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Who, What, Where

You may still have a lot of questions!
We’re here to connect and answer them.

FAQ’s

Commonly asked questions from store owners

How can we help you?

We hope you’ve found most of the information you were looking for throughout this website, but if you still need quick answers to some high-level questions about NTY and our franchises, scan the FAQs below. Of course, you can always give us a call to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members to get answers to your questions as well.

How much does it cost?

You can find detailed initial investment information for Children’s Orchard on this page.

Watch this video to learn more about how our required initial investment ranges sets you on a path to quick success:

Can I make any money?

Yes! NTY Franchise Company provides you with the business plan and tools to be successful, but it is up to you to make it happen. Click here to see some return-on-investment highlights for Children’s Orchard.

Watch this short video answering this frequently asked question:

How long does the franchise agreement last?

The franchise agreement lasts for 10 years, with the option of a $10,000 renewal fee for another 10 years. In this video, we highlight the franchise agreement and the option for renewal as stated in the NTY Franchise FDD:

Franchise
Initial Franchise Fee
Ongoing Royalty
Clothes Mentor
$25,000
4%
Company A
$25,000
5%
Company B
$35,000
5%
Company C
$29,500
5.5%
Company D
$25,000
7.5%

What are the initial fee and royalty fee?

The initial franchise fee for Children’s Orchard is $25,000 and the royalty is 4%. The chart below shows specifically how Children’s Orchard compares to four other top-rated apparel and accessories competitors in these two key categories.

Keep more of what you make

Can I speak with your current franchisees? And I can choose who to talk to?

Definitely! We encourage you to reach out to our current Children’s Orchard franchisees to get answers to even more of your questions. In the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), you will receive a long list of owners that you are free to contact. This video highlights the section of the FDD that includes contact information for our current franchisees:

How much control do I have over my store?

It is your business. We provide you with NTY Franchise Company’s proven, profitable business model, but you have control over your store(s). Watch this short video answering this very question:

Do you provide assistance to me after my store is open?

Yes! You will be assigned a Franchise Business Consultant (FBC), who will be your small business consultant throughout the life of your business. You will also receive ongoing marketing support and more. Check out the video below to learn more about the benefits of being a Children’s Orchard franchisee. Then click here to read more about the role of our regional operations managers.

Where do I get my inventory?

You will purchase your inventory directly from the customers that visit your store. Click here to see an overview of the Children’s Orchard resale concept. Then check out the video below to hear about obtaining inventory for NTY Franchise stores.

How will I know what to pay for merchandise?

We have a sophisticated point-of-sale (POS) system that provides suggested pricing for product acquisition. The system also creates many financial reports that help you to manage and grow your business. Click here to learn more about our POS system. Also, watch this video to hear the benefits of NTY’s POS system:

 

How do Clothes Mentor stores avoid the thrift store stereotype?

This is a very common question! And here’s the answer in this video:

Some More

FAQ’s

Yes! NTY Franchise Company has been in the upscale resale game for a long time, and our proven, profitable business model has helped many franchisees produce highly successful stores year after year. Click here to watch some of our owner testimonial videos.

NTY Franchise Company can put you in touch with our preferred lender, Wells Fargo, for help with financing. We have developed a great relationship with the nation’s largest Small Business Administration (SBA) lender. Click here to find out more about Children’s Orchard’s financing option.

The typical length of time between signing your Franchise Agreement and the opening of your Children’s Orchard store varies from 6 to 12 months. Click here to see more information about the timeline to open a Children’s Orchard store.

Yes. Part of NTY’s franchise support services includes helping you to find the best possible location for opening your Children’s Orchard store. Click here to find more information about our store location support services.

Yes. NTY Franchise Company has teamed up with proven vendors that offer the best pricing and service available for your Children’s Orchard store buildout. Go to this webpage to find out more information about our store buildout vendors and to take a virtual tour of a Children’s Orchard resale store.

As you proceed toward your store opening, you will receive specialized training at our corporate headquarters, at our corporate store, and on-site at your store. All training is free, however, you are responsible for any travel costs (airfare, lodging, food, etc.) for training at our corporate headquarters. Click here to get a detailed explanation of our training programs.

We offer comprehensive marketing training as well as ongoing marketing support to all franchisees. Click here to see a full list and examples of marketing support provided by NTY Franchise Company for Children’s Orchard stores.

Yes! We hold annual conferences for franchisees to come together to discuss business, participate in various training sessions and learn about new initiatives for the brand.

Our POS system is integrated with QuickBooks, which streamlines your bookkeeping process and makes it very easy for you.

Our suggested business hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Contact Us Today to Receive Your

Free Franchise Report

Brandon Yeager

Brandon Yeager

Software Engineer

Software Engineer
Leah Weisbecker

Leah Weisbecker

Franchise Business Consultant

Franchise Business Consultant
NTYHeadshots_Michelle

Michelle Vaudrin

Senior Director of Operations

Michelle Vaudrin is the Senior Director of Operations for  Children’s Orchard and Clothes Mentor. Before joining Children’s Orchard in 2016, she worked in leadership roles for Burlington, American Eagle, and Macy’s.

Michelle attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Retail Merchandising and Business Administration degree. She brings an extensive background in training in strategies, merchandising, customer service, and multi-unit store operations to the team.

NTYHeadshots_Jen.jpg

Jenny Mann

Vice President of Operations | Executive Director of IT

Jenny Mann is the Vice President of Operations for Clothes Mentor and Children’s Orchard. In January of 2020, Jenny also took on the role of Executive Director of IT, overseeing BST, our Point of Sale system, and the e-commerce platforms for both brands. Prior to this, Jenny was the Director of Marketing for NTY Franchise Company since January 2013. Jenny started with the NTY Franchise Company in 2008 with Clothes Mentor and has held many roles, including; Store Manager, New Store Opener, and Regional Operations Manager. Before joining NTY Franchise Company, Jenny worked for Old Navy (Gap, Inc.) and Target in management roles.

NTYHeadshots_Chad2.jpg

Chad Olson

Chief Operations Officer

Chad Olson has been Chief Operations Officer of NTY Franchise Company since January 2007. From May 1994 to December 2006, he held various positions for Winmark Corporation (f/k/a Grow Biz International, Inc.), including Field Operations Manager for the Once Upon a Child concept from 1999 to 2002, and Regional Operations Manager for the Plato’s Closet concept from 2002 to 2006.

Sean Marrs

Sean Marrs

IT/Tech Administrator

IT/Tech Administrator
Marissa Stacy

Marissa Stacy

Jr. Graphic Designer

Jr. Graphic Designer

Ashlyn Aarness

Ashlyn Aarness

Social Media Specialist

Social Media Specialist
Ashley Huebner

Ashley Huebner

Director of Marketing

Ashley Huebner oversees Children’s Orchard’s marketing and advertising efforts to drive sales, build brand awareness, and lead the planning on how to market the brand effectively. She leads creative initiatives by driving the brands’ vision in aesthetics, tone, and trends to elevate our brand position as a leader in the resale category.

Ashley joined the Children’s Orchard team in 2015. Ashley has 10+ years of Graphic Design experience. Ashley holds a strong background in design, user experience, and a passion for creativity. She holds a BA degree in Advertising and Art.