ATLANTA, GA—As part of its long-term growth plan, Primrose Schools has identified more than 200 mid-sized markets as the next target for company growth. With more than 375 schools currently open, the company expects these efforts to help it add nearly 125 additional locations to its system by the end of 2020.
Primrose Schools has more than doubled the number of schools open since 2010 and looks to continue that momentum by expanding into small- and medium-sized markets. Top-priority markets include communities such as Augusta, GA; Ann Arbor, MI; Columbia, SC; and Tallahassee, FL. These smaller cities hold significant promise for the leading early education and care franchise because of the presence of large employment drivers from universities and colleges to corporation headquarters.
“To meet our goal of having 500 schools in the system by the end of 2020, Primrose will be focusing on growth in 200 new markets across the country as well as expanding in cities where we already have a strong reputation,” says Bill Pierquet, senior vice president of school development for Primrose. “Our target for this year is to open 36 new schools, which is an increase from last year's record-breaking 33 new schools opened.”
At the start of the year, the company's school development team had more than 185 schools in the development pipeline, a 17 percent increase over its pipeline at the beginning of 2017. The increase has created an influx of site searches suitable for a Primrose school in markets from coast to coast. The team works closely with franchise owners and local commercial real estate professionals to find sites perfect for each school to ensure that it is accessible and convenient for families in the community.
“By the end of the year, we hope to have more than 400 schools open in 31 states,” says Pierquet. “One key to our growth will be these mid-markets, where we plan to bring families the high-quality early education and care they truly want and need. Our team will also be helping to increase the number of schools in large markets already familiar with Primrose, ensuring each community is well-served.”
Primrose Schools still plans to expand its presence in existing major markets across the country. The franchise currently has more than 55 site searches in urban and suburban neighborhoods in major metropolitan areas and vibrant smaller communities across the United States.
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Steve Lubetkin
Steve Lubetkin is the New Jersey and Philadelphia editor for GlobeSt.com. He is currently filling in covering Chicago and Midwest markets until a new permanent editor is named. He previously filled in covering Atlanta. Steve’s journalism background includes print and broadcast reporting for NJ news organizations. His audio and video work for GlobeSt.com has been honored by the Garden State Journalists Association, and he has also been recognized for video by the New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He has produced audio podcasts on CRE topics for the NAR Commercial Division and the CCIM Institute. Steve has also served (from August 2017 to March 2018) as national broadcast news correspondent for CEOReport.com, a news website focused on practical advice for senior executives in small- and medium-sized companies. Steve also reports on-camera and covers conferences for NJSpotlight.com, a public policy news coverage website focused on New Jersey government and industry; and for clients of StateBroadcastNews.com, a division of The Lubetkin Media Companies LLC. Steve has been the computer columnist for the Jewish Community Voice of Southern New Jersey, since 1996. Steve is co-author, with Toronto-based podcasting pioneer Donna Papacosta, of the book, The Business of Podcasting: How to Take Your Podcasting Passion from the Personal to the Professional. You can email Steve at [email protected].
