Not surprisingly, this has led to an upsurge in small businesses that cater to consumer demand for leisure products. Many of these companies have expanded their businesses through franchising and are eager to offer opportunities to new franchisees.

The leisure industry is extremely diverse with sub-specialties in areas such as entertainment, gambling, lodging, dining, sports, and other recreational activities. This translates into a wide range of franchising options. While not every leisure franchise opportunity is right for everyone, you can be assured that no matter where your interests lie there is a franchisor ready to help you get started in the industry.

Hobbytown USA is a great example of a small franchisor who has taken advantage of the variety of interests the leisure industry serves. The company was started almost thirty years ago by a husband and wife team in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their dream was to open a store to provide hobbyists with they supplies and kits they needed to make the most of their free time. As the demand for leisure products grew, so did Hobbytown. They formally incorporated in 1985 and now offer an expanded line of hobby-related merchandises in their original store and their many franchises throughout the U.S.

Like Hobbytown, many other franchisors have achieved success in the leisure industry by targeting a certain segment of the leisure market. Assess your interests and market, and then begin to explore franchising opportunities to decide which one is the best fit for you.

Points to Consider

• Much of Hobbytown’s success can be attributed to its ability to specialize and adapt its products to the hobby market. Although specialization is important in the leisure industry, it is possible for a business to become too specialized, offering an overly narrow range of products to a very small portion of the marketplace. Before deciding on a franchise, make sure there is enough demand for the product to make your business profitable and ask the franchisor how their products have changed over the years to adapt to changing consumer demand.
• Due to the high amount of diversity in the leisure industry, franchise startup costs vary widely. If startup capital is limited, you may want to pursue leisure opportunities that require a lower overhead or a minimal initial investment.

Franchise Opportunities

• Hobbytown USA. Hobbytown offers a wide array of hobby-related products from classic merchandise such as model train sets to more contemporary options geared toward today’s hobby enthusiasts. The company currently has more than 180 stores open or in development across the U.S.
• KinderDance. Kids need leisure activities, too! Franchising since 1985, KinderDance offers dance and play activities for young children. They currently have 110+ locations located primarily in the U.S.
• Pro Golf Discount. Pro Golf Discount is the largest and oldest golf-only franchise in the world. They offer golfers a complete line of golf equipment and services to help them improve their game. The company presently reports 135+ North American locations.
• Woodhouse Day Spa. Although a newcomer to the leisure industry, Woodhouse Day Spa identifies itself as the prototype of day spa franchises. They offer their customers a complete line of spa treatments and are eager to partner with qualified new franchisees.

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