Retail & Franchise Software Development

Custom software makes more sense when your growth is constrained by the way tools fit together, not by missing features in a single product. If you run multiple brands, franchise structures, or mixed ownership models, generic platforms usually force you into awkward compromises and manual work. When your team spends more time running spreadsheets between systems than using them, or when every new initiative requires another vendor and integration, you are in custom territory. We are honest about this threshold. If you have a small number of stores and straightforward needs, we will usually recommend you stay with platforms and focus on better configuration before investing in custom development.

Most initial projects for multi-brand retailers and franchise groups land between $80k and $250k. A lower-complexity engagement might focus on a unified data layer and basic dashboards, while more involved work includes a franchisee portal, store execution tools, and deeper integrations. Cost is driven by the number of systems we need to integrate, the breadth of modules you want in the first phase, and how much internal capacity you have for testing and change management. We scope in weeks, not vague phases. You see line items for design, development, integration, and rollout support before we write a line of code.

For most retail and franchise clients we aim for 12–16 weeks to get a meaningful first release into the hands of area managers and a pilot group of stores. The first few weeks focus on discovery, architecture, and integration spikes to de-risk the hardest parts. The middle of the project is where core workflows and dashboards come together. The last weeks are about rolling out to a contained pilot, fixing the sharp edges, and preparing a broader rollout plan. Larger networks or more complex compliance environments may need more time, but we will be clear about that up front.

In most cases we integrate with the systems you already have rather than forcing a rip-and-replace. Multi-brand and franchise networks often have good reasons for different vendors in different places. Our job is to connect those systems in a way that makes sense for your brand, not to resell one particular platform. There are situations where a legacy tool is actively blocking progress, and we will say so if that is the case, but integration is usually the starting point. Over time, a well-designed integration layer also makes it easier to change vendors without destabilising day-to-day operations.

Yes. Our default model is that you own the codebase and data platform we create for you. We typically host in your cloud account, use your analytics stack where possible, and document the system so your internal team or another partner can take it over later if needed. You are not locked into us as a vendor. We prefer long-term relationships based on value, not dependency. If there are third-party components with their own licences, we call that out clearly during design.

We are used to sitting in the middle of complex relationships. For some projects the franchisor leads and we help align the tech stack across markets. In others, a master franchisee drives change locally while staying within brand and legal constraints. We are transparent about where responsibilities sit, who owns which systems, and how data flows across entities. The goal is a platform that respects brand rules and franchise agreements while still giving each party the visibility they need to run their part of the network well.

Total alignment across a network is rare on day one. We design rollouts that make it hard for franchisees to ignore the benefits. That often means proving tangible wins with a pilot group first: less admin, clearer numbers, fewer surprises at month end. We also design systems that can coexist with older tools for a time, so early adopters are not punished for moving first. Ultimately, adoption is a mix of incentives, support, and in some cases contractual obligations. We help you think through that change strategy, but we are honest when a technical fix alone will not overcome deeper governance issues.

Absolutely. Phased rollout is almost always the right approach for retail and franchise networks. We structure the architecture so it can support coexistence between old and new ways of working during transition. You might start with one brand, a handful of stores in a single region, or a specific concept where the pain is highest. Once we see stable results and refine the playbook, we expand. This approach reduces risk and gives your teams time to adapt without overwhelming day-to-day operations.

After the first release, we typically stay close for a period of hypercare while real stores and franchisees start using the system. We fix sharp edges, improve performance, and prioritise enhancements based on actual usage rather than assumptions. Some clients retain us on a light ongoing basis to support new integrations and features; others transition to their own team and only bring us back for major initiatives. We are flexible, but we always aim to leave you with a stable, well-documented system rather than something that only works when we are in the room.

Most of our retail and franchise clients operate somewhere between 20 and 300 stores across one or more brands. Below that size, off-the-shelf products often deliver better value if they are implemented well. Above that range, many groups already have internal teams but bring us in to tackle particularly thorny integration or platform challenges. If you are below the threshold where custom software makes sense, we will tell you and help you get more out of the tools you already pay for instead of pushing a project that will not earn its keep.