Kvik Nuenen: opening a kitchen showroom after a year of preparation

Bas van Giessel has opened his own Kvik showroom in Nuenen, near Eindhoven in the Netherlands, after a year of preparation. In an interview published by De Nationale Franchise Gids on 10 November 2026, he describes how initial discussions, location research, crowdfunding and training came together. His story gives readers considering the Dutch franchise market a practical insight into the steps behind opening a kitchen showroom.

Initial discussions before detailed planning

For Van Giessel, becoming a Kvik franchisee began not with fitting out a showroom, but with an exploratory conversation. He wanted to understand the organisation’s vision, how its franchise model worked and what he could expect as a business owner. An introductory visit to Denmark was part of the process of setting up his own showroom.

“Opening a store is always exciting and a little nerve-racking,” he says in the interview. In his case, the opening followed a year of preparation. The Nuenen showroom was therefore the result of a longer process in which he explored both the franchise model and the practical requirements for his business.

That initial stage was about more than choosing a kitchen brand. Van Giessel also wanted a clear understanding of the working relationship with the franchisor. Only then did he move on to developing detailed plans for his own store.

Crowdfunding as part of the funding mix

Following the initial discussions, Van Giessel drew up a business plan. He also researched potential locations and ways to finance the business, with guidance from Kvik.

He ultimately chose crowdfunding for part of the funding. “Some of it needed financing too. So you start looking at the options,” Van Giessel explains. Exploring funding sources was a distinct step in his preparation, alongside finding a suitable location and putting together a sound business plan.

His choice of crowdfunding illustrates the route taken by this particular entrepreneur; it is not a standard funding model for every Kvik store. In the interview, he describes his own considerations and eventual decision. The key to his approach was to explore the financing options before actually launching the business.

According to the interview, the year of preparation gave him time to build a solid foundation for his plans. Financing was not considered in isolation: the location and business set-up also had to be worked out before the store could open.

Product knowledge and a fully fitted showroom

Alongside the business preparations, Van Giessel completed a training programme. New Kvik franchisees learn about the product range, technical details and the franchise’s operating methods. For Van Giessel, this included working alongside staff at other stores to familiarise himself with products and processes.

Online lessons and courses complemented this hands-on experience. His preparation therefore combined practical learning in existing stores with remote training. Getting to know the day-to-day work added another dimension to the business planning and location research.

Once the location had been chosen, the showroom and warehouse were designed and fitted out. Kvik also supported him through this stage. According to Van Giessel, the company has staff in Denmark dedicated entirely to fitting out and opening new stores.

The support therefore extended beyond business advice to practical help with setting up the premises. The fit-out was intended to ensure that the store could operate to the franchise’s standards from opening day.

Support continues after opening

Support did not end when the doors opened. Kvik has retail consultants who help franchisees with day-to-day operations. According to Van Giessel, a consultant is present in the store during the start-up phase.

Franchisees can also turn to the IT department in Denmark. The franchisor handles a substantial share of the administration too. Van Giessel thus describes several types of support: help on the shop floor, technical assistance and administrative work.

For prospective franchisees, his experience in Nuenen highlights just how extensive the process can be, both before and after opening. Practical takeaway: when choosing a franchise, discuss not only the premises and financing, but also what training and support are available, when they begin and how they continue after opening.