Australian organisational expert, Howards Storage World is defying the global downward trend with news it will further expand internationally. A Master Franchisee for the Benelux region of Europe, which encompasses Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg has commenced the signing process.
The first Howards Storage World Benelux store will open in October 2009 in Waterloo, Belgium. There are plans to open 30 stores in Belgium and 50 in The Netherlands over the next 10 years.
Managing Director of the Benelux Master Franchise, Michel Dusausoy - who has recently completed the first stage of training at Howards Storage World's International Office in Sydney - says the Benelux Group Directors are very optimistic about the brand's prospects in Western Europe.
"I first discovered Howards Storage World at the Belgium franchising fair in April 2008. I was excited by this unique Australian concept and realised there was space in the Benelux market for a brand that specialised in home storage solutions.
"We have conducted extensive market research since April 2008 with our findings highlighting the attractiveness of this brand to consumers. We aim to rapidly expand the franchise over the next 10 years to include 80 stores throughout the region," says Michel Dusausoy.
The Howards Storage World franchise began in 1997 with the first store in Northbridge, Sydney, owned by Les and Edda Howard. Today the business has grown to 63 stores throughout Australia and 80 stores internationally.
Howards Storage World franchises currently operate in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore, Ireland and the GCC Territories in the Middle East (including Dubai and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Stores are soon to open in the Philippines with a site now under review. A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed and deposit paid for Scandinavia which encompasses Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Co-founder and joint CEO, Dirk Spence says the organisation's worldwide expansion signals the brand's international market relevance and commercial viability.
"The introduction of the Howards Storage World brand into the Benelux region is an exciting addition to our international portfolio and we're very impressed by the professionalism of our new Benelux partners. Their detailed business plan suggests a carefully thought through strategy for success. We look forward to seeing this great Australian concept reach its full potential in Benelux," says Dirk Spence.
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