Tape à l'Œil

Tape à l'Œil (T-A-O) is a French children's-fashion brand from the Mulliez family. A colorful, family-oriented concept, it dresses babies and children with its own affordable collection and, after a recent turnaround and identity refresh, has returned to profit. It differs from ordinary children's-clothing shops by combining its own brand with an affiliation model in which the stock stays the brand's property.

As a franchisee (affiliated partner) you get the brand, store concept, merchandising, the collections (which the brand owns under affiliation), and immersion training. What stays on you is running the store, welcoming customers, and leading the team. A classic franchise is also possible, but affiliation is the main route — and its big advantage is that you don't pre-finance the stock.