

'Ireland is an exciting proposition for us because it has a thriving interior design market. This makes it an ideal opportunity to expand the new Apollo Blinds brand and set up franchisee businesses which will be prosperous because they have the support of the sector's market leader.'

He is confident that an Apollo Blinds franchise is even more appealing because it is a low-cost business start-up model. 'Franchisees can generate a substantial return on investment, as the window blinds industry has high gross margins and high net returns and Apollo Blinds ensures that its wholesale prices are the most competitive in the industry.'