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- Founded in 1987
- Franchising Since 1990
- 88 US Franchises
- $195,275 - $378,251 Investment Range
- $949,309 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Learning Express franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Learning Express is a good match for you.
Learning Express stands as America's leading neighborhood toy store franchise, delivering a uniquely personal and educational shopping experience since 1987. This specialty retail concept goes beyond simply selling toys – it creates magical moments for families while fostering children's development through carefully curated, high-quality educational toys and games.
What sets Learning Express apart is their commitment to personalized service and community engagement. Each location features knowledgeable staff who excel at helping customers find the perfect gift for any occasion, complete with complimentary gift wrapping services. The stores maintain an expertly curated selection of educational toys, games, books, and activities that promote learning through play.
The franchise has built a sterling reputation for staying ahead of toy trends while maintaining a core focus on developmental and educational value. Their interactive store environment allows children to test toys before purchase, creating an engaging and memorable shopping experience that online retailers simply cannot match.
Store owners benefit from strong community relationships, often hosting special events, birthday registries, and educational workshops that transform their locations into neighborhood destinations. The franchise's buying power and established vendor relationships ensure access to both popular brands and unique, specialty items not commonly found in big-box stores.
For entrepreneurs passionate about enriching children's lives through play and education, Learning Express offers a proven business model that combines retail success with meaningful community impact. Their continued growth and loyal customer base demonstrate the enduring appeal of a well-executed specialty toy store concept in today's competitive retail landscape.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Learning Express?
- Franchise Fee
- $40,000
- Investment Range
- $195,275 - $378,251
- Investment Midpoint
- $286,763
- Minimum Cash Required
- $195,275
- Royalty Fees
- 5%
- Brand Fund
- 1%
The specialty toy industry benefits from sustained consumer focus on educational play and parents' willingness to invest in developmental products. Learning Express targets the growing market segment emphasizing STEM learning and creative development, supported by demographic trends favoring experiential retail over traditional toy chains.
With 37 years of operational history since 1987, the franchise demonstrates system maturity with its focused network of 88 units. This boutique approach within a subsector of 48 competing franchises may indicate selective growth strategy, potentially offering franchisees stronger territorial protection and market exclusivity.
The reported gross revenue of $949,309 performs slightly above subsector averages of $937,273, representing a 1.3% premium. Prospective investors should analyze this figure within their specific market demographics and competitive landscape, as the specialty toy sector requires strong community engagement and seasonal inventory management capabilities.
Ideal candidates should possess retail experience, community connections, and sufficient working capital for inventory-intensive operations. The business model suits operators comfortable with hands-on customer service and educational product knowledge.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Learning Express. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's geographic distribution reveals a focus on affluent suburban markets with high concentrations of families with children, particularly in educational hubs and growing metropolitan areas. This positioning has helped Learning Express establish itself as a premium specialty toy retailer in competitive markets. Significant expansion opportunities exist in the Midwest and West Coast, where the brand has limited presence despite favorable demographics.
Successful locations typically feature proximity to schools, high-income residential areas, and complementary retail establishments. Ideal markets demonstrate median household incomes above $75,000, strong population growth, and a high percentage of families with school-age children. Prospective franchisees should prioritize locations in planned shopping centers or lifestyle retail destinations within growing suburban communities, particularly in underserved states with similar demographics to existing successful markets.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Learning Express. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Learning Express's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Learning Express. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Learning Express's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Learning Express's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1987
- Franchising Since 1990
- 88 US Franchises
- $195,275 - $378,251 Investment Range
- $949,309 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Learning Express franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Learning Express is a good match for you.
