Business leader / With over 800 stores in more than 25 countries, Schmidt Groupe is a recognized leader in the interior design and home improvement sectors.
Wednesday
2024-09-18
Join Europe’s leading kitchen and interior design brand. Discover how Schmidt Groupe’s franchise model can help you build a successful showroom business.
 

Schmidt Groupe, founded in 1934 in France, is one of Europe’s top manufacturers and retailers of custom kitchens, bathrooms, and interior furniture. Known for its high-quality, made-to-measure products, the company has expanded significantly across Europe and beyond, using a franchise model that allows entrepreneurs to manage their own showrooms under the Schmidt brand. With over 800 stores in more than 25 countries, Schmidt Groupe is a recognized leader in the interior design and home improvement sectors.

Investment and franchise costs

Becoming a Schmidt Groupe franchisee requires a significant financial investment, which varies by country. The initial franchise fee generally ranges from €50,000 to €100,000, depending on the market size and location. On top of this, franchisees need to budget for showroom setup, which can add another €300,000 to €500,000 in costs. These expenses cover the design, construction, and furnishing of the showroom, which is key to the Schmidt Groupe experience. Ongoing fees, including royalties and marketing contributions, are calculated as a percentage of turnover, typically around 6% to 8%. Although the financial commitment is substantial, franchisees benefit from the company's strong brand presence, extensive product range, and established business model.

Support and resources 

Schmidt Groupe provides comprehensive support to its franchisees, ensuring that they are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive home improvement market. New franchisees receive detailed guidance from the very start, including site selection assistance, showroom design, and legal support. Once the showroom is operational, ongoing training is available through the Schmidt Academy, a learning platform that offers courses on sales techniques, product knowledge, and showroom management.

Marketing support is another crucial component of Schmidt Groupe's franchise package. Franchisees have access to professionally designed advertising materials, digital marketing strategies, and participation in national and regional campaigns. Schmidt Groupe invests heavily in brand promotion, which helps drive foot traffic and increase visibility in local markets. In addition to marketing support, franchisees are provided with cutting-edge design software that enables them to create customized solutions for customers. This software is integral to the sales process, allowing franchisees to deliver personalized experiences that meet the specific needs of each client.

Steps to becoming a Schmidt franchisee

Entrepreneurs interested in joining Schmidt Groupe go through a structured process to become franchisees. First, they must express their interest by contacting the Schmidt regional office in their country. Potential franchisees are then invited to an informational meeting, where they can learn more about the brand, business model, and market potential. After this initial contact, candidates submit a formal application, which is followed by an in-depth evaluation of their financial standing and experience. Schmidt Groupe looks for candidates with a background in business management, sales, or retail, though prior experience in the kitchen or interior design industry is not mandatory. Once selected, franchisees sign a franchise agreement and enter the training phase, where they gain the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a successful Schmidt showroom.

Ideal franchisee profile 

Schmidt Groupe seeks franchisees with strong leadership skills, a passion for customer service, and the ability to manage a team. While previous experience in interior design or retail can be advantageous, the company provides extensive training to ensure franchisees are well-prepared. Financial capacity is essential, as the initial investment is significant, and franchisees must be able to sustain operations during the early stages of the business.

The European home improvement market continues to grow, driven by increasing consumer demand for personalized and high-quality interior solutions. Schmidt Groupe is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a wide range of customizable products that appeal to modern homeowners. As part of the Schmidt network, franchisees benefit from the brand’s reputation for excellence, which helps attract clients seeking premium kitchen and interior design solutions.

Schmidt Groupe’s proven franchise model, combined with comprehensive support, high-quality products, and a strong brand presence, offers a solid opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the growing home improvement market. With detailed training, operational guidance, and a commitment to franchisee success, Schmidt Groupe provides the foundation for long-term business growth.


Franchisee support / New franchisees receive detailed guidance from the very start, including site selection assistance, showroom design, and legal support.

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