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Posted:13-January-2021

Northern Irish franchisees open another CeX franchise

Is this your first CeX franchise?
Stuart: We already have two CeX Stores in Northern Ireland. We’ve been CeX franchisees for nearly five years now and we have steadily grown the businesses.

Why did you choose franchising?
Trevor: Having been involved and worked in several businesses over the years, I understand just how difficult it is to run a profitable business.

Stuart: I used to work for CeX as a Store Manager, so I understood how the business worked and had always wanted to work for myself. Being able to become a franchisee within the business I have grown up in has been a great opportunity for me.

What did you do before taking up a franchise?
Trevor: I have experience running retail businesses and could see the benefit of the structure CeX have within their business model. This appealed to me.

How did you raise the finance?
We’ve raised Bank finance by careful business planning. Initially, our existing savings were supported by our Bank, who, fortunately over the years have been very supportive. CeX have helped by working with the major Bank’s and ensuring they understand how our Brand works.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Despite being well established, we have ongoing Operational Support from our local Operations Manager which is invaluable in ensuring that our businesses continue to develop and grow. In retailing, every day brings new challenges and we could not do things as successfully on our own.

What challenges have you faced?
The impact of the decline in cross border trade from the Irish Republic has had a detrimental effect on many retailers in recent times. However, regardless of the uncertainty, CeX”s model continues to grow successfully grow and they are now growing in Ireland too, which can only help things further in future.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes, it’s given us both independence running a business we love.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Understand what you are planning to do, talk it through with friends and respected business people who can give you some impartial advice. Talk to some of the existing franchisees and learn from their experiences.

What are your plans for the future?
To open another CeX store when we are in the position to do so.

Would you do it again?
Yes, we love the business and have confidence in it.
 

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