Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More®, a locally-owned, high-technology garment decorating retail store where customers have the freedom to design their own apparel, today announces development plans to add 10 stores, through strategic franchise partnerships, across the Chicagoland area over the next three years.

As part of a refined Midwest franchise development strategy, the brand will be exhibiting at the first annual Franchise Expo Midwest that will debut at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, September 14-15. Becoming the epicenter of small business opportunities, eager entrepreneurs will have the chance to explore the world of franchising, meet with executives from the Big Frog leadership team, and converse with Illinois-based Big Frog franchisees, all at booth no. 500.

As the fast-growing and award-winning concept has swiftly expanded to more than 100 awarded locations in 24 states, Big Frog is now set to further develop throughout Illinois. There are currently three successful locations open throughout the state – Naperville, Shorewood, and Edwardsville. The Naperville location was the first to debut in the state and will be celebrating its five-year anniversary this November. It has seen consistent growth, most recently experiencing 9.7 percent year-over-year sales increase. 

"As a one-of-a-kind service provider, our location has received an incredible response from the Naperville community," said Lori Jozwiak, Big Frog franchisee. "When looking for business ownership opportunities after my children were older, I wanted to find something that would allow me freedom and flexibility while also making an impact in my community. Big Frog proved to be the perfect venture. With an exceptional team, superior customer service, and a community filled with schools, charities, and civic organizations, we've found tremendous success. The brick-and-mortar location allows us to interact with our customers in a way they can't do online. Additionally, with no minimum quantity order requirements, we can service a wide variety of customers whether it be for a school event, a huge company outing, or a small personalized gift."

With a positive business climate, open real estate and a network of many successful franchisees, Big Frog is seeking qualified franchise partners to open in key markets throughout the state including Batavia, Downers Grove, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Wheaton, Elgin, Evanston, Arlington Heights, and Wheeling. There is also opportunity to develop in Rockford, Springfield, Joliet, Peoria, and Waukegan.

"Chicago and its surrounding cities are great communities with well-established, leading business hubs. With a thriving $671-billion-dollar economy, it is an ideal region for franchise expansion and entrepreneurship," said Tina Bacon DeFrece, president of Big Frog. "We are eager to seek out and train enthusiastic local residents who want to bring Big Frog into their communities, and we will be hosting discovery meetings with prospective franchisees at an open house at our Naperville location on Monday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m."

Big Frog combines creativity with cutting-edge technology and brings a personalized service to local markets. The unique design technology makes it a fast, individualized and convenient service that leaps beyond competition. The brand's Direct to Garment (DTG) printing bonds the dye to the fabric's molecules, allowing products to be washed in both hot and cold water and with color-safe bleaching without risking fading, cracking or peeling of the image. In less than ten years, the company has hit milestones not reached by many in the franchise space as it closed out 2017 by awarding its 100^th unit and also was recognized by Entrepreneur as the #1 franchise in the garment retail industry.

The retailer remains one of the top franchise opportunities on the market. As the $50 billion garment decorating industry continues to grow, DeFrece believes that North America will be home to 300 Big Frog stores by 2021.

To learn more about franchising with Big Frog, visit http://www.bigfrogfranchise.com/ or call 727-286-8985.

About Big Frog
Launched in 2008, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More® is a franchise concept specializing in custom decorated apparel with more than 80 locations nationwide. Big Frog looks to become the world leader in the $50 billion garment decorating industry. Each individually owned shop uses unique technology that brings imagination to life with endless design opportunities on T-shirts, sports shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, hoodies, bandanas, onesies, dog clothes, jackets, mouse pads, sports gear, tote bags and more. For more information about Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More and franchising opportunities visit www.bigfrog.com.