A couple from Dubai saw
The couple was looking to fill a candy niche and after meeting with Fuzziwig’s franchisor, Kayo Folsom, and visiting the colorful shop and corporate headquarters in Durango, they decided Fuzziwig’s would be the best fit.
Now the two are bringing the brand to their region with a plan to open 10 stores in two years, Folsom said.
“This is perfect for Dubai because it’s fun and friendly,” he said.
Dubai is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world – it’s like “Las Vegas on steroids,” Folsom said. While alcohol is not big there, candy makes a good replacement.
The couple run Momair Trading, a Dubai-based company, and opened Subway franchises before considering the candy business, he said.
Momair Trading will be a master franchisee for Fuzziwig’s, Folsom said. The company will be responsible for recruiting and supporting Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory franchisees in its region, he said.
Fuzziwig’s has grown steadily, franchising four to six stores a year in recent years, Folsom said.
The cost to open a Fuzziwig’s franchise runs from $182,200 to $348,350, according to the Fuzziwig’s website.
The company has 52 locations and it expects to have 57 by the end of the year. A store in Dubai is expected to open in September, and stores in Columbus and North Carolina are under construction.
Rather than focusing on growing fast, the company looks for quality locations, he said.
The company doesn’t manufacture or distribute products, allowing it to keep its headquarters in Durango and offer franchisees a business system with training and ongoing support.
By offering brand-name candy, it allows the store to piggy back on the advertising of much larger companies, he said.
However, the company offers some private-label candy, which is manufactured to Fuzziwig’s specifications by another company and branded with Fuzziwig’s label. Folsom plans to expand this part of the business.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
