Easton, Md.— Decorating Den Interiors’ franchise owners continued to grow retail sales in the first quarter of this year. “We have been experiencing steady growth over the last several years, with 2014 being our best year in sales since 2008. This first three months’ results bodes well for another banner year,” said Jim Bugg, Jr., president and chief executive officer.

Additionally, the company, which is North American’s largest interior design and home furnishings franchise company, opened five new franchises. The new owners are in Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Virginia, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Educational credit

During the quarter, the company also announced the offering of an Educational Credit Program toward business startup or expansion for qualified individuals with an interior design or related education degree.

“We believe professionals who have invested in education directly related to our business should be rewarded,” says Bugg. “We are offering up to a $10,000 credit towards the initial fee for our franchise, which is a business model that provides buying power through purchasing directly from over 100 home furnishings suppliers, along with business tools, a proven marketing system, sales training and the camaraderie of hundreds of experienced peers.”