Business is competitive and the franchise business is often ultra-competitive. This is because the good ones often come with significant marketing budgets to grab consumer attention. One of the key aspects of savvy marketing is location appearance. You can’t get consumers to buy anything if you can’t get them in the door first.

We live in a visual world. This is especially true when it comes to attracting customers. According to retail customer experience:

• Over 66% of customers admit that they have avoided a business due to its appearance
• More than 90% of shoppers consider external appearance to be a crucial factor in deciding where to shop

Our feature project this month is a great example of how the Mr. Lube franchise operation has taken great care to ensure that their locations look great. They have chosen Fusion Stone as a major component of their brand identity as expressed by their premises.

Fusion Stone gives Mr. Lube and other franchise businesses the attractive, professional and upscale appearance that customers desire and respect. Stone represents strength, dependability, and class – important visual indicators that consumers can trust a business.

Practical Economics

Besides looking fantastic, Fusion Stone is affordable, quick and easy to install, maintenance free, and comes with a lifetime warranty.  This combination made Mr. Lube’s choice an easy one. They get a high-end look for a fraction of the cost of traditional stone masonry.

That’s not all. According to a recent poll, more than half of global consumers “prefer to purchase products and services from a company with a strong environmental reputation.” Many consumers seek out businesses that make environmentally responsible decisions. Fusion Stone is a member of the Canada Green Building Council, is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) compliant and CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) approved. Made from natural, energy efficient materials, Fusion Stone is loadbearing, a natural insulator, and can be easily disassembled and recycled.

Fusion Stone also works to increase the value of Mr. Lube properties as it:

• Increases curb appeal
• Insulates the building
• Acts as a natural fire resistant
• Adds a layer of protection against the elements

Take a tip from Mr. Lube. Fusion Stone can help to increase consumer traffic, attract environmentally conscious consumers and add value to a property.

And don’t forget, Fusion Stone is available in two distinct profiles and comes in multiple colours. It is also maintenance-free, guaranteed for life, and available at over 1,500 building supply retailers across Canada.

Watch for our next feature project in December.