How vendor relationships are important to Learning Express Franchises [Text on screen: FranchiseGator.com video series. Learning express, Vendor perspectives] Narrator: The Learning Express franchise has built up strong relationships with its vendors for over 20 years. The benefit of these partnerships is profoundly demonstrated at the Vendor Expo, an essential part of the Annual Learning Express Convention. Jane: What I'm finding with the Learning Express store owners are, they are so passionate about their stores. They understand their clientele or their customer base and they are passionate about the product they carry in their stores. So, what I love about working with them is they want to know about my products. And this is a great opportunity here at these expos to give them hands on one-on-one opportunities to talk about what's new from our company, how they can best slide the stores, how they can engage their customers with their products. So we think of it not only as a selling opportunity but a fun opportunity to play together a little bit, and really have a good time. Rob: The wonderful thing about Learning Express is the preparation that they give a potential new franchisee to be able to start off and not make the same mistakes that a typical store owner would make in advance of them opening, right? So someone wants to open a toy store on their own, they have no help. They have to do it on their own. They have to kind of figure it out as they go and then typically, are going to make a number of mistakes. Great thing about Learning Express is they bring years and years of expertise to the table, and helping them through that very difficult initial period to be able to get to the point of success much more quickly. Narrator: Our franchisees will place over $12 million in orders during the convention, supported by the deep discounts offered by the vendors and the comprehensive marketing campaigns created by the Corporate Office. Jenny: One of the great things about Learning Express is the corporate buying office, really helps to guide the stores to focus on best sellers. We've had a great experience with some of our items, and in fact, we've taken some of the store feedback and been able to develop items specifically based on what store managers and store employees tell us is working for them. Bill: The other thing that s nice about the Learning Express organization is they have a very, very dedicated, knowledgeable head quarters staff. They are constantly looking for new ideas, new products, new craft activities, things that keep the stores fresh, but also keep them very focused on the very profitable stores as well, terms of returning their merchandize and making sure they are getting good programs from the different vendors. So, I can tell you, after ten years working with the Learning Express organization, it s topnotch and one that s very important to our industry. Narrator: At the convention, Learning Express franchisees are also treated to sneak-peek some new products and introduce through exclusive products, which are specifically developed for and released only to Learning Express stores. Marcia: We enjoyed doing the Vendor Expos as well, because it gives us an opportunity to have a one-on-one with the store managers, show them product, get feedback on it, answer questions. Arvis: What I love about the Learning Express Trade Show is that everyone is very friendly. They take their time to talk to you to learn about your gains and I love the camaraderie amongst all the stores. Jane: Well I think that the Learning Express brand with the consuming public carries weight. I think most of the consuming public realizes that it is a franchise operation, that there is local owners and operators, but you are part of a much larger network, of not only buying power, but educational power, so they know that they are getting good not only good healthy product, but the people that are working with them at the store level, know what they are talking about. So, I think the support system on the corporate side really well prepares those store owners and their staff to very well serve the local communities they are in. Bernie: What I think I love the most about Learning Express stores is they help you to have success with your product and they back their stores 100%. So for me, it s Learning Express all the way. [WORDS ON SCREEN "For more information on Learning Express Franchise please visit Franchise Gator at www.franchisegator.com/Learning-Express-Toys-franchise/"] [END OF AUDIO]