Easy Living Mobility aims to become “the major supplier” in the market with franchise ambitions
Having started back in 2001 with only one small retail store in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Easy Living Mobility has declared its aim “to become the major supplier of mobility products and services in the UK,” after unveiling plans to build its own franchise network.
With around 13 stores across the West Midlands and Staffordshire, including a superstore in Walsall launched in 2014, the mobility retailer has expanded both its reach and product range over the years and is now planning to fulfil national ambitions using a franchise model.
Established by founder and owner Daniel Griffiths, Easy Living Mobility provide a wide range of mobility aids, including the supply, installation and servicing of stairlifts.
Emphasising that the company is well-established with a record of steady growth and profitability, Easy Living Mobility says it will now employ the same retail model used in its existing Midlands store portfolio as the basis of its franchise model.
Not a new model to the mobility industry, companies such as Ableworld and Scootamart have successfully operated franchise schemes in the mobility industry for a number of years, with both companies now boasting some of the largest store portfolios in the sector.
According to Easy Living Mobility, its franchise package will consist of three elements – a franchise license, franchise manuals, and a package of support items described as getting franchisee’s operational quickly.
Alongside access to professional business and product advice, the company says franchisees will also gain access to its “suppliers for all products with preferential trading terms.”
The announcement of another large-scale, national mobility retail player may add further pressure to some of the industry’s smaller, independent retailers that are already feeling the strain of an increasingly competitive market coupled with declining margins.
Alongside preferential prices, the company confirmed franchisees will also receive a protected territory – with owners able to apply to buy a further territory if it is available after one year of successful trading – as well as ties with Motability, providing the opportunity to supply, service and repair Motability equipment.
With an initial investment of £22,815 being required, the company approximates that the total capitol needed is close to £75,000, depending on the size and location of a showroom.
In particular, Easy Living Mobility says it is looking for candidates “who have the necessary skills, experience, energy and motivation to create a strong loyal customer base in a short period of time.”
Whilst having experience in the mobility, care or rehabilitation sector is not specified as a prerequisite, the company does state that it will be very selective, seeking “ambitious people with a thirst for delivering exceptional results and, in the main, who are able to take all customers on an enthusiastic journey whilst delivering results for all.”
