December 2025 | Franchise Dictionary Magazine

5 12, 2025

Pet Supplies Plus Launches Mobile App and Expanded Gift Card Services to Deliver a More Seamless Shopping Experience

Paul Zboichyk2025-12-05T08:07:28-05:00December 5th, 2025|Tags: Pet Retail, Pet Supplies Plus, Wag N’ Wash|

Pet Retail Franchise Elevates Technology Stack to Improve Shopping Experience
New Gift Card Offerings Provide More Flexible and Convenient Purchasing Options
The Brand Doubles Down on Commitment to Customer Service with App Launch + Expanded Gift Card Program

LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the U.S., has rolled out it’s first-ever mobile app and expanded gift card services designed to deliver a faster, easier, and more intuitive shopping experience for pet parents nationwide.

Developed to meet the evolving needs of today’s mobile-first consumer, the app gives neighbors the ability to shop, schedule grooming appointments, and redeem rewards directly from their mobile device. With the majority of Pet Supplies Plus neighbors accessing the brand through a mobile device, the improved technology underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to making pet ownership easier and more enjoyable.

The new mobile app offers several advantages:

Biometric Login: Simplifies the login process, eliminating the need to remember passwords.
User-Friendly Interface: Offers a more streamlined experience compared to using a mobile browser.
Push Notifications: Provides real-time updates on order statuses and other important information.
Rewards Access: Allows neighbors to convert their rewards points into coupons in real-time for quick access at the register.

“We wanted to give our neighbors an even more convenient way to shop Pet Supplies Plus right at their fingertips,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “The app mirrors the full capabilities of our website in a more user-friendly format, giving neighbors more time to enjoy what matters most: their pets. Even when they interact with our brand online, neighbors will be pleased to know they are supporting a locally owned and operated business.”

Alongside the app, Pet Supplies Plus has expanded its gift card services, giving neighbors more flexible ways to shop and share the convenience of Pet Supplies Plus throughout the year. As of November 20, gift cards can be purchased online and delivered electronically or shipped directly to a home, and they can now also be used for online purchases. Available in more than one thousand Kroger and Kroger-affiliate locations, the gift cards will continue to expand to additional retailers in the coming year.

“Our neighbors have been asking for an enhanced gift card option, and we wanted to deliver,” said Nick Russo, Chief Development Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “We’re committed to serving our neighbors in the best way possible, and these updates to our gift card program and mobile app are just the beginning.”

Offering neighbors everything they need to care for their beloved pets continues to be a top priority for Pet Supplies Plus. This commitment has not gone unnoticed as Pet Supplies Plus recently ranked on Forbes 2026 Best Customer Service List, leading the category of pet retail.

The new app is now available for download on the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. Learn more and purchase gift cards at petsuppliesplus.com/gift-cards.

About Pet Supplies Plus
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Its shelves are stocked with pet essentials, including a wide selection of over 11,000 products from 400 brands. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or Autoship. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, pet prescriptions can be filled online and delivered directly to your door. As the nation’s largest pet retail franchise with over 725 locations and counting, Pet Supplies Plus makes shopping local simple. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

5 12, 2025

HOME HELPERS® FRANCHISE CONTINUES TO LEAD THE SENIOR CARE FRANCHISE INDUSTRY WITH 28 YEARS OF PROVEN EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

Paul Zboichyk2025-12-05T08:01:09-05:00December 5th, 2025|Tags: Home Helpers Home Care, in-home care franchise, senior services|

CEO Emma Dickison drives growth and purpose in the nation’s most trusted in-home care franchise

CINCINNATI — Home Helpers^® Home Care, consistently recognized among the nation’s top senior care franchises, continues to set the standard for excellence in the rapidly growing in-home care industry, achieving 28 years of record-breaking growth while maintaining its commitment to compassionate, high-quality care that families depend on.

As the senior population is expected to double by 2050, demand for quality in-home care continues to surge. Home Helpers^® Home Care franchise owners are leading that growth with compassion and purpose, building sustainable businesses while making a meaningful difference in their communities.

“We have the unique opportunity to combine the emotional satisfaction of helping seniors maintain their independence with the proven business potential of a booming industry,” said Home Helpers^® Home Care CEO and President Emma Dickison, CFE, CSA. “Our franchise owners aren’t just building businesses; they’re transforming lives and strengthening communities across the nation.”

Dickison, who has led Home Helpers^® Home Care for 18 years, brings decades of franchise industry expertise to her role. In 2025, she was appointed to the International Franchise Association‘s board of directors, one of 16 new members elected to champion the value of franchising as a local, community-based business model.

From day one, Home Helpers^® Home Care franchise owners receive the hands-on training, marketing resources, and 24/7 operational support they need to deliver exceptional care and grow their business with confidence. The brand’s industry-leading training, technology, and marketing support, combined with ongoing operational and clinical guidance, create a proven system that helps franchisees thrive.

Families across the U.S. choose Home Helpers^® Home Care for its reputation of compassionate, high-quality care delivered by thoroughly trained professionals committed to helping seniors live independently at home. The brand’s consistent quality assurance and caregiver training programs ensure that every client receives exceptional care tailored to their unique needs.

With 40% of adults over 65 years old requiring daily assistance and 70% needing help at some point, Home Helpers^® Home Care provides a cost-effective solution that allows seniors to receive care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes while maintaining their independence and dignity.

Recognized for excellence in both innovation and compassion, Home Helpers^® Home Care empowers franchise owners to make a real difference in their communities while building one of the most trusted brands in senior home care. The brand’s innovative use of technology in care coordination, safety, and communication, combined with its strong community engagement, positions Home Helpers Home Care as a leader in the industry.

Home Helpers^® Home Care is ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, a testament to the brand’s proven leadership in the senior and in-home care franchise industry. With a national footprint and trusted by thousands of families since 1997, Home Helpers Home Care continues to expand its reach while maintaining the highest standards of care excellence.

About Home Helpers^® Home Care
Founded in 1997, Home Helpers^® Home Care is a premier nationwide in-home care leader that provides care for seniors and others in over 1,500 communities across 40 states. The company offers a wide range of in-home care services, safety and monitoring technology, and meal and nutrition planning to help individuals remain independent wherever they call home. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.HomeHelpersFranchise.com.

5 12, 2025

STRETCH ZONE OPENS IN CENTREVILLE, VA BRINGING A NEW KIND OF WELLNESS EXPERIENCE TO THE COMMUNITY

Paul Zboichyk2025-12-05T07:55:57-05:00December 5th, 2025|Tags: Assisted Stretching, Mobility Services, Stretch Zone|

Locally led studio blends clinical expertise and personalized care to help residents move and feel better

CENTREVILLE, Va. — There’s a new way to feel better in Centreville. Stretch Zone, the nation’s leading brand for practitioner-assisted stretching, has officially opened its doors at 14260 Centreville Square, Unit P, offering members a welcoming space to improve flexibility, ease tension, and build long-term wellness.

The studio is owned and operated by Dr. Srilekha Palle, PT, DPT, MBA, a longtime healthcare leader with a background in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine. Drawing on her clinical experience, Dr. Palle has created a space where evidence-based techniques meet everyday accessibility. “I’ve seen how guided movement can transform recovery and confidence,” she said. “Stretch Zone allows us to bring that same science-driven approach to wellness right here in our community.”

At Stretch Zone, certified practitioners use a patented strapping system to guide each member through fully assisted stretches that safely increase range of motion, improve flexibility, and relieve stiffness. Every 30-minute session is personalized to the individual—helping each person move more freely and feels more at ease in their body.

“What makes this so special is that it bridges the gap between rehabilitation and routine self-care,” Dr. Palle added. “We’re helping people take proactive steps toward better health—whether they’re recovering from activity, maintaining mobility, or simply seeking balance in their day.”

Stretch Zone Centreville welcomes members from across Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, including nearby Chantilly and the greater DMV area. Located at 14125 Centreville Square, Centreville, VA 20121, the studio is celebrating its grand opening by offering a complimentary first stretch consultation and session for new members.

For more information or to book a visit, go to www.stretchzone.com.

About Stretch Zone
Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and movement. With more than 400 locations across North America, the brand’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver safe, effective stretching for every body. Stretch Zone continues to earn national recognition, appearing on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists. Learn more at stretchzone.com

5 12, 2025

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage Honored with Inc.’s “Best in Business – Best Social Good” Award for 2025

Paul Zboichyk2025-12-05T07:51:43-05:00December 5th, 2025|Tags: Moving and Portable Storage, Storage Container Franchise, Units Moving and Portable Storage|

CHARLESTON, S.C. — UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage is proud to announce that it has been named an Inc. Best in Business 2025 award winner in the “Best Social Good” category, recognizing the company’s exceptional nationwide support for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation and its continued commitment to service, community impact, and operational excellence.

Each year, Inc.’s Best in Business awards spotlight organizations that go beyond generating profit to make a meaningful impact on their industries, their communities, and the world. After hundreds of applications and multiple rounds of review, UNITS® was selected for its systemwide dedication to charitable service as well as the outstanding performance and customer-first execution demonstrated by the company’s United States–based Long Distance Move Team.

Industry Leading Excellence in Long-Distance Moving

Over the past 12 months, the UNITS® Long Distance Move Team has delivered a standout year of growth, operational refinement, and customer satisfaction—setting a new benchmark in the moving and portable storage industry.

Key Achievements Include:

30% Year-Over-Year Growth in Job Count: The team increased long-distance move volume nationwide, reinforcing UNITS’ continued expansion and strong market position.
30% Revenue Growth: Sustained, high-value revenue growth reflects the team’s ability to scale responsibly while maintaining exceptional service standards.
Fully U.S.-Based Operations: Unlike competitors who outsource operations overseas, UNITS® manages its long-distance department entirely from within the United States. This strategic decision ensures heightened accountability, personalized service, and timely execution for both residential and commercial customers.
Superior Customer Care: By retaining all customer service and operations domestically, the Long Distance Move Team provides a true “high-touch” experience—prioritizing on-time pickups and deliveries with transparent, dedicated support.
A Competitive Advantage Rooted in Quality: While other national moving and storage providers cut costs by sacrificing service, UNITS® remains committed to delivering best-in-class value at a fair market price. The company does not aim to be the cheapest; it aims to be the most trusted.
Commitment to Growth and Innovation: UNITS® continues to evolve its long-distance infrastructure, expand market reach, and introduce new service enhancements to meet the needs of customers across the country.

National Impact Through Toys for Tots

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage was nominated for the Inc. Best in Business – Best Social Good category based on its franchise network’s extraordinary support of Toys for Tots, which included:

Dozens of franchise-owned storage containers donated nationwide
Local volunteerism, staffing, and logistics coordination
Safe, secure storage solutions for hundreds of thousands of donated toys
Participating locations serving as community collection hubs
Uniting local businesses, charitable groups, and families for a shared mission of giving

UNITS® franchise owners and teams across the country played a pivotal role in helping Toys for Tots deliver holiday joy to children in need—epitomizing the company’s commitment to community support and service-driven leadership.

A Proud Moment for UNITS Moving and Portable Storage

“Being recognized by Inc. as a Best in Business award winner is an incredible honor and a testament to the culture, dedication, and values that define UNITS®,” said Michael McAlhany, CEO of UNITS Franchising Group. “From our hands-on support of Toys for Tots to the unmatched performance of our U.S. based Long Distance Move Team, this award reflects the heart of our organization: service, reliability, and community impact.”

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage remains committed to continuous improvement, strengthening its nationwide footprint, and empowering franchise owners to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

About UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage provides high quality, weather-resistant portable storage solutions to residential and commercial customers across the United States. With a rapidly expanding network of locally owned franchise locations, UNITS® is known for its flexible, convenient, and secure storage containers, as well as industry-leading long-distance moving services supported by a fully U.S.-based operations team.

5 12, 2025

The Designery expands its New York footprint with new showroom in the Hudson Valley

Paul Zboichyk2025-12-05T07:47:01-05:00December 5th, 2025|Tags: Bath Design, Closet Design, HomeFront Brands, Kitchen Design, The Designery|

Owner Sarah Kopczynski welcomes residents to grand opening featuring live entertainment, local art and high-quality home design solutions

NEW YORK — The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will host a grand opening event celebrating its newest location in New York on Monday, Dec. 8 from 3-6 p.m. at the showroom at 302 Wall Street in Kingston, New York.

The Designery Hudson Valley owner Sarah Kopczynski will treat residents to live music, food, champagne toasts, art in motion and exclusive giveaways throughout the event.

Kopczynski brings more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing, advertising and customer-focused operations to her new business. She was a long-time visitor to the Hudson Valley area before moving to the community full time four years ago.

“I love helping people transform their homes into places that feel more functional, comfortable and beautiful,” Kopczynski said. “Opening this Designery location lets me serve the community I’ve come to cherish by offering expert guidance, high-quality products and a design experience that makes renovation feel inspiring instead of overwhelming.”

The Designery founder and president, Casey Ridley, said Kopczynski’s passion for serving her community is reflected in her plans for her new showroom.

“Her dedication to client care, relationship-building and high-caliber design makes her the perfect person to introduce The Designery experience to the Hudson Valley,” he said. “She’s already adding depth and energy to our franchise family.”

The Designery Hudson Valley will serve residents in Beacon, Carmel, Fishkill, Hudson, Hyde Park, Kingston, Mahopac, Middletown, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Wappingers Falls and Woodstock.

For more information about The Designery Hudson Valley, visit https://thedesignery.com/locations/hudson-valley/ or call them at (845) 574-9110.

About The Designery

The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery’s immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit https://thedesignery.com/.

About HomeFront Brands:

HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence, and Roof Scientist – to transform lives through franchise ownership.

For more information about HomeFront Brands’ current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.

Monthly Archives: December 2025

Pet Supplies Plus Launches Mobile App and Expanded Gift Card Services to Deliver a More Seamless Shopping Experience

HOME HELPERS® FRANCHISE CONTINUES TO LEAD THE SENIOR CARE FRANCHISE INDUSTRY WITH 28 YEARS OF PROVEN EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

STRETCH ZONE OPENS IN CENTREVILLE, VA BRINGING A NEW KIND OF WELLNESS EXPERIENCE TO THE COMMUNITY

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage Honored with Inc.’s “Best in Business – Best Social Good” Award for 2025

The Designery expands its New York footprint with new showroom in the Hudson Valley