After a record-breaking number of store openings in 2016, Smoothie King continues to expand throughout existing and new markets. To support this growth, Smoothie King has increased national marketing initiatives to build brand awareness and propel the brand forward.
Smoothie King on Nine National Networks
Taking their brand awareness to the next level, Smoothie King released a 12-week national TV advertising campaign at the beginning of 2017. The standout marketing campaign aimed to increase both sales and brand awareness nationally, which ideally benefitted franchisees at the local level as well.
The new smoothies highlighted in the ad campaign are Smoothie King’s new Slim-N-Trim and Mango products. The Slim-N-Trim smoothie can be used as a meal replacement and is a high-protein smoothie with less than 250 calories per 20-oz. cup. The smoothies, in conjunction with their successful national advertising campaign, are part of a national effort to drive sales and brand awareness on behalf of franchise owners.
Reinvesting in the Brand
Over the past two years, Smoothie King has experienced a combined same-store sales increase of more than 19 percent. Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim credits this growth with delivering the right types of products to guests and working with the right franchisees in order to continue expanding to new markets. Smoothie King anticipates sustained growth, especially after releasing their new smoothies and supporting advertisements.
Although it was Smoothie King’s first national advertising campaign, it is not the first time they have been in the national spotlight. In 2014, Smoothie King purchased the naming rights to the local NBA team.
The Smoothie King executive team has committed substantial corporate resources to the naming rights partnership. Smoothie King found just six weeks after the deal was announced there was a positive impact on the brand at the all levels. The New Orleans-based franchise brand receives weekly coverage during the regular NBA season, as well as the consistent schedule of entertainers performing at the location.
Looking Forward
Smoothie King expects to open 125 new stores in 2017, 25 percent more than in 2016. But with all this potential sales growth, the brand understands the importance of increasing their national advertising initiatives in support of their local franchisees.
Are you interested in joining a nationally recognized smoothie brand? Download the Smoothie King franchise kit here.
