Cover Story Changing the game
CeX franchisee Becky Irons proves that almost anyone can succeed in franchising with a lot of hard work, passion and, of course, determination
T
he best ideas are often the simplest. The Complete Entertainment eXchange (CeX) takes the buy-and sell concept and updates it by trading in
digital entertainment products. CeX shops buy, sell and exchange mobile phones, games, electronics, computers and DVDs directly from the public. What separates CeX from other buy- and-sell retailers is its execution. CeX trades in a focused yet complementary product range, backed up by 25 years’ experience. The brand is renowned as a technology and entertainment specialist. It has developed a set of bespoke computer systems that simplify the process of buying and selling. Goods are tested before they are bought in and then resold with a 24-month warranty, offering customers great value for money and peace of mind.
CeX has very little competition and it is able to set its own prices. Since 1992 it has expanded its network in the UK into 11 countries including US, Spain, Ireland, India and Australia. There are many opportunities for new franchise partners
to roll out the CeX retail brand in territories around the world.
In the past year CeX has opened, on average, two new stores a week. A CeX franchise offers excellent returns, with a typical new store generating a return on investment (ROI) within two years. Here, CeX franchisee Becky Irons tells her story…
“I had my heart set on CeX from the start. I love technology, I love gaming and I love the ethos of the company, so it was a no brainer for me”
Tell us a bit about yourself... I’m 28 and from Eastbourne, where I worked for the local CeX. I moved to Penzance last year for the business and to become a franchisee.
What did you do prior to becoming a CeX franchisee?
I left school at 14 due to a serious illness. Unfortunately, I missed my GCSEs as a result, although I did get into college on my predicted GCSE grades and lots of kind words from my old teachers. I left college with three A Levels.
I knew that university wasn’t for me, so I looked for jobs in retail. After a few years of hard work and determination at the games retailer, Game, I heard a CeX store was opening in my home town, and I already had some management experience by this stage.
I got a job at CeX as a potential supervisor and, after proving myself, moved up to manager within a couple of months. I stayed there as manager for another two-and-a-half years.
Why did you decide to look into running your own business? I wanted to progress within the company. I didn’t have a particularly privileged background, so never thought of franchising as an option, but my family and I came into some unexpected money and it seemed silly not to invest in the company I love.
Do you have a personal interest in this industry sector?
I had my heart set on CeX from the start. I love technology, I love gaming and I love the ethos of the company, so it was a no brainer for me.
What appealed most about running a CeX franchise? Everything! The profit margins are brilliant and it’s also a recession-proof business. In this day and age people always need entertainment, and we provide a service for that.
Is being a CeX franchisee how you expected it to be? It’s even better! When I first opened my CeX store, I was exceeding my expected target every day and now I’m doing even better. I love being my own boss and working in a friendly atmosphere.
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BusinessFranchise.com | April 2017
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