Everyone loves cookies, despite the economic situation! Operating for 24 years, UK based baked goods franchise Millie's Cookies has survived several economic downturns and continues to experience like-for-like growth. The company is now looking for international Master Franchisees to expand the brand further.

Millie's Cookies opened its first store within the well-known London department store Selfridges on Oxford Street. Since then the brand has expanded throughout the UK and has over 120 outlets. Although Millie's Cookies appeals to a wide demographic, its core consumer is young (aged 20-25) and with a female bias. According to the company: "This consumer group is extremely loyal to Millie's Cookies and hence the brand is successful across both transit and leisure locations."

Each Millie's Cookies outlet offers a range of baked snacks and beverages, including its core products of cookies, muffins, cookies 'n' ice cream, shakes, smoothies, and hot drinks such as coffee and hot chocolate.

A Millie's Cookies franchise can be operated in a variety of formats, however the two main types are stores and satellite and kiosks. The store format can be operated with or without seating and is versatile enough to fit most spaces and places.

The second format type is satellites and kiosks. Millie's Cookies state: "Kiosks are ideal for small spaces in locations where mobile units can be operated in addition to an existing store. These are great for mall walkways as they allow an extra presence and extra sales! Baking takes place in the main store."

Millie's Cookies is looking for Master Franchisee candidates who have experience as food operators and who have the ability under a development franchise agreement, to expand Millie's Cookies into their local territories and establish a number of stores to a pre-determined opening schedule.

The franchise investment fee is affected by factors such as rent, store size and location, however start-up costs are relatively low. The profitability of each franchise unit is dependent on the size and location of the outlet. Millie's Cookies estimates the period for return on investment is two to four years, however the company is willing to discuss individual situations on a case-by-case basis.

International Franchise Director of Millie's Cookies Martin Dougan concludes: "It is an exciting time for the brand due to our new brand design and product platforms, which will sustain our continued sales growth and high profitability. We are looking for a Master Franchisee to add strength and bring shared success in new territories."