Bang & Olufsen: The Bang theory

With over 100 Bang & Olufsen franchise stores in the UK and Ireland there are still plans to develop new sites.

Most Bang & Olufsen franchisees did not have prior experience of running their own business. What they had was enthusiasm for the brand, and a commitment to excellence.

Very few have come from the audio/video industry, as the ability to communicate at a senior level is more valuable than knowing how a TV works.

Bang & Olufsen's franchisees must be capable of networking at a senior level, as they will meet with people regularly. They should have a good understanding of sales and marketing, as well as being practical, keen and able to demonstrate the benefits of Bang & Olufsen's brand.

Training will be available for both the franchisee and his/her staff, and includes a trip to Bang & Olufsen's head office in Struer, Denmark. The programme covers retail skills and merchandising, management and systems, marketing, selling skills, and product knowledge.

Bang & Olufsen will help franchisees find the right location. This process involves a complete territory evaluation, which will provide a full demographic analysis of potential territories.

Franchisees will be given help in business planning, and will be eligible for negotiated funding from major banks.

Investment level: £250,000 in total, including bank funding
Website: www.bang-olufsen.com
Email: ukreception@bang-olufsen.dk
Phone: 0118 969 2288
Franchise classification: Retail, audio, video