Learning Express franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Learning Express franchise fee is $20,000 to $40,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $25,375 to $378,251, with about $25,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Learning Express FDD.
What are the Learning Express franchise fees and investment?
The Learning Express franchise requires a franchise fee of $20,000 to $40,000 and a total initial investment of $25,375 to $378,251. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $20,000 to $40,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $25,375 to $378,251 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $25,000 |
| US locations | 88 |
| Industry | Retail |
| Headquarters | Devens, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Franchising since | 1990 |
How does the Learning Express investment compare with other retail franchises?
Learning Express's minimum investment of $25,375 is at or below the median minimum investment of $159,700 across the 223 retail franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 209 of the other 222 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $20,000 compares with an industry median of $30,000.
By minimum investment, Learning Express belongs with franchises under $50,000.
What should you verify in the Learning Express FDD?
Verify six parts of the Learning Express Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Learning Express discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Learning Express?
These retail franchises have the closest minimum investment to Learning Express:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| New Remedies | $5,000 to $30,000 | $25,300 to $416,750 |
| NYS Collection | $12,500 to $35,000 | $25,520 to $176,078 |
| Destination Athlete | $20,000 to $50,000 | $28,300 to $93,610 |
| TSS Photography | $7,500 | $20,415 to $74,725 |
| Vintage Market Days | $10,000 | $20,350 to $39,300 |
See every brand in retail franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Learning Express franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Learning Express franchise ranges from $25,375 to $378,251, including a franchise fee of $20,000 to $40,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Learning Express franchise?
Learning Express lists a minimum of about $25,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Learning Express locations are there?
Learning Express reported 88 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Learning Express been franchising?
Learning Express started offering franchises in 1990 after the company was founded in 1987.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Learning Express and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Learning Express. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.