LJ Hooker Group has signed its first franchise deal for its boutique brand Atlas.
Atlas joins the main brand and Harveys as franchises within the larger group.
Realestatebusiness.com.au reports that constant interest in owning an Atlas outlet led the LJ Hooker Group to consider franchising.
Chief executive Christine Mikhael said the boutique brand has been built on high-performance agent teams, with many looking to open their own offices.
There are six Atlas offices trading across New South Wales and Queensland.
The real estate business is taking a selective approach to expanding its high-performance brand.
Brisbane, Sydney’s north shore and Byron Bay have been highlighted as key growth areas.
The Atlas Brisbane Inner South office is reportedly the first outlet to convert to a franchise.
According to realestate.com.au, Mikhael said franchising is at the heart of the business.
“It’s a business model we have mastered, and, in fact, our founder Sir Leslie Hooker, introduced it to Australia in 1967 before global franchises, like McDonald’s, had made it to our shores,” she said.
“LJ Hooker has always been, and always will be, our iconic brand, which our Atlas boutique brand in Australia and our Harveys boutique brand in New Zealand complements.”
