DDR Launches FranchiseConnect

Beachwood, Ohio --Shopping center owner and manager DDR Corp. announced Monday the launch of FranchiseConnect, a new online platform connecting shopping centers, franchise opportunities and entrepreneurs.

FranchiseConnect is DDR's latest program designed to provide business opportunities to aspirational entrepreneurs. DDR recently launched Set Up Shop, a program offering flexible terms at specific locations for entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses.

DDR developed FranchiseConnect in partnership with its franchise retailers to provide entrepreneurs with web-based tools to research local and site-specific franchise opportunities across the company's national portfolio of market-dominant prime shopping centers. FranchiseConnect will assist aspiring business owners by facilitating a connection to local franchise opportunities with some of the world's leading retailers.

"Franchisees are excellent tenants as they have a personal investment in their business and at the same time they are backed by a national brand, an existing customer base and a proven business model. We have many successful franchise establishments currently in our portfolio and look forward to expanding that category further," said Paul Freddo, senior executive VP of leasing and development.

DDR uses geographic information technology and business intelligence systems to identify the best locations for each of its franchise partners. When analyzing the company's shopping center portfolio, DDR considers the franchisor's ideal requirements such as distance from the nearest location, trade area demographics, shopping center venue, tenant mix, competition, space size and location within the shopping center.

DDR currently has over 1,200 open and operating franchise establishments within its portfolio, including Dunkin' Donuts, Great Clips, GNC, Subway, Domino's Pizza, Panera Bread, Massage Envy Spa, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt and The UPS Store.