Franchise business have spread all over the world at the fast pace. Uniformity is a key factor in the franchise model of the business. It is some other factors too which contribute to the identical stores despite of the product falls in the category of FMCG, apparels, shoes, F&B, consumer durables, ice creams, etc.

AMBIENCE
The ambience of an outlet is an important element. Identical stores improve their visibility to a great extent. A customer can find a store that has a distinctive look more effortlessly than a store of usual facade. The ambience points to a combination of measurable details on both the outside and the inside of the retail store which tells the customer, often in subliminal ways and the customer can expect goods and services of a quality consistent. Most of the brands, which are recognized internationally, have adopted the concept of identical stores so to appeal to the masses and give a common experience to their customers.

The look of the store comprises of the right balance of color, lighting, furniture, music, fixtures, display and other minute details. All these things complete the look of the store. To begin with, color of a store reflects the essence of a brand. Uniforms of the employees bring about an element of uniformity and professionalism, which puts across a fine impact on the mind of customers. Lighting has the ability to attract customers' attention and direct them to the products.

THE OPENING
The opening up of the first store requires hard core effort to finalize the logo of the brand, the slogan, the color scheme, the flooring, the designing, planning, furniture and what not. Planning, detailing, documenting, strict implementation and standardization are the key constituents in setting up a store. The concept of identical stores has a lot of significance in case of franchising because the franchisee not only gets the right to use the brand name but also the entire set up from finding the right location to setting up of the store and from training of the staff to the strategy of successfully running the store.

THE DESIGNING
There are mainly two options for designing the store. The first one is designing the outlet by the owner while the second is appointing a design firm for carrying out the work. When the company decides to carry out the designing itself it will decide on everything and create their first store. If the company appoints a design firm the work gets easier for them. They may discuss their requirements with the designers and leave the rest up to them. Then when the drafts are prepared by the designers and approved by the clients, the remaining is for the designing firm to handle. They then give the contract to the designers for designing the same outlets for all of their franchisees. The design firms work in collaboration with the franchisor and the franchisee to maintain uniformity of colors, fonts and designs that consolidate the identity of the franchise decides on the design and look of the outlet.