Creative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit set the Learning Express concept in motion. In 1987, Sharon DiMinico was president of the board of directors of The Groton Community School, a private preschool in her hometown of Groton, Massachusetts. With determination, Sharon set out to raise school revenue without raising tuition.

At the same time, drawing on her prior experience in retail and combining it with her parental goals, Sharon was developing a business plan for a specialty toy store concept - an untapped retail niche in her area.

She saw a need for a store offering high quality toys and games to inspire young minds - from infants to pre-teen.

Celebrating over 20 years in business, the first Learning Express store was opened to help fund a pre-school in Massachusetts and has grown to become the nation’s largest franchisor of specialty toy stores.

A Learning Express franchise is an opportunity for you to have a fun career that you’re sure to love and to have the success you deserve. Each Learning Express store provides toys that encourage curiosity, creativity and have exceptional play value. Our stores offer an extraordinary shopping experience with a knowledgeable sales staff offering expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for any occasion. The product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world. A birthday gift registry, complimentary gift-wrapping, civic fundraising and consumer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of the community. Learning Express also developed ExpressCodesTM, an exclusive program that offers a simple solution to finding appropriate toys that best fits the developmental needs of children.

Headquartered in Devens, Massachusetts our proven concept and outstanding reputation is anchored by a knowledgeable team that is committed to your success.

Total Investment Required:
$196,000 - $329,000.
COMPANY FINANCING NOT AVAILABLE.

The Franchise Fee $30,000
This is a one-time fee charged to all franchisees, and covers the cost of your Learning Express Franchise License.

Leasehold Improvements $10,000 - $30,000
Depending on the remodeling requirements or build out of your intended location, we have estimated your initial cost to be in this range.

Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, Signage $44,000 - $57,000
All the necessary furniture, fixtures and equipment, including computer systems to begin operation.

Organizational Costs $5,000 - $15,000
Lease expenses, utility deposits and professional fees.

Additional Funds $10,000 - $40,000
You will need funds for travel and lodging during our mandatory training program.You will also need funds for deposits, permits, and pre-opening payroll cost.

Insurance $2,000
The estimated cost of insurance for the first year of operation, which is paid directly to the insurance company.

Grand Opening Advertising $5,000
This is a minimum amount of advertising costs for a successful grand opening.

Inventory $90,000 - $150,000
Depending on the time of year your store opens and the size of your location, the costs may vary. This is our initial inventory purchase requirement.

Total: $196,000 - $329,000
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We Provide Extensive Training and Support
Each new franchise storeowner goes through an intensive training program at the corporate office and at their new store location. You’ll meet extensively with buyers, marketing and advertising, and operations staff to ensure a seamless and successful launch. Your regional owner will be with you every step of the way to answer of all your questions and guide you through every step in the process.

Pre-Opening Training
You will spend 8 days at our Corporate Training Center learning everything from operations and buying, to marketing and staff training. Three of those days will be at a store doing actual merchantising, gaining product knowledge, receiving product and hands-on selling.

Grand Opening Training
Your dedicated regional support person will be with you in your store for two to three weeks prior to your grand opening and one week following your grand opening to help you with every step along the way.

Ongoing Support
The corporate office and your dedicated regional support person will visit you frequently to make sure that you are operating successfully. You’ll also receive educational and informational materials from the Corporate and Regional offices on policies and procedures, proven marketing tips and more to help make your store as successful as it can be! In addition, you have 24-hour access to our company intranet site and one-on-one support from Corporate and Regional staff.

Each Learning Express offers a calendar full of fun events and becomes a hub of activity for kids and families. Our franchise owner-operators get to know shoppers by name and make it a practice to go the extra step for customers all the time.

Our Learning Express stores offers special services to all of its customers, such as VIP Programs, free personalization and free gift-wrapping. And, our loyalty programs and incentives for repeat buying, including gift registries and many other customer services, continue to attract new customers while generating loyalty and sense of community from existing customers.

Our civic pride extends outside the Learning Express stores. Participation in fund-raising opportunities for schools and civic organizations is what makes the stores a hub for interactivity and community spirit! Storeowners enjoy the chance to give back to their community that has made them such a success.