Retail franchises: costs, fees and investment
Short answer: Across 223 brands in the SelectFranchiseList database (compiled October 2026), the median minimum initial investment is $159,700 and the median starting franchise fee is $30,000. The lowest starting investment in this group is Techy at $0.
Retail franchises sell goods from stores, kiosks or delivery models. Inventory and lease terms are the largest cost variables.
What do franchises in this group cost?
Franchises in this group have a median minimum investment of $159,700, a median starting franchise fee of $30,000 and a median liquid cash requirement of $40,000, calculated from 223 brands in the SelectFranchiseList database. Medians use the low end of each brand's reported range.
Which franchises are on the list?
The table sorts 223 franchises from the lowest to the highest starting investment, 100 per page. This page shows brands 201 to 223.
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment | Min. cash | US units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generator Supercenter | $50,000 | $474,950 to $868,250 | $115,000 | 69 |
| ColorTyme Rental Store | $35,000 | $479,825 to $708,250 | $105,000 | 32 |
| American Freight | $49,900 | $518,900 to $966,900 | $125,000 | 271 |
| The Vitamin Shoppe | $39,900 | $528,900 to $976,900 | $130,000 | 675 |
| MGM Wine & Spirits | $40,000 to $50,000 | $532,000 to $2,215,000 | $190,000 | 31 |
| True Value Rental | $2,500 | $543,200 to $981,250 | $130,000 | 200 |
| Do it Best | $8,500 | $564,500 to $1,342,500 | $150,000 | 3,407 |
| Woodcraft | $50,000 | $573,789 to $752,692 | $125,000 | 69 |
| Ace Hardware | $5,000 | $603,850 to $2,001,550 | $190,000 | 5,144 |
| Watermill Express | $75,000 | $662,616 to $962,529 | $150,000 | 1,248 |
| Beyond Food Mart | $30,000 | $708,670 to $5,802,670 | $395,000 | N/R |
| Dynamo Surfaces | $45,000 | $724,706 to $1,084,605 | $165,000 | 1 |
| B's Essentials Vending | $5,000 | $797,800 to $1,783,200 | $210,000 | 2 |
| Slumberland | $45,000 to $55,000 | $829,500 to $3,215,000 | $285,000 | 119 |
| India Bazaar | $45,000 | $919,500 to $3,225,000 | $300,000 | N/R |
| Tempur-Pedic | $75,000 | $953,000 to $1,653,000 | $225,000 | 114 |
| Pandora | $350,000 to $500,000 | $961,000 to $1,751,000 | $230,000 | 447 |
| Circle K | $25,000 | $1,463,500 to $2,734,650 | $355,000 | 6,125 |
| Piggly Wiggly | $0 | $1,541,000 to $5,164,000 | $490,000 | 93 |
| Fowling Warehouse | $75,313 | $2,712,913 to $5,319,313 | $675,000 | 8 |
| DaaBIN Store | $35,000 | $2,953,250 to $58,847,500 | $3,385,000 | 11 |
| Holiday Stationstores | $25,000 | $3,356,200 to $7,742,500 | $890,000 | 538 |
| Pearce Bespoke | $29,000 to $55,900 | $14,605,333 to $21,900,000 | $3,285,000 | 51 |
N/R = not reported.
How do you compare franchises from this list?
Compare franchises from this list by putting each brand's Item 5 fee, Item 6 ongoing fees and the high end of the Item 7 investment side by side, then checking Item 20 for closures and transfers. The guide to franchise costs explains each line, and the 8-step selection process shows the order of due diligence.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a retail franchise cost?
Across 223 brands in the SelectFranchiseList database (compiled October 2026), the median minimum initial investment is $159,700 and the median starting franchise fee is $30,000. The lowest starting investment in this group is Techy at $0.
How much cash do I need to buy a franchise in this group?
The median minimum liquid cash requirement in this group is $40,000. Franchisors set their own capital requirements, and lenders usually finance part of the total investment.
Are these figures guaranteed?
No. The figures come from franchise disclosure data and public listings and change with every annual FDD. Confirm fees in Items 5 and 6 and the investment in Item 7 of each brand's current FDD.
Other franchise industries
- Food & Restaurant franchises
- Home Services franchises
- Fitness franchises
- Education & Children franchises
- Business Services franchises
- Other Franchise Businesses franchises
- Hotels & Travel franchises
- Healthcare & Senior Care franchises
- Beauty & Personal Care franchises
- Automotive franchises
- Real Estate franchises
- Pet franchises
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Brand names belong to their owners; listing does not imply endorsement. Not an offer to sell a franchise.