http://www.prstore.com/ en shepburn@prstore.com Copyright 2008 2008-07-24T19:17:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/prstore_ranked_among_entrepreneur_magazines_top_500_franchises_for_2008/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/prstore_ranked_among_entrepreneur_magazines_top_500_franchises_for_2008/#When:13:46:00Z PRstore is Ranked Among Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 Franchises for 2008 CHARLOTTE – PRstore (www.prstore.com) has been ranked among Entrepreneur Magazine’s 500 top franchises for 2008, according to the publication’s January issue. It is the first time the retail marketing firm designed to serve America’s small business owners has been included in the prestigious national ranking. According to Entrepreneur’s editors, the most important factors in selecting the 500 top franchises include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. The publication also considers the number of years a company has been in business and the length of time it’s been franchising, startup costs, litigation, percentage of terminations and whether the company provides financing. Financial data is analyzed by an independent CPA. “This recognition by Entrepreneur magazine underscores the impressive growth of our system and market success PRstore is enjoying,” Daniel S. Fragen, CEO of PRS Franchise Systems, LLC, said. “We intend to become a recognized national brand that will meet all the marketing needs of America’s small businesses.” Entering the rankings at 485, PRstore is a walk-in marketing firm operating in retail locations to address the unique needs, time constraints and budget of America’s small business owners. No appointment is needed to access PRstore’s expert advice, creative services and marketing products which range from brochures to web sites, direct mail, newsletters, radio and TV spots and more. A national franchise launched in 2001, there are currently 42 PRstores in operation or build-out in 19 states stretching from New York to Honolulu. More than 350 stores are expected to be in operation in the next five years in high-traffic retail areas around the country. In an article accompanying the 2008 Franchise 500 list, Entrepreneur editors say the list comes from nearly three decades of researching, surveying, compiling, analyzing and cataloging information on thousands of franchises. Entrepreneur received what it described as “an overwhelming response” to its survey from more than 800 franchise companies with over 436,250 units across the globe. The companies that ranked in the Franchise 500® earned $305 billion in revenue worldwide. 2008-01-04T13:46:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/portland_state_university_report_says_prstore/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/portland_state_university_report_says_prstore/#When:19:51:00Z PORTLAND, Oregon/— An in-depth, 10-week assessment by a Portland State University advertising class concludes that PRstore (www.prstore.com), the nation’s first walk-in retail marketing franchise, makes marketing more accessible and less threatening for America’s small business owners. The 22-member advanced advertising class, led by Professor Don Dickinson, Director of Advertising Management at the PSU School of Business, presented its audit results to PRstore founders Mike and Kathy Butler and Fee Stubblefield, owner of the franchise rights to the Portland/Vancouver and Bend markets. The first Portland store opened this month, joining 35 other locations in 18 states. “The timing of this project is ideal with PRstore’s national growth plans,” Dickinson, a former Portland advertising agency principal, said. “As with any set of recommendations, this marketing audit takes some positions meant to be constructive and identify opportunities where PRstore can be even better as they enter a key phase in the life of the Portland store and the national franchise organization.” Declaring that “effective self-marketing is crucial to PRstore’s success,” the audit focused on areas for improvement in store design and layout, presentation of marketing products, collateral pieces and content of the web site. The report also cited several strengths of the PRstore concept including the fact that the service is really needed by small business owners. “Thousands of small businesses go out of business every month due to lack of marketing,” the report states. Systematizing and making advertising more available makes marketing less threatening and takes a lot of the mystery out of advertising, the report concludes, adding that PRstore can take one load off an owner’s shoulders and let them concentrate on other challenges facing their business. The report also offers positive comments on the franchise’s price, speed and quality of work. “From examples on the PRstore website and at store locations, customers can be certain they will not be disappointed by the quality of materials provided by PRstore. Ultra-reasonable pricing is also a real plus.” The group also presented creative ideas for advertising, workshops and seminars, networking with pertinent groups, and news media relations. “We appreciate the extensive effort that went into this review,” Stubblefield said. “The ideas presented will be carefully considered as we go forward in Portland and nationwide.” 2007-03-27T19:51:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/maverick_marketers_defy_economic_slowdown/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/maverick_marketers_defy_economic_slowdown/#When:18:17:00Z Charlotte, N.C.—Marketing budgets are usually among the first casualties during an economic downturn. Just don’t tell Sally Gilbert. Gilbert is creator of the Anti-Aging Expo & Symposium (http://www.charlotteantiagingexpo.com), an event for health-conscious consumers taking place in Charlotte in early 2009. The event is so important that Gilbert has spent $9,000 on marketing already and plans to spend $40,000-$50,000 more. “The natural health and personal growth market has exploded into a $230 billion/year industry,” Gilbert says. “Consumer interest in choosing food, products and services geared toward wellness is higher than ever. We can’t afford to wait for an economic upswing to reach out to these consumers.” Gilbert turned to Carissa Roman, owner of a PRstore franchise in Huntersville, North Carolina, to promote the event. “I needed someone who could deliver large agency results, without the big agency costs and hassle,” Gilbert says. “PRstore was the obvious choice.” PRstore (http://www.prstore.com) is a one-stop marketing shop that operates in retail settings nationwide. Think Madison Avenue meets H&R Block. The store caters to smallish clients – those with fewer than 100 employees – with marketing budgets typically too small to attract big agency interest. With a weak economy, you might expect business to be slow. But Roman’s PRstore just had its best month since opening in January, booking $35,000 in new business in May. “When you’re running a business, you don’t have time to be the marketing director, too,” Roman says. “Especially now, with companies searching desperately for ways to boost sales, PRstore is the right fit because we make marketing easier.” PRstore co-founder Kathy Butler says an economic slow-down exposes the shortcomings many companies have in their marketing efforts. “When consumers pull their purse strings a little tighter, you need a top-notch marketing plan to keep revenues up,” Butler says. “Unfortunately, some companies don’t think about marketing until the slowdown is well underway.” Still, Butler says, it’s never too late to get started. At PRstore in Huntersville, Roman has sold so many GamePlans – customized marketing strategies – that she’s projecting a very busy summer. “Smart companies know that a solid marketing plan is a priority in any economy,” Roman says. “We’re proof that you can grow a business during a slowdown if you have a good marketing plan.” 2008-07-24T18:17:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/prstore_eyes_three_cities_for_new_marketing_franchise_concept/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/prstore_eyes_three_cities_for_new_marketing_franchise_concept/#When:20:36:00Z Charlotte, NC—The one-stop marketing company PRstore has selected three markets to launch a new approach to agency ownership. PRstore Office (http://www.prstorefranchise.com), a low-cost marketing franchise, will launch in Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando. With a franchise fee of just $29,500, PRstore Office will reduce the financial barriers to owning a top-tier marketing firm, says co-founder Kathy Butler. PRstore was first to market with retail-based marketing franchises in 2003. The company now operates more than 30 franchises in retail locations nationwide. “Small businesses know PRstore as a convenient place to get high-caliber marketing solutions,” Butler says. “PRstore Office gives enthusiastic entrepreneurs a flexible option to serve those clients and grow their businesses.” PRstore Office franchises will be supported by the firm’s DesignCentral creative studio in Charlotte. “Our centralized creative team lets our franchisees deliver top-tier marketing services without the burdens and expense of hiring creative personnel,” says Butler. “DesignCentral is the creative juice that powers PRstore.” PRstore Office franchises will not have defined territories. The open markets will give franchisees flexibility to build their businesses and even expand into retail locations, Butler says. “We want to give hard-working entrepreneurs the freedom to grow quickly,” she says. “PRstore Office is a stepping stone to the convenience of our retail locations.” Dino Piccinini, who owns a PRstore retail location in Toledo, Ohio, says PRstore Office creates exciting new opportunities for marketing, PR and sales professionals. “Retail space can be expensive,” Piccinini says. “The new office franchises are a great way to jump into agency ownership at a fraction of the cost.” Piccinini says the marketing franchise concept is a natural fit for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Where else can you build a successful marketing company with the backing of a major national brand?” he said. Contact: Scott Hepburn 704.405.8744 shepburn@prstore.com http://www.prstorefranchise.com 2008-07-22T20:36:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/prstore_launches_redesigned_resource_packed_website/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/prstore_launches_redesigned_resource_packed_website/#When:16:41:00Z CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 26 /PRNewswire/ — PRstore, a unique, retail-based marketing resource for small- and mid-sized businesses, recently launched a new website at http://www.prstore.com. The launch coordinates with the franchise’s new marketing campaign: marketing. simplified. “We don’t just provide marketing materials to our clients, we offer something they really need and value: simplicity and ease,” said Mike Butler, executive editor and a founding partner of PRstore. “The clean look, easy navigation and user-friendly resources of our new site reflect this concept well.” The new PRstore website includes an overview of PRstore services linked to a colorful portfolio of product samples. PRstore’s marketing solutions include everything from marketing plans and branding strategies to a la carte brochures, websites, e-mail blasts, direct mail pieces, and TV and radio spots. To help customers begin to visualize a marketing campaign, the site serves up solution packages designed to a tackle a range of marketing challenges many small- and mid-size businesses face. Packages focus on specific objectives, such as acquiring new customers, building an online presence, retaining customers and refreshing a stale brand. Individual case studies illustrate how various packages may be implemented. The site’s resources page includes a “Hit the Ground Running” section to help customers prepare for their first meeting with a marketing consultant at their local PRstore franchise. Downloadable .PDFs provide things customers should consider about their businesses before they visit their local PRstore franchise, a condensed creative brief to get the juices flowing and a breakdown of solutions based on individual needs. The site’s resources page also includes a glossary of marketing and advertising terms and links to marketing resources across the Web. PRstore will continue to add resources and information to the site over time, keeping it fresh and useful while staying true to maintaining simplicity and accessibility for the business people it serves. “Our clients are busy entrepreneurs who fly under the radar of traditional agencies and struggle with ways to manage, and even start, their marketing campaigns,” Butler explains. “PRstore offers a one-stop solution to that challenge and our new site further simplifies the process.” PRstore (http://www.prstore.com) offers full-service retail marketing through 41 stores in 18 states stretching from New York to Honolulu. PRstore makes professional marketing accessible to small- to medium-sized businesses by offering affordable marketing solutions. 2008-03-27T16:41:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/franchise_explosion_attracts_more_entrepreneurs_louisville_couple_pioneers1/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/franchise_explosion_attracts_more_entrepreneurs_louisville_couple_pioneers1/#When:16:04:00Z LOUISVILLE, KY. — The industry statistics are startling and speak volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit of America: A new franchise opens in this country every eight minutes. According to the International Franchise Association, there are now more than 3,000 franchised brands, spanning 230 different lines of business and creating jobs for more than 18 million Americans. From 2003 to 2005 alone, more than 900 new franchise concepts entered the U.S. economy. When Mike and Shannon Baker wanted to open their own business, they investigated dozens of franchise possibilities before settling on PRstore (www.prstore.com), a new retail concept that allows owners of small to mid-size businesses to access agency-style marketing services in a friendly walk-in environment. PRstore had about 25 units in a dozen states at the time the Bakers were searching for a business. After investigating lots of options, the couple decided the fledgling concept best matched their skills and interests. Based on their experience as corporate marketers, they believed PRstore’s broad mix of marketing products would be well-received by small business owners in Louisville. The Bakers say their assessment is proving correct as Small Business Louisville has responded positively to their year-old presence in the market. Meantime, the franchise has expanded to more than 40 stores in 19 states, stretching from New York to Honolulu. Last month, Entrepreneur magazine announced that PRstore has joined the ranks of the magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500. Entrepreneur editors say the ranking is based on financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. “There’s clearly more risk associated in aligning yourself with a new concept that does not yet have an established national brand like other franchises,” Mike Baker says. “But there is a sense of being in on the ground floor, of pioneering something entirely new in the marketplace. That is challenging but can also be exhiliairating.” Shannon Baker agrees. “There’s nothing like PRstore in the marketplace today,” she says. “We are changing the way marketing services are delivered to America’s small to mid-size businesses. It’s a positive change that is being welcomed by a large segment that has been underserved until now.” According to industry figures, fast-food franchises remain the largest segment of the industry, but the services category with recent entries like PRstore is experiencing the biggest increase in the number of new concepts. ### 2008-02-13T16:04:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/franchise_explosion_attracts_more_entrepreneurs_louisville_couple_pioneers/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/franchise_explosion_attracts_more_entrepreneurs_louisville_couple_pioneers/#When:14:42:00Z LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ — The industry statistics are startling and speak volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit of America: A new franchise opens in this country every eight minutes. According to the International Franchise Association, there are now more than 3,000 franchised brands, spanning 230 different lines of business and creating jobs for more than 18 million Americans. From 2003 to 2005 alone, more than 900 new franchise concepts entered the U.S. economy. When Mike and Shannon Baker wanted to open their own business, they investigated dozens of franchise possibilities before settling on PRstore (http://www.prstore.com), a new retail concept that allows owners of small to mid-size businesses to access agency-style marketing services in a friendly walk- in environment. PRstore had about 25 units in a dozen states at the time the Bakers were searching for a business. After investigating lots of options, the couple decided the fledgling concept best matched their skills and interests. Based on their experience as corporate marketers, they believed PRstore’s broad mix of marketing products would be well-received by small business owners in Louisville. The Bakers say their assessment is proving correct as Small Business Louisville has responded positively to their year-old presence in the market. Meantime, the franchise has expanded to more than 40 stores in 19 states, stretching from New York to Honolulu. Last month, Entrepreneur magazine announced that PRstore has joined the ranks of the magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500. Entrepreneur editors say the ranking is based on financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. “There’s clearly more risk associated in aligning yourself with a new concept that does not yet have an established national brand like other franchises,” Mike Baker says. “But there is a sense of being in on the ground floor, of pioneering something entirely new in the marketplace. That is challenging but can also be exhilarating.” Shannon Baker agrees. “There’s nothing like PRstore in the marketplace today,” she says. “We are changing the way marketing services are delivered to America’s small to mid-size businesses. It’s a positive change that is being welcomed by a large segment that has been underserved until now.” According to industry figures, fast-food franchises remain the largest segment of the industry, but the services category with recent entries like PRstore is experiencing the biggest increase in the number of new concepts. 2008-02-13T14:42:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/prstore_opens_in_northcross_ii/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/prstore_opens_in_northcross_ii/#When:17:56:00Z PRstore opens in Northcross II HUNTERSVILLE — Carissa Roman opened a PRstore franchise on Jan. 7 in the Northcross II shopping center off I-77 Exit 25. PRstore provides such marketing services as writing and producing printed and online materials, including brochures, newsletters, Web sites and e-blasts. It provides news releases, media placement services, logo development, radio and TV commercials and imprinted promotional items. Roman has at least 12 years of marketing, corporate communications and public relations experience. After graduating magna cum laude from Queens University in Charlotte, where she majored in corporate communications and minored in business administration, Roman held marketing jobs for several mid-size and Fortune 500 firms. Most recently, she was director of marketing for Charlotte-based HR XCEL. Business partners include husband, Dan, a former major league pitcher with the Florida Marlins, and her mother, Janet Kay Rollins, whose background is in graphic arts and event planning. As part of its grand-opening celebration, the store will host a free Business After Hours event co-sponsored by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday. Guests can enter a drawing for a print advertising package valued at $2,400 from “Business Today” or a TV advertising package from cable News 14 valued at $2,700. The Lake Norman PRstore joins 41 others in 18 states. PRstore aims to open at least 350 stores in all 50 states. www.prstore.com. 2008-02-04T17:56:00-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/marketing_help_is_on_the_way_for_lake_norman_small_businesses/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/marketing_help_is_on_the_way_for_lake_norman_small_businesses/#When:14:13:01Z CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ Marketing and advertising with the powerful reach formerly found only through New York agencies is now available to local business owners. PRstore will open January 7 at the New Shops at Northcross, Exit 25 off I-77 in Huntersville. As part of their grand opening celebration, the store is hosting a special Business After Hours co-sponsored by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce on January 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests can enter a drawing for a print advertising package valued at $2,400 from Business Today or a TV advertising package from cable News 14 valued at $2,700. PRstore, an emerging national franchise, provides professional yet affordable marketing services in a relaxed, retail, walk-in environment. PRstore writes and produces a variety of printed and online materials ranging from brochures and newsletters to websites and e-blasts. Franchise owner Carissa Roman says PRstore also provides press release services, media placement, logo development, and radio and TV commercials as well as a wide variety of promotional items that can be imprinted. Everything is offered on a menu-driven, a la carte basis. Roman has more than 12 years of marketing, corporate communications and public relations experience. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she majored in corporate communications and minored in business administration, Roman held marketing positions of increasing responsibility for several mid-size and Fortune 500 firms. Most recently, she was director of marketing for Charlotte-based HR XCEL. Roman’s business partners include husband Dan, a former southpaw major league baseball pitcher who played for the Florida Marlins, and her mom, Janet Kay Rollins, who has a background in graphic arts and event planning. Together, the three bring rich and varied experience in sales, business administration, risk management and marketing. The new Lake Norman PRstore joins 41 other units in 18 states stretching from New York to Honolulu. Launched in Charlotte in 2001, PRstore aims to open more than 350 stores in all 50 states. “We’re so pleased to be able to offer a full spectrum of services to help smaller businesses get their message across effectively and affordably,” Roman said. PRstore’s retail units are supported by DesignCentral, a centralized, Charlotte-based staff of designers, copywriters, promotions specialists and printing coordinators. For additional information, visit www.prstore.com. PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com PRstore CONTACT: Carissa Roman of PRstore, 1-704-892-6300 Web site: http://www.prstore.com/ 2008-01-07T14:13:01-05:00 http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/press/prstore_building_national_footprint_expanding_into_new_york_city_market/ http://www.prstore.com/site_v2/prstore_building_national_footprint_expanding_into_new_york_city_market/#When:19:18:00Z CHARLOTTE, N.C. – PRstore, a fast-growing national retail franchise, headquartered in Charlotte, will expand into the New York City market by late summer, further helping the company establish a national footprint, Dan Fragen, CEO, said today. “PRstore is experiencing phenomenal growth,” said Fragen. “We have awarded franchise rights to the entire New York City metro area, and our new owner – a veteran Long Island marketing executive – plans to open up to 20 stores in the next few years, including locations in Manhattan. The first PRstore in the New York City area is expected to open on Long Island in 90 days, said Fragen, followed by one in the borough of Queens. Three PRstores have also opened in the past two months in the Chicago metro area, said Fragen. Located in Schaumburg, Evanston and in the South Loop area, all three PRstores are run by Chicago-based entrepreneurs. Small businesses, entrepreneurs and consumers are expected customers at PRstore, said Fragen, where they can come to a walk-in, full-service marketing store and shop for custom marketing communications products and services available a la carte menu style. “Customers can choose from a wide range of marketing services including the writing and production of printed materials ranging from brochures to newsletters, press releases, web sites, mailers, rack cards,” said Fragen. “PRstore also offers customers a full range of specialty advertising items that can be imprinted with a company logo.” ### About PRstore: PRstore is a full-service marketing store offering expert advice and creative services to help small business owners establish and communicate their message and increase their sales. PRstore provides full-service marketing support to small businesses and organizations whose budgets are too small for more traditional marketing and public relations agencies. In the past three years, PRstore grew from six stores in 2005, to 17 stores in 2006, and now has 43 stores open or soon-to-be-opened in 20 states. 2007-10-01T19:18:00-05:00