Retail Franchise Opportunities

What's the state of the retail market?

Britain has long been described as a nation of shopkeepers, and this still rings true today. From ‘popping to the shops’ to ‘clicking and collecting’, we’re a country that loves to shop, both in person and online.

We now buy more often and more flexibly than ever. In fact, the UK leads the world in online shopping frequency, with 38% of consumers making purchases multiple times a week. Yet physical retail remains strong too – 85% of Brits opt to visit a supermarket at least once a week.

Key trends shaping the UK retail market

Retail is one of the oldest forms of commerce in the UK. It’s also one of the most resilient and fast-evolving. If you're thinking about buying into a retail franchise, it helps to understand some of the key forces and factors shaping the landscape:

• Hybrid shopping habits – Most consumers now switch between online and in-person shopping depending on the product.
• Category-driven frequency – Essentials are bought weekly, while items like fashion or homeware see less frequent but more considered purchases.
• In-store appeal for younger shoppers – Under-35s visit physical stores more often than older generations, valuing the tactile experience.
• Seasonal peaks still matter – December and other key dates still generate heavy footfall, even with online convenience.
• Ethical and purpose-led brands are on the rise – Sustainable and socially responsible franchises are increasingly popular.
• Brand loyalty with flexibility – Retail franchises can strike a winning balance between consumer trust and the ability to adapt locally.
• Economic shifts affect consumer spending – Inflation and interest rates directly influence retail performance, making the built-in support of a franchise even more valuable.

More about retail franchising

Of the 325,000 retail businesses operating in 2024, 99% are classed as small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With most franchise units also falling under this category, franchising is clearly playing a vital role in sustaining both the high street and e-commerce.

Retail franchises aren’t just defined by what they sell, but also by how they operate. Some are bricks-and-mortar stores while others trade entirely online. Many adopt a hybrid model combining both.

The retail franchise sector is diverse, with opportunities existing across a wide range of categories, including:

• Fashion and accessories
• Health and beauty
• Homeware and furniture
• Electronics and digital entertainment
• Convenience and grocery
• Specialist retail (eg photographic services, chocolate, fragrances, vaping equipment)
• Buy and sell services
• Fuel stations

Why retail franchising makes sense

Retail franchises offer more than just product choice – they come with infrastructure, systems and support that can help fast-track success. Key advantages include:

• Brand recognition – An established name draws customers from day one.
• Proven business model – Tried-and-tested operations reduce start-up risk.
• E-commerce integration – Many brands support hybrid sales, combining in-store and online.
• Marketing support – Benefit from national campaigns and in-store POS materials.
• Buying power – Access supply chains and wholesale pricing usually unavailable to independents.
• Operational support – Franchisors provide training and help with logistics, compliance and more.
• Scalability – Many franchisees expand into multi-unit operations or complementary locations.

Retail franchise case study: Revolution Records

Revolution Records taps into the vinyl revival, offering a curated mix of new and pre-owned records, turntables and music merchandise – all wrapped in a personal, community-first retail experience.

The first flagship store opened in Stevenage in 2016. Since then, Revolution Records has grown into a modest network of four destination shops. More than just retail outlets, they double as cultural hubs –hosting live performances, signings and record fairs that bring music lovers and collectors together.

Shops typically range from 500–1,000 sq ft and are often located just off the main high street for lower rental costs. It’s a low-cost investment model ideal for owner-operators with a passion for music and a flair for customer service.

For Ken Davidson, a lifelong love of music and a friendly, engaging personality led to him opening a Revolution Records store in Penge, south London in 2022.

“I’d always wanted to own my own record shop,” he says. “I had some cash to invest, and this felt like the right move – especially post-Covid. People were starting to reconnect with each other and the outside world.”

Without prior retail experience, Ken found the Revolution Records franchise model gave him the confidence and tools he needed: “I liked the style of the branding, and the store came with stock, supplier links, training on the till and accounts, and some marketing support. It helped me hit the ground running.”

Putting heart and soul into the business

Once established, Ken made the shop his own by, for example, building on his selection of reggae, soul and indie – genres close to his heart. His store sits in a parade of other independent shops and has become a local destination for vinyl enthusiasts of all ages.

“I’m pleased with how the business has developed and not just from a financial perspective, which is great as we’re 40 per cent up on last year. I also enjoy being part of the community and connecting with people over music.

“It’s not just about me. I’ve got two great guys working alongside me – Paul Mawdesley and Anthony Cutts, who are very much part of the team and integral to our success.”

Ken also credits industry-wide events with boosting interest. “Record Store Day is just brilliant,” he explains. “Every April, we’ll have around 60 people queuing out the door. It creates a real buzz — and reminds everyone of the joy of browsing, discovering and buying music in person.

“The exclusive vinyl releases are a major draw and give independent shops like ours a huge lift. It provides proof that, even in a digital world, there’s still a place for the original record shop experience and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Retail franchise case study: COOK

Founded in 1997, COOK began with a simple but ambitious idea: to make and sell frozen meals that look and taste homemade.

Starting out from a small kitchen in Kent, the business has grown into a much-loved UK brand with a loyal customer base. Its ever-expanding range caters to a wide range of diets and tastes – from comforting classics to vegan, gluten-free and senior-friendly meals.

COOK operates over 100 retail shops across the UK, with around 30 of those run by franchisees. The remaining stores are company-owned.

One standout feature is that both franchise and non-franchise stores operate under the same systems, values and support network. This ‘One COOK’ approach ensures consistency in customer experience and product quality across the board.

As a certified B Corp, the business is known for its ethical approach, including employing people who’ve faced barriers to work. There is also a clear focus on community and customer service, dished up as a warm, nutritious and welcoming retail experience.

Bradley's COOK retail franchise journey

Bradley Podbur owns two COOK shops, both of which he opened from scratch. His first Cheshire store launched in Wilmslow in 2013, followed by Hale in 2016. With no background in retail, he made the leap to frozen food retail and hasn’t looked back since.

We caught up with him to learn more about his journey as a franchisee, and the challenges and rewards of running two retail units.

“I was working in international business development before COOK,” he explains. “I didn’t have any previous retail experience, but many of the skills were transferable, particularly the people side of things.” That focus on people, whether customers or team members, remains central to how Bradley runs his stores today.

What drew him to the COOK retail franchise was more than just a good business opportunity. “I loved the COOK brand and concept—and the food, of course. It stood out as something genuinely different at the time. The values behind it, especially its B Corp status, really appealed to me.”

Support and structure

COOK’s retail franchise offer was particularly compelling: a business model built around a proven, well-trodden path, with full support in place to help new owners get up and running.

“From store design to product training and systems setup, the support covered everything I needed,” says Bradley. “That structure gave me the confidence to go for it.”

One of the things Bradley values most is the ‘One COOK’ approach, where franchise stores operate in the same way as company-owned sites. “It never feels like we’re on the outside. We benefit from everything COOK has built and continue to be part of a wider family.”

Running two busy shops is not without its challenges. “It’s hard work and quite physical,” he admits. “Economic conditions – things like inflation and National Insurance increases – have also been tough.”

But overall, he’s in no doubt that he made the right move. “I have a much better work-life balance. It's the best career decision I’ve ever made. I’m even considering expanding.”

If you're interested in buying a retail franchise, browse our wide range of franchise opportunities. You can also browse bakery franchises, coffee franchises and van franchises.