Monkee’s is an upscale women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories boutique franchise that began as a single store in 1995. The original shop opened in Wilmington, North Carolina, created by founder DeeDee Shaw. The brand grew from a small local boutique into a recognizable name in specialty retail.

Today the franchise is operated by Monkee’s Franchising LLC and is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The company began franchising the concept around 2011. Its growth has been driven by a strong focus on boutique-style service and high-quality merchandise.

Monkee’s boutiques offer a curated selection of women’s designer apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories, and fashion items. Each location is intentionally designed to feel intimate and welcoming, with a warm layout that resembles a cozy living room to create a relaxed shopping experience.

The franchise differentiates itself through small store footprints, personalized service, and access to premium designer brands. This boutique-style approach sets Monkee’s apart from larger retail chains and department stores, giving franchise owners a distinctive model built around customer experience and curated fashion.

Training

Monkee’s provides a multi-phase training program to prepare franchisees and their management teams for successful store operation. The franchisor requires franchisees and their managers to complete this training 2-3 months prior to opening, ensuring foundational readiness.

1. Initial Training Program
   The initial training includes classroom sessions at Monkee’s corporate offices and a Monkee’s store location designated by the franchisor. Additionally, there are 2 to 3 days of mandatory on-site training at the franchisee’s store immediately before the store opens. This training must be successfully completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction.
2. Supplementary Training Requirements
   Any new manager hired after the store opens must also complete the initial training. The franchisor may require franchisees, their managers, or employees to attend additional or refresher training as needed. All travel, lodging, and related expenses for training are the responsibility of the franchisee.
3. Training Resources and Materials
   Upon completion of the initial program, the franchisee receives a copy of the confidential Operations Manual, which includes detailed operational guidance and is updated regularly. The Manual may include multimedia resources and is accessed either physically or digitally.

Territory Protection

Monkee’s grants franchisees a Protected Area that typically ranges from two to ten miles in radius around the approved store location. Within this Protected Area, the franchisor agrees not to own, operate, or franchise another Monkee’s store.

However, the specific boundaries are determined at the franchisor’s discretion, based on demographic data, business concentration, and other strategic considerations.

While Monkee’s provides exclusivity in terms of store locations, the franchisor retains broad rights to sell products and services through other channels. This includes internet sales and other forms of electronic or alternative distribution, even within a franchisee’s Protected Area.