DP Furniture Express was founded by John Marshall and the first store, originally named Durham Pine, opened in 1984. John had begun by restoring old furniture and a niche for restored antique pine furniture was recognised. As sales mushroomed buying enough old pieces to satisfy demand became a problem and new pine furniture was introduced.
Growth has increased steadily, year on year and the company's total turnover in 2002 was in excess of £39 Million and the figure for 2003 looks set to be in excess of that. DP Furniture Express has become a major force in the business world. It has developed from an organisation with only one employee, to a highly respected national employer of over 350 staff.
The DP Furniture Express Franchise
From this hands on experience has spawned the DP Furniture Express franchise system , based on common sense, value for money and quality service ethics. This system encourages a franchisee to own and run their businesses in vibrant, constantly developing environment, with excellent support from Head Office.
In 1991, a pilot franchise was set up in Leeds - the first of many successful ventures, confirming for DP Furniture Express that the franchise road is the logical one to follow.
DP Furniture Express' franchised stores have exceeded original expectations - because of the commitment of the franchisees and the support of the DP Furniture Express team. Franchising is now an extremely important part of the business and the most profitable route for both Franchisor and franchisee.
The Market
It was said ten years ago that pine would be a fad or passing fashion. Well, here we are as the UK's No 1 pine furniture retailer, with an ever increasing market share in a growing market.
The taste may not be so much for pine, but for real wooden furniture. Our raw material is one of the few timbers ecologically managed and our young industry continues to re-design its appearance. The pine sector of cabinet furniture is the fastest moving of all.
The DP Furniture Express Opportunity
We have established a national reputation for providing quality products at value for money prices. DP Furniture Express, with its material network of stores is increasingly the place to buy pine furniture.
We are keen to continue to build on our current strong position and currently have over 70 stores of which 34 are franchised. Over the next five years we plan to increase the number of stores to 160 (of which 80 will be franchised) and correspondingly increase our turnover to £100 million. Click here to request more information.
The Package
Our Franchise package includes everything that you will need to ensure your success. We are with you every step of the way.
The package includes:
Site selection - We have developed a number of standard site profiles which are used to assess the viability and potential profitability of a site. Once a site has been chosen we will help you with the negotiation of the lease.
Store Opening Team - Prior to the opening of your store, the DP Furniture Express Store Opening Team will be onsite with you - ensuring that your store is professionally set up ready to trade.
Product Selection - All franchisees benefit from DP Furniture Express' experience and specialist knowledge of the market place. Product ranges are selected for each new shop, depending upon local market demands and best sellers thereby ensuring that the franchise is stocked with proven product that has been tried and tested in company stores before being made available to franchises.
Training Programme - New franchisees undergo a comprehensive training programme developed by DP Furniture Express, covering product knowledge, retailing, administrative and accounts systems, dealing with suppliers, problem solving and financial control.
Marketing Support - We have identified the most suitable promotional tools for the business and we work closely with professional advertising and public relations agencies to create maximum awareness of your new store
Ongoing support - Our nationwide team of five Area Managers and Store Development Managers provide local support backed up by the Head Office infrastructure, covering all aspects of the business. Quarterly regional franchise meetings also allow a two-way exchange of information between DP Furniture Express and its franchisees. All franchisees benefit from the preferential trading terms negotiated by DP Furniture Express with suppliers.
Startup Costs
The initial costs of starting a DP Furniture Express Franchise varies according to each site. Specific costings will be prepared when an individual site is located. However as a guide, the start-up costs associated with a DP Furniture Express Franchise would be approximately £125,000.
Finance packages are available from the banks who are normally able to lend 50% of the start up costs for viable business propositions. Click here to request more information.
Projected Results
Target franchise store performances
Nett Sales
£624,000
Cost of Sales
£331,000
Gross Profit
£293,000
Less Overheads
£188,000
Nett Profit
£105,000
These figures represent purely a guide as to performance. There is no guarantee that every franchisee will achieve the same results nor is it intended that the figures should be relied on as a guarantee. Individual projections will be prepared for franchisees dependent on the chosen site as part of the business planning process.
The Next Step
If you feel that you have the drive and enthusiasm to become a DP Furniture Express franchisee contact us.