Husband and wife Kevin and Vanessa have just signed an agreement to open their third Edible Arrangements store. They already have stores in Aiken, South Carolina, and Evans, Georgia, and this new store will be located in Augusta, GA. Kevin and Vanessa used to live in Massachusetts where Kevin was a municipal landscaper and Vanessa was a counselor at a Psychiatric hospital. They were first introduced to Edible Arrangements by Mike and Candi, Edible Arrangements franchisees in Methuen, Tewksbury and Haverhill, MA. Mike and Candi, recipients of the Franchisee of the Year Award in 2008, referred Kevin and Vanessa because they have a good sense of the kind of people who can do well with this business. Kevin and Vanessa were attracted to the brand because they loved the growth opportunity provided by Edible Arrangements. The potential that they saw is bearing out for them as they expand their business enterprise with a third store.
The key to their success is their local marketing that focuses on community involvement. Kevin is very active in his local chamber of commerce, supporting new businesses when they enter the market. “I go to every ribbon cutting for each new business that opens in my area, and I present an Expressions arrangement to everyone cutting the ribbon.” Kevin has said that “the best way to get your name out there is to get yourself out there!” and he does so with sampling and strategic marketing. For example, he leaves his brochures in the gift shop of the local hospital, and he brings arrangements to the hospital so the crowds of workers and visitors can see them. The unique arrangements attract attention and people stop to talk to him. And Kevin says he never goes anywhere without a pocketful of brochures. He also wears his Edible Arrangements logoed shirts, hats, and jackets so people ask about his business. “You’d be surprised at the level of saturation a simple thing like that provides. People know me and my stores because of my clothing.” Kevin and Vanessa have contributed to the local food bank, and even provided arrangements every day for an episode of the “Extreme Makeover” television show that built a home for a single mom in need.
We are proud to have such dedicated franchise owners in our system and congratulate Kevin and Vanessa on this most recent addition to their growing enterprise.
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