Apricot Lane Boutique Captures 2008 ICSC Hot Retailer Award
LAS VEGAS, NV - May 30, 2008 - -- Apricot Lane, a franchise chain of fashion and gift retail stores in a boutique setting, received the 2008 Hottest Retailer Award during ICSC's Global Retail Convention during a ceremony hosted by TV personality Carson Kressley (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy).
From a worldwide voting of the organization's 75,000 members, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc. (ICSC) recognizes the most innovative or one-of-a-kind retailers that are appearing in shopping centers around the world. Past recipients have been Apple Stores; Coach; Williams-Sonoma; Build-A-Bear Workshop; H&M Hollister; Hot Topic; Victoria's Secret; and Chico's.
"ICSC is pleased to announce and award its 'Hot Retailer Award' to retailers that have worked hard to create products and services that drive customers to shopping centers around the world," said Michael P. Kercheval, ICSC's president and CEO.
Apricot Lane is featured as the only Specialty Retail Franchise in the U.S. that combines opportunities from the Fashion boutique and Gift industries to offer branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the styles and trends customers are looking for. Apricot Lane carries designer apparel brands such as Lucky Brand Jeans, Joe's Jeans, 1921 Denim, Habitual and many other premium denim lines. They also carry the hot new collections by Ed Hardy, Crystal Rock, Sinful, Free people by Urban Outfitters, Hale Bob and other up and coming designers.
To complete any outfit, many Apricot Lane boutiques also carry accessories by Steve Madden, Naughty Monkey, Havianas, Jessica Simpson and Mary Frances. Many of these brands can be found in upscale department stores but the small boutique convenience, service and environment are the attraction for Apricot Lane Boutiques.
"We are very honored and excited to receive this award and recognition," said Ken Petersen, CEO of the Apricot Lane franchise company in Vacaville, California. I have always thought we have a "Tiger by its Tail" with creating the ability to franchise this unique fashion boutique retail business. We fill a huge void in the fashion retail industry. The void is between the nationwide chains and the independents. It's difficult for the independent to compete against the efficiencies of the national chains. With our group, we bring the best of both worlds together; the efficiencies of a national chain to a local entrepreneur who knows their neighbors and their community and is motivated to succeed."
Apricot Lane's loyal customers are 24-35 years of age, but it's not uncommon to see mom and daughter shopping together - expanding the base to teenagers and women ages 40-plus. Apricot Lane stores currently can be found in lifestyle centers, regional malls, tourist spots, downtown locations and strip centers.
Apricot Lane has plans to expand its current 30-franchise system by 30-40 stores each year thru franchising in most of the U.S. states. Ken adds, "It's a great opportunity to own a small fashion boutique in a major shopping center, with the support and confidence of a solid franchise system, allowing owners to be in business for themselves, just not by themselves." Apricot Lane is also considering the possibility of using strategic partnerships and other investment opportunities for a more rapid expansion and capitalization.
Apricot Lane's website is: http://www.apricotlaneusa.com
Contact Information: Ken Petersen CEO Apricot Lane (707) 451-6890 x102 ken@apriotlaneusa.com
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From a worldwide voting of the organization's 75,000 members, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc. (ICSC) recognizes the most innovative or one-of-a-kind retailers that are appearing in shopping centers around the world. Past recipients have been Apple Stores; Coach; Williams-Sonoma; Build-A-Bear Workshop; H&M Hollister; Hot Topic; Victoria's Secret; and Chico's.
"ICSC is pleased to announce and award its 'Hot Retailer Award' to retailers that have worked hard to create products and services that drive customers to shopping centers around the world," said Michael P. Kercheval, ICSC's president and CEO.
Apricot Lane is featured as the only Specialty Retail Franchise in the U.S. that combines opportunities from the Fashion boutique and Gift industries to offer branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the styles and trends customers are looking for. Apricot Lane carries designer apparel brands such as Lucky Brand Jeans, Joe's Jeans, 1921 Denim, Habitual and many other premium denim lines. They also carry the hot new collections by Ed Hardy, Crystal Rock, Sinful, Free people by Urban Outfitters, Hale Bob and other up and coming designers.
To complete any outfit, many Apricot Lane boutiques also carry accessories by Steve Madden, Naughty Monkey, Havianas, Jessica Simpson and Mary Frances. Many of these brands can be found in upscale department stores but the small boutique convenience, service and environment are the attraction for Apricot Lane Boutiques.
"We are very honored and excited to receive this award and recognition," said Ken Petersen, CEO of the Apricot Lane franchise company in Vacaville, California. I have always thought we have a "Tiger by its Tail" with creating the ability to franchise this unique fashion boutique retail business. We fill a huge void in the fashion retail industry. The void is between the nationwide chains and the independents. It's difficult for the independent to compete against the efficiencies of the national chains. With our group, we bring the best of both worlds together; the efficiencies of a national chain to a local entrepreneur who knows their neighbors and their community and is motivated to succeed."
Apricot Lane's loyal customers are 24-35 years of age, but it's not uncommon to see mom and daughter shopping together - expanding the base to teenagers and women ages 40-plus. Apricot Lane stores currently can be found in lifestyle centers, regional malls, tourist spots, downtown locations and strip centers.
Apricot Lane has plans to expand its current 30-franchise system by 30-40 stores each year thru franchising in most of the U.S. states. Ken adds, "It's a great opportunity to own a small fashion boutique in a major shopping center, with the support and confidence of a solid franchise system, allowing owners to be in business for themselves, just not by themselves." Apricot Lane is also considering the possibility of using strategic partnerships and other investment opportunities for a more rapid expansion and capitalization.
Apricot Lane's website is: http://www.apricotlaneusa.com
Contact Information: Ken Petersen CEO Apricot Lane (707) 451-6890 x102 ken@apriotlaneusa.com
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http://www.rapidpressrelease.com/press%2Drelease/Business/005551.asp
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