Franchise
Are you wondering what the hottest franchising trends are?  Many entrepreneurs love franchises.

Despite the status of the economy it seems the most stunning growth in franchises has been in the senior-care segment.  Seven senior-care companies ranked in the top 500 in Entrepreneur magazine have grown a total of 370 units in one year, and almost 39% in the past year. 

Experts say that despite the large increases, this market hasn’t peaked yet.  By 2010, 39 million Americans will be 65 or older, and that’s almost 20% of the North American population.  About 30% of non-institutionalized seniors live alone, per the Dept. of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging.  Many of them need extra help at home or companionship.

The next hottest area is kids.  Parents want their kids to have fun and be well-educated and will spend money to ensure this in good times and in bad.  Children’s products and services segment of franchises have grown steadily over the year and become one of the top 5 overall categories.

What’s changed?  Spending on children is now being fueled not only by baby-boomers, but by Generation X – a group that has $736 billion in spending power.  Another change in the market in the past 25 years is the increase in dual-career families.  According to some in the industry, this is an ideal time to enter the education sector of franchises for kids.

Following on the heels of those areas are franchises in the area of Home Improvement, Fitness, Income Tax Preparation, Business Consulting, Specialty Ice Cream, and Coffee.  So, if you’re in the market for a franchise type business pay heed to the up-and-coming hot leaders and let somebody else go for the 7-Elevens.