Who doesn’t love a legend? And if you’re weighing up some retail chains as possible franchise options, you’d have to consider some of the stalwarts of the Australian industry.

Clark Rubber

If you’re looking for iconic status, check out Clark Rubber. This Aussie retailer set its stall out in 1946 but it was almost another 50 years before it embraced franchising. Now there are 59 franchises in the network.

Clark Rubber offers a unique mix of products across the key categories of pools, foam and rubber.

Franchisees benefit from group buying power, a turnkey set up, site selection and lease negotiation assistance, multi-store owner development programs and a progressive fee structure.

Expect to pay from $420,000 for a brand new store; from $159,000 for a Clark Pool & Spa Shop; and from just $29,995 for a Clark Pool van mobile service.

Amber Tiles

Amber launched way back in 1973 and then fine tuned the business over 20 years before opening up franchise opportunities.

That means it has nearly 50 years’ experience in providing hard flooring advice, service and solutions to customers in the core business areas of floor tiles, wall tiles, natural stone, pavers, retaining walls, bathroom ware and associated products.

Today it is Australia’s largest network of stone, paving and tile retail franchises, sourcing product from around the world, and that gives franchisees in the business the benefits that come with group buying power.

Buy a franchise, with costs dependent on the site, for between $280,000 and $450,000.

Swimart

This pool care retailer’s parent company is celebrating 40 years of trading in 2021. The ASX-listed Waterco Ltd started in 1983 and the business has grown into 75 franchised outlets across Australia and New Zealand, backed up by a fleet of more than 250 mobile service vans.

Swimart is a diversified business, both bricks and mortar stores and mobile, that suits someone with people management and customer relationship skills.

Franchisees pay approximately $45,000 (for a mobile franchise), and between $180,000 and $250,000 for a retail store – buying stock is of course extra.

The local franchise manager will help review your marketing strategies and financials, and address any challenges that emerge as your business grows.