Last Updated on August 3, 2012 by DeanR
Stork News of America Franchise Information
Stork News of America is a franchise for a business providing baby announcements. It was created in 1983 and started franchising in 1984.
It was founded by Cheryl Young. It all started when she decided to stay home and enjoy her creative time. They had a tradition in their neighbourhood that the parents of a newborn baby would tie a ribbon on their mailbox.
Cheryl came across a post card from an antique shop that had a picture of a baby riding a stork on it. It inspired her to create something with that idea. She cut-out the form on a piece of plywood and painted it. That was the very first stork she created. She hanged it and got her neighbours attention.
One neighbour who had a friend who had just given birth asked her if she could borrow the stork to welcome them home. She lent it to her and as the parents came home, they were greeted by the large stork with their daughter’s name on it and saying congratulations to the parents. It caught so much attention that some people would get out of their car just to get a closer look at the stork. After that, she decided to just give the stork to the parents and they appreciated it. That was when she started getting the idea on putting up a business. She printed out her number and “Stork News” on sticker and placed it on bubble gums. She gave it away everywhere she went and she soon got calls inquiring about this new product. A brother of one of her customers heard about it and asked if he could bring the business to Iowa. Cheryl agreed to it and that was the first franchise that she sold. It grew fast. The workshop she had at her garage was filled with orders and she started filling it with other baby things like bassinets and clothes. They now have 101 locations in the United States.
What other products are available at Stork News of America besides the Stork?
They have baby beddings, baby seat, baby shower games, christening, diaper bags, baby clothes, children’s raincoats, furniture and accessories, girls tea sets, heirloom toy collections, infant sleep bags, infant clothes, nursing top, picture frames, swim suits, toddler bath robes, special occasion dresses, Halloween clothing, Baby Bearington collection, toys, and specialty tee shirts. Some of the brand they carry include Amscan, Badger Baskets, Charm Company, Dutch Masters, Green Frog Art, Jason Scott, Kencraft, Prim Rose, White Owl, and Zacky.
Cost and requirements on running a Stork News of America franchise
Expect to be investing about $14,000. The cost of Stork News of America franchise fee is $10,000 with an on-going royalty fee of $800 to $1,200 per year. This is for a renewable one year term agreement.
What is included in the franchise package?
There will be training at the headquarters and at your location. You will be receiving newsletters and a toll free phone number. You will be given access to the internet. For marketing support, there will be national media.
Stork News of America Contact Details
You may reach them at:
Address: 1305 Hope Mills Road, Suite A Fayetteville , NC 28304
Phone: (800) 633-6395 or (910) 426-1357
Email: natalie@storknews.com