Canadian Franchise Association shares trends shaping the franchise industry; see how COVID-19 has impacted the landscape, from increased mobile opportunities to a pet-friendly ventures
Toronto – February 3, 2022 – As aftershocks from the pandemic continue to challenge businesses, one sector appears to have adapted and became more resilient considering the circumstances. Despite the endless challenges faced over the last few years, franchise businesses were among the few success stories that have come out of the pandemic.
“Franchises are a crucial part of the Canadian economy, contributing more than $100 billion per year and creating jobs for more than 1.9 million Canadians,” says Sherry McNeil, President & CEO at the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). “What many don’t realize is that this sector also accounts for a substantial, if not most, of the small-businesses in the country. The pandemic has been devastating, but it has also shown us that having the support of a franchise model can help make businesses more resilient.”
Franchises have been uniquely positioned to withstand some of the stresses of lockdowns and growing challenges. The pandemic has shown that franchises can not only survive but also thrive in challenging times, and the following top trends in franchising for 2022, compiled by the Canadian Franchise Association will show you how.
HOME SWEET HOME
With the majority of Canadians currently working from home, and many planning to do so indefinitely, the importance of a functional living space – inside and out – has never been as important. This year will see a huge demand for franchises connected to the home, in particular in the home improvement & beautification space, as homeowners continue to look for ways to make their existing home, or a new space, more functional. Brands such as Paul Davis Restoration Group and Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, as well as mobile franchise systems such as Mint Maids meet these challenges head on, as well as offer work-from-home opportunities for those looking for flexible businesses solutions that allow them to never have to go into an office again.
AGEING IN PLACE
The reality is the Canadian population is ageing. People are also living longer. With more and more people looking to age in place in the comfort of their own home, the need for franchises specialising in making seniors more comfortable has skyrocketed. Local Handyman Group offers home and business handymen and repair services across North America, creating peace of mind for homeowners who can’t manage repairs themselves. And, a slew of franchise systems have emerged offering personalised care services like Comfort Keepers that provides in-home care and Heart to Home Meals, which delivers delicious and nutritious meals directly to seniors’ doorsteps. Driverseat provides a unique, care-based approach to transportation while also supporting a franchise model that encourages entrepreneurs to create a great life for themselves and their passengers.
EDUCATION CONCEPTS AND BUSINESS COACHING
With the pandemic forcing learning online, parents may be feeling their children’s education isn’t getting the attention it deserves. This sentiment by parents has created a high demand for tutoring and supplemental education facilities like Oxford Learning Centres Inc., Scholars Education Centres and Inspiration Learning Centre. But, it is not only the children who are benefiting from the extra guidance. As new entrepreneurs enter the world of franchising in 2022 the need for franchise business coaching has also been on the rise, and where better to start than consulting franchise systems such as ActionCOACH Canada and FranNet, providing education and support to individuals who are interested in exploring self-employment as a career option through franchised business ownership.
FOOD FOCUS
You can’t look at franchise trends without looking at food. Although restaurants have not had it easy over the past few years with endless pandemic rules and restrictions placed upon them, a few trends have emerged where food franchise models have thrived. With society focused on healthy eating and dietary alternatives, the steady incline in the desire for businesses that support and provide healthy options such as Booster Juice, M&M Food Markets, and Simply for Life have given potential franchisees food for thought. Technological advancements and the need for social distancing have also played a role in what the future of food franchising will look like, with companies such as Aisle 24 providing automated self-service shopping and the next evolution of grocery markets with their state-of-the-art retail experiences.
PETS AND PET SUPPLIES
Last but not least, with people spending more time at home and the need to support mental health, there has been a huge surge in pet adoption in the last few years. With this spike in pet ownership comes a necessity for pet-friendly franchises such as Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Global Pet Foods, as well as dog training for the onslaught of new, adorable puppies – Bark Busters. Not to mention dog daycare and grooming services such as Dogtopia for when pet parents need to head back to work.
For more information on franchising trends visit www.FranchiseCanada.online and/or visit one of the Canadian Franchise Association’s upcoming shows where attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with franchisors, consult one-on-one with expert advisors, and get tips for success at free seminars.
About the Canadian Franchise Association
The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) helps everyday Canadians realize the dream of building their own business through the power of franchising. CFA advocates on issues that impact this dream on behalf of more than 700 corporate members and over 40,000 franchisees from many of Canada’s best-known and emerging franchise brands. Beyond its role as the voice of the franchise industry, CFA strengthens and develops franchising by delivering best-practice education and creating rewarding connections between Canadians and the opportunities in franchising. Canadian franchises contribute over $96 billion per year to the Canadian economy and create jobs for more than 1.8 million Canadians. Learn more at www.cfa.ca or www.FranchiseCanada.online.
