Gautier

About Gautier

Set up in 1960 by husband and wife team Patrice and Annick Gautier, this company designs and manufactures contemporary indoor furniture from three production sites in the Verdée region of France, where it employs approximately 850 staff.

Furniture includes chairs, tables, bookcases, TV units and shelving systems, plus numerous bedroom ranges.

Gautier says its ‘eco-design’ manufacturing process minimises the impact of the company’s activities on the environment. To reinforce this, Gautier has PEFC certification (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which promotes the sustainable management of forests.

As well as quality furniture, Gautier customers benefit from access to an online 3D design programme, a delivery and assembly service and a number of finance options. Expert interior design advice is also available in-store.

The company has 100-plus stores worldwide (60 in France) and an annual turnover of €120 million. Its e-commerce website was launched in 2016.

Gautier opened its first franchised store in La Rochelle, south western France in 2005 and is a provisional member of the British Franchise Association. On average, it opens 10 franchised stores every year.

How does the Gautier franchise model work?

With the Gautier franchise package, franchisees are in business for themselves, but not by themselves.

Backed by an established global brand using tried and tested business methods, they operate out of stores that are between 300-700 square metres, which are located within exclusive trading territories.

Franchisees manage a team of retail professionals, who provide outstanding customer service and a first class shopping experience.

According to Gautier, franchisees must be entrepreneurial, be effective managers and administrators, have good sales skills and have an interest in interior design.

What locations or territories is Gautier looking to operate in?

Gautier has franchise territories available throughout the UK.

Where in the UK is the Gautier franchise based?

The company’s UK headquarters are in St Albans, Hertfordshire. In addition, Gautier has a showroom in central London.

What training and support do Gautier franchisees receive?

A franchisee’s initial training covers operations, systems, product ranges and marketing and takes place at Gautier’s head office in France and at the company’s production facilities.

Another part of the training programme is a period of time spent with an established store owner and the commercial team in the UK.

Training tailored to a franchisee’s specific requirements continues on an ongoing basis in a franchisee’s outlet. A range of training tools are also available online.

Support includes a promotional campaign during the launch phase of a franchisee’s business and regular visits from Gautier’s sales teams to review the progress of the business. An annual marketing plan is agreed between the franchisee and the franchisor to ensure a high profile presence is maintained.

As well as support from Gautier’s UK head office team, best practice is regularly shared among the company’s global franchise network, as well as at the annual franchisee conference.

Also part of the franchise package is a suite of management and design software and access to the Gautier intranet system.

Did you know?

Gautier has outlets available across the UK

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What are Gautier’s franchise terms of agreement and renewal?

The initial franchise agreement lasts for six years and is renewable for three-year periods thereafter. Gautier charges no ongoing management service or royalties fees to its franchisees.

How can I get started on setting up my own Gautier business?

Gautier assists suitable candidates with their application to become franchisees, while also assessing the potential of the area in which a franchisee wishes to base their business.

The recruitment process is a two-way procedure where it’s essential for franchisee candidates to complete thorough research before making any financial commitment.

At the same time, Gautier will be assessing investors’ suitability to join its network and their ability to run a business using the company’s systems that have been tried and tested in many countries.

To find out more or to request further information on franchising with Gautier, fill out the ‘enquire now’ form on this page.