Ambitious expansion plans

Schmidt Kitchens wants to establish a network of 100 franchised showrooms in the UK by 2023

Schmidt Kitchens is the number one retail kitchen brand in Europe, with a turnover of over 500 million euros. It’s been manufacturing innovative products that play a major part in home improvements in the kitchen, bathroom and interior solution marketplace for over 60 years. The company’s constant innovations keep it at the forefront of the industry in terms of both quality and design, while the brand’s recent TV campaign illustrates its willingness to push boundaries and do what other furniture manufacturers consider impossible.

Widespread appeal

All Schmidt products come from its six factories in the heart of Europe - five in France and one in Germany. Since 1989, it’s been developing an exclusive showroom concept and now has more than 700 showrooms in 25 countries.

In the UK, Schmidt currently has 26 showrooms and this year has opened new showrooms in Ruislip, Cheltenham, Reading and Norwich. New showrooms in Milton Keynes, Islington, Maidstone and Guildford will be open before the end of the year. The company has opportunities for the right people to take over a limited number of existing Schmidt showrooms and to open in new locations nationwide.

Comprehensive training and support

Schmidt’s comprehensive 14- week training programme allows the company to work with new franchisees who have no previous industry experience, as it covers all aspects of new business ownership, in addition to practical and theoretical training on its products and systems.

When it comes to ongoing support, Schmidt has experts on hand to assist you throughout your journey with the company, including a dedicated area manager to support you after opening your showroom. In addition, network progress meetings are arranged on a regular basis to share ideas and best practice across the network.

Investment level

The investment level for a Schmidt showroom depends on its size and location, but will usually require a personal investment of around £90,000. The total project costs are typically financed by three parties: the franchisee through a personal investment, funding from a bank and interest free Schmidt funding. Franchisees pay no franchisee fees or royalties.

Once established, the Schmidt Kitchens franchise opportunity is a positive cash flow business with a healthy annual income.

At a glance Schmidt Kitchens

Established: 1959
Number of franchised outlets: 26
Location of units: nationwide
Investment range: approximately £400,000
Minimum required capital: £80,000
Contact: Rosalyn Hastings, UK Expansion Manager, Rosalyn.hastings@groupe.schmidt; 07432553713 www.openaschmidtshowroom.com