In addition to the furniture chain’s reputation for modern, functional designs, BoConcept has recently obtained considerable recognition in the business community. Recently, the Danish Franchise Association (DFF) named BoConcept the ‘Best Danish Franchise Chain’ and presented BoConcept with the 'Franchise Award 2007' in recognition of its organisational ability to handle growth in franchise units and earning capacity.

The DFF committee of judges considers BoConcept to be the ideal representation of both effective global franchising and Denmark.

Toke Allentoft, Managing Director of Danish Franchise Association, also praises the award winner:

'We are proud to have BoConcept as a member in Danish Franchise Association. Being the largest franchise chain in the furniture industry, BoConcept has managed to somewhat popularise franchising in an industry, where the concept has been rather unusual until recently. In order to receive the award a company must be certified according to the European ethical regulations for franchising, and BoConcept has been certified for two year now. We do not see a more significant representative of Danish franchising,' says Toke Allentoft.

As part of its expansion plans, BoConcept intends on increasing the number of Brand Stores (stores with floorages of between 400 and 800 square metres) by 25-40 units per year, in addition to increasing the number of Studios (in-store departments with floorages of between 100 and 400 square metres located in existing furniture stores). It is BoConcept's target to have 500 sales units in 2010; 300 being Brand Stores.

BoConcept has Brand Stores and Studios in 47 countries. The expansion primarily takes place in ten selected main markets, which includes USA, Spain, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Norway, France, Sweden, United Kingdom and China. In Denmark alone, BoConcept has 11 Brand Stores and are planning to open another four within less than a year.

© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)