Steady But Slow Growth in 2013

Franchising estimated to create 162,000 jobs this year

Franchise business growth will slow down a bit in 2013 yet will continue to outpace growth in other business sectors, according to an IHS Global Insight report prepared for the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation. The Franchise Business Economic Outlook: 2013 forecasts very similar growth rates in new franchise business formation, job creation, output and contributions to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

"While we are pleased the industry continues growing at faster rates than other sectors of the economy, we could be growing much faster, creating more new jobs and businesses, if Washington addressed the tax, spending and regulatory uncertainty plaguing the small business community in a meaningful way," said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. "Franchise businesses emerged from the recession stronger due to the strength of the franchise business model and the strong support of franchisors working with franchisees to sustain profitability. Franchise businesses are now poised to accelerate growth plans, but industry leaders say the lack of confidence in our leaders in Washington to address the fundamental challenges facing our economy is keeping them and prospective investors on the sidelines."

According to the report, the macroeconomic outlook for 2013 is another year of only modest improvement in employment and consumer spending, with overall economic growth held back by slower growth of business investment and a bigger decline in federal government spending. The expected resolution of the fiscal cliff will eliminate some of the uncertainty that has restrained the franchise sector, but it will also bring higher taxes that create a drag on growth. The basic indicators of the health of the franchise sector will show a slight slowdown. Yet the franchise sector will continue to do well within the industries where franchise businesses are concentrated.

According to the forecast:

• The number of franchise establishments in the United States will increase by 1.4 percent in 2013, just short of the 1.5 percent growth in 2012, from 746,828 to 757,055 (an increase of 10,227).
• The gross domestic product (GDP) of the franchise sector is projected to increase 4.1 percent in 2013 (following a 4.6 percent increase in 2012) from $454 billion to $472 billion (an increase of $18 billion). This is approximately 3.4 percent of U.S. GDP in nominal dollars.
• The number of jobs in franchise establishments will increase 2.0 percent in 2013 (following a gain of 2.1 percent in 2012) from 8.1 million to 8.262 million (an increase of 162,000)
• The output of franchise establishments in nominal dollars in 2013 will increase 4.3 percent (following a 4.9 percent increase in 2012) from $769 billion to $802 billion (an increase of $33 billion).