Struddy’s Sports sells a range of imported and local brands of sporting goods and sportswear through retail outlets and also supplies more than 500 schools and 1200 sporting clubs through a successful direct wholesale business. The company supports the wholesale aspect of the business with an extensive sponsorship program.
Origins
The business was established in 1975 by Ross Strudwick, a former rugby league international who went on to coach in Queensland and England.
“We have been very successful in marketing to the local sports community,” says Strudwick. “We are a grass roots business and our people love junior sport. It’s our core business.”
The ideal franchisee
Struddy’s looks for potential franchisees who are passionate about sport, preferably with a customer service background and who love dealing with people.
“Franchisees must also be prepared to work flexible hours as a lot of customers are sourced outside store opening hours,” says Strudwick. “The industry we are in means that the franchisee must be able to handle both the running of a shop front and the running of their accounts. The most successful are enthusiastic and proactive, and willing to put in time to maximise returns.”
Investment needed
Approximately $120,000 includes the franchise fee and all set-up costs. Depending on the size of the store, stock will cost an additional $180,000 to $300,000.
“The biggest investment the franchisee must be willing to put in is time outside opening hours in order to establish the club and school customer base,” says Strudwick.
Training and support
After a period of in-store training, franchisees in the process of opening a store receive instruction in ordering, entering and displaying incoming stock, marketing and promotion. An experienced staff member spends a week helping to run the new store and the franchisee then has access to the ongoing support of the procedures manual as well as help by phone or through personal visits.
“We also provide monthly and yearly performance analysis to franchisees,” says Strudwick.