OUR HISTORY Apricot Lane retail boutiques are supported by their franchisor, Country Visions, Inc. A unique partnership of Ken Petersen, Tom Brady and Scott Jacobs who opened their first retail gift store in August 1991 in Vacaville, California. Their operation was an instant success. In less than two years, the business partners opened a second and third store. Soon after, their plans to franchise the concept were born. Together, they began to broaden their merchandise and react to economic changes. And in 2007, they introduced the first Apricot Lane – a women’s fashion and gift boutique. Today, Country Visions, Inc. supports more than 75 franchise stores with plans to welcome 15-20 stores to the Apricot Lane family each year. Led by the founding partners and a dedicated staff, Country Visions, Inc. is committed to the support and success of every franchisee. In spring of 2008, the prestigious International Council of Shopping Centers Association (ICSC) awarded Apricot Lane as the Hot Retail Concept for Fashion. ICSC has a membership of more than 70,000 people who cast votes for this award. That same year, Entrepreneur Magazine listed Apricot Lane as one of the Top 50 Hot Franchises of the Year. Apricot Lane has also earned a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 50 Hottest Franchise list in 2008 and in the famous annual Top 500 List (published each January) in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015. Plaque Icon placed here.