Kidzart Announces International Expansion to Middle East and Asia

KidzArt, a leading children’s art Education franchise company, announced its recent expansion into seven key international markets in an effort to introduce their US-based children’s education brand beyond the States.   International Franchising rights were first granted in Shanghai, China in January and most recently to a new franchisor in Kuwait.  KidzArt is the first US children’s art education brand to develop it’s franchising in multiple countries beyond the States.

Each international operation owns franchising rights to operate and market branded KidzArt locations.  In addition to China, developers in Singapore, South Korea and India have also signed on in Asia.  Other international openings in 2008 include Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. 

“Our diversification into other economically sound markets is a significant part of our growth and competitive strategy,” says Shell Herman, CEO of KidzArt.  “These new relationships are allowing us to build a global brand.  The Middle East’s growing economy make it an ideal place to introduce our curriculum and philosophy which focuses on igniting kids’ imaginations. We’re also pleased to serve the Asian markets by catering to a new generation of parents who are looking to expand their children’s education beyond core subjects.”

The following are a few highlights of KidzArt’s international development:

-Drawing on an increase in demand for children’s creative educational services in Asia, Jacky Tan and Lorne Barnes have purchased exclusive rights to open a minimum of 10 KidzArt franchisees in China.  Their second location is currently in development.

-Looking to diversify her business ownerships and recognizing that Singapore’s children would embrace the KidzArt philosophy, Ms. Gayatri Golpadas purchased exclusive rights to open one or two KidzArt locations.

- Karl Oh, owner of South Korea's largest manufacturer of children's furniture, saw the strong need for kids’ enrichment services.  He has opened a multi-faceted enrichment center in Seoul where kids can learn English and art.

KidzArt has plans for additional expansion outside the U.S. for 2009.  According to Herman, “We are currently in serious discussions with at least four more countries slated to come on board in the first quarter of 2009 including Europe.  We are thrilled with the way the international market has embraced our concept and it is an exciting time for us to expand our cultural scope.  Our domestic franchisees will benefit in many ways as our multi-cultural curriculum continues to develop to meet the needs of the global market.”

About KidzArt
Founded in 1998, KidzArt is designed to let kids and seniors of all ages explore their inner artistic potential in a safe, structured, non-competitive environment.  KidzArt recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Top New 50 Franchises for 2007 and was ranked the Top Children’s Art Franchise for 2006.  In addition, KidzArt was named a “World-Class Franchise” by the franchise Research Institute for 2006 and 2007.