The International Franchise Association (IFA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) have partnered to launch a new online matchmaking portal which helps franchise companies find real estate and landlords, as well as brokers who are looking for retailers to fill vacant stores.
The ICSC/IFA Matchmaking Database can be accessed by thousands of retail and real estate professionals online daily, according to QSRweb. Retailers can post their need for space and landlords and brokers can post available retail space. The searchable databases contain available retail properties by location, size, ownership/management and demographic information.
"This new tool will help link new franchise developments with available real estate, thereby escalating the pace at which businesses are coming to market and speeding up the creation of new jobs," Steve Caldeira, IFA president & CEO, said in a press release.
All active ICSC and IFA members may post all their available properties and space needs for free. Listings on the site are secure and members provide continuous updates so they remain timely.
Meanwhile, the franchise industry reported 2.2% growth in September over the previous year, the largest since the beginning of the recession. That suggests franchising is playing a major part in the economic recovery, according to the International Franchise Association.
"As the economy has sputtered, and folks have lost their jobs or are considering a career change, franchising has become an increasingly popular industry for aspiring entrepreneurs to consider," says Matt Haller, a spokesman for the IFA. "Franchising is a proven, structured and very scalable model that can be (and has been) an important component of our nation's economy."
