Oprix Matériaux opens its builders’ merchant business to franchising

Founded in 2025 in Brumath, north of Strasbourg, Oprix Matériaux is opening its builders’ merchant model to franchising. According to information published by L’Express Franchise on 5 November 2026, the brand is particularly keen to recruit former tradespeople, construction site managers and building materials sales representatives to open new stores. The stated total investment is around €400,000.

Two stores serving trade and retail customers

Oprix Matériaux currently has two stores. The first is in Brumath, in the Bas-Rhin department of eastern France, at 26 rue de l’Industrie, close to an A4 motorway junction. The second is in Andelnans, on the outskirts of Belfort. These two locations form the starting point for the franchise rollout.

The concept is a builders’ merchant open to both tradespeople and the general public. Both groups pay the same displayed prices. The brand also says it prepares orders within two hours, combining building materials sales with a promise of speedy collection.

For prospective franchisees, this offers a route into construction-related business ownership that involves supplying those who carry out building work rather than doing the work themselves. Future operators will therefore need to assess demand from both local trade professionals and retail customers likely to use their store.

Construction experience sought for a locally focused business

Oprix Matériaux favours candidates who already know the construction sector over those with a purely retail background. Former tradespeople, construction site managers and building materials sales representatives are among the profiles sought. A franchise recruitment page is available on the brand’s website.

The stated location strategy is to have one store per local catchment area, within 30 kilometres of customers. Proximity is therefore central to the project. However, this should not be confused with the exclusive territory granted to a franchisee, which is defined in the contract.

Knowledge of materials and working practices on building sites gives candidates a useful foundation, but moving into running a builders’ merchant requires specific preparation. Stock management, order processing and working capital requirements will all need to be considered in the financial forecast. These checks are particularly important for professionals leaving site-based work to become merchants.

Around €400,000 to open a store

The stated initial franchise fee is €30,000. This provides access to the brand, initial training and an exclusive territory defined in the contract. The fee is included in the total budget of around €400,000 quoted for opening a store.

The budget also covers opening stock, store fit-out, handling equipment, a delivery vehicle and working capital for the first few months. It is therefore a comprehensive launch budget, rather than simply the cost of fitting out the premises.

The brand is targeting turnover of €1.5 million in the first year, combining in-store sales, online sales and click-and-collect. This is a stated target, not a guaranteed result. Candidates will need to assess it against the characteristics of their proposed location and distinguish projected turnover from the profitability of their business.

Shared tools and a legal framework to review before signing

Franchisees source their supplies through the network’s central purchasing operation. They also use its shared e-commerce website, catalogue and management tools. The model therefore pools several functions needed to run a builders’ merchant, beyond simply providing use of the brand.

Under France’s Doubin Law framework, candidates must receive a pre-contractual disclosure document, known as the document d’information précontractuelle (DIP), at least 20 days before signing. It sets out information including details of the network, local market conditions, and the terms and duration of the contract.

Key takeaway: construction professionals interested in the opportunity should first check the full budget, local demand and territorial exclusivity. The stated sales target should provide a starting point for analysis, not replace a financial forecast tailored to the proposed store.