Hello!

28 Comments

Cold Rock franchise stores closing down.

They say the stores are being forced to close because high product costs and marketing charges are making it hard to stay afloat.

Cold Rock’s website currently lists 77 stores across Australia.

Franchisees say store numbers have fallen recently from a peak of 108, however, a spokesperson for FFCo denied there were any problems with the franchise and said he was surprised it had been mentioned so often at a recent parliamentary inquiry, reports SMH.

“If a franchisee has a problem let them air their grievances and work together with us. I have a brand and other franchisees to protect and I will do that,” the spokesperson said.

Franchisees say under FFCo, store owners had been required to buy certain products at inflated prices and to pay into a marketing fund for which they saw little return.

Franchisees are also concerned about high charges for marketing with little to account for the royalties paid. No television, radio or newspaper advertising only a few store posters and social media.

“I am just sick and tired of giving them all this extra money,” one franchisee said. “There are people in the group who just want to get out but they can’t afford to get out.

“That’s what upsets me is stores going backwards and [FFCo] still get paid royalties. If it goes pear- shaped they don’t lose anything.”

Share your comments below

image via Facbeook

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • Love the ice cream but its all so very expensive so works out much cheaper when buying for a family to just buy tubs of ice cream and toppings from the supermarket.

    Reply

  • Another franchise problem – feel so sorry for those who took out the franchise and then went physically broke while working their backsides off.

    Reply

  • I can’t remember seeing any advertising for them.

    Reply

  • It’s always sad to see great stores go.

    Reply

  • It is disappointing that jobs will be lost.

    Reply

  • Unfortunately high Govt. charges also contribute to some businesses closing though they will never admit it. Workcover fees are so high that many businesses cannot Afford to employ staff or as many as they need. I know a farmer who could afford to pay somebody to work part time, but simply can’t afford to pay the Govt charges involved. Consequently he is not cropping as much of his land or stock as many sheep. Luckily they live a pretty frugal life or they would be heavily in debt like many farmers are.

    Reply

  • Oh no, sad for the owners and staff!

    Reply

  • I’ve never been to a Cold Rock store. I hope things change for them or it will be another product that disappears from sight.

    Reply

  • I love cold rock but it’s sad to keep hearing of companies taking advantage of franchises.

    Reply

  • I love cold rock but I barely ever eat it.

    Reply

  • Cold Rock is not a store we frequent on a regular basis.

    Reply

  • I love ice cream but don’t find Cold Rock to taste any greater than other ice creams. We don’t have one near us, so it won’t effect me… if it’s a problem. Unclear on whether it is.

    Reply

  • They are expensive but a really nice treat and one of a kind so a bit sad that they’re struggling. Maybe they should adjust pricing instead of closing stores.


    • This seems to be happening to a number of stores and companies – price adjustments is probably such a good idea.

    Reply

  • Not a store I visit, so doesn’t bother me personally.

    Reply

  • Oh no my kids will be devastated! I find ice cream so expensive at these places though so it’s really only a rare treat!

    Reply

  • I love ice cream and I love their ice cream

    Reply

  • Have tried it and can not see the fuss about it. Sorry those that have lost in trying to earn a living.

    Reply

  • It’s a real shame if this is true

    Reply

  • Franchisee’s do not get a whole lot after all the mandatory fees, contributions etc taken by the franchise

    Reply

  • Wow sounds like such a scam! Don’t blame them for shutting down

    Reply

Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join