Briefly summarize your fellow students selected franchise information and financing option selected in your response post and provide your opinion on the following: Do you agree or disagree with your fellow students conclusion on the worthiness of the franchise investment they selected and the financing option preferred? Why or why not?

Apricot Lane Boutique was founded in 2007 providing womens fashion. The stores are typically located in high traffic shopping centers brings customers stylish, dynamic fashions and latest clothing trends. The franchise does offer training and support services. Prior to opening or 120 days before opening the franchise offers beginners support to help provide you resources, programs, and tools to help you run your business. Apricot Lane also offers continued support that helps to promote the business and build your business. Marketing support is offered to help you determine what best works in your market area. Total invest for Apricot Lane ranges from $135,850-$341,800 with an average investment of $238,825. The Franchise fee is $34,000. (Apricot Lane Boutique, 2017)

The following figures were calculated using Financial Calculators|TimeValue Software:

Assume a 5 year loan period at 5% interest rate per year and provide the following:

Total Amount Borrowed $238,825

Monthly payment. $4,506.92

Total interest cost for the life of the loan. $31,590.32

Total amount of payments for the life of the loan. $270,415.32

Assume a 10 year loan period at 6% interest rate per year and provide the following:

Total Amount Borrowed $238,825

Monthly payment. $2,651.45

Total interest cost for the life of the loan. $79,348.59

Total amount of payments for the life of the loan $318,173.59

Based on the information provided and calculations, Apricot Lane Boutique would be a worthy investment. The franchise provides ample support during startup and through the existence of the business. The fashion industry is steadily growing. According to the Apricot Lane Boutique website (2017), in 2013 womens apparel sales produced $116.4 billion and rising. Womens apparel is expected to double its growth by 2020 by as much as 17.2%. (Apricot Lane Boutique, 2017) Millennials are expected to overtake Boomers in population in 2019 as their numbers swell to 73 million and Boomers decline to 72 million. (Fry, 2018)

I would choose the option of a five year loan period with an interest rate of 5%. This option has a high monthly payment but you are able to pay off the loan faster and be able to start seeing profits. The franchise helps to develop your business skill as well as helping with marketing. As stated earlier womens fashions are growing fast and with the franchise choosing great high traffic locations the business is guaranteed to profit.