I spent twenty years between two worlds:
global decisions and local challenges.
4
Continents
No two markets alike
29
Countries
A roadmap built in the field
300
Stores
Growth, one store at a time
25
Years
Markets. Networks. Results
Europe • Middle East • Latin America • Caucasus • Africa •
Lorenza Nasini
Independent consultant and advisor for companies, entrepreneurs and investors looking to grow in retail and international franchising.
Over 25 years of hands-on experience with brands such as Habitat, Accessorize, Monsoon, Karen Millen – across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America
I opened markets for others.
Now I can do it with you.
I support Italian and international brands in their expansion and market entry journeys.
I have overseen networks of up to 300 points of sale across 4 continents, with direct responsibility for P&L, contracts and international partners.
The first consultation is free and without obligation.
MY
STORY
I started with languages and a curiosity about the world, then Political Science and a few years in marketing and event management.
In 1996 everything took a clear direction: international retail became my field – and it still is today.
International Retail and Franchising Advisory
Today I work as an independent consultant and advisor, supporting companies in developing and optimising retail and franchising projects, both nationally and internationally. My approach is pragmatic, results-driven, and grounded in sustainability and respect for brand values.
I collaborate with ALES – European Lean Managers Society – on ethics, governance, and continuous improvement, a commitment that reflects the same values guiding my everyday work.
25 years of experience across Milan, London, and Paris, working alongside iconic lifestyle brands – from operational management to global responsibility for franchising and wholesale networks.
WHO I
WORK WITH
Some have an idea. Some have a project. Some already have a network but want to make it work better. That’s who I work with – in Italy and around the world.
In particular, I collaborate with:
- Italian retail brands
looking to expand internationally through franchising or master franchising models - International brands
seeking to enter or strengthen their presence in Italy or other markets - Franchisors
looking to structure, review or optimise their international network
- Franchisees and master franchisees
seeking independent strategic and operational support - Consulting firms
looking to integrate operational expertise into international projects - Entrepreneurs and investors
exploring opportunities in retail and franchising
DOWNLOAD
MY BROCHURE
A summary of my work and experience.
Choose your language and download the full version.
MY
APPROACH
No mandate,
no conflict of interest.
Only your project.
The first consultation is free and without obligation.
Operational experience, not just theory
I didn’t study franchise networks from the outside – I ran them from the inside, with full responsibility for P&L, contracts and people. I delivered brand consistency and financial sustainability across networks of up to 300 points of sale in four geographic areas.
A genuinely international perspective
Twenty years between London and Paris, markets managed across four continents, three working languages. I know the cultural and commercial differences that shape the outcome of an expansion – I have encountered them first-hand, in twenty-nine countries.
Independence and knowledge transfer
I work in an advisory capacity, with full independence of judgement. The goal is not to create reliance on external consulting, but to leave capability within the company.
CONSULTING
SERVICES
I support retail brands, franchisors, franchisees, entrepreneurs and investors in the strategic and operational decisions behind international retail and franchising development.
I work independently, bringing a practical, hands-on approach shaped by real-world experience rather than theory. Every service is rooted in first-hand expertise gained from managing networks, negotiating strategic partnerships, and expanding businesses into international markets.
Analysis matters and is often necessary, but its value only emerges when it translates into concrete results. My goal is to help companies navigate complex environments with greater confidence, reducing risk and improving the quality of their decisions.
International Expansion Potential Analysis
Every expansion project should start with a simple but fundamental question: is the brand truly ready to grow internationally?
Through a structured analysis I assess the true international expansion potential of a retail concept, looking beyond theoretical opportunities and first impressions. I analyse positioning, operating model, replicability and financial sustainability to determine if, how and when to invest.
Activities included
- Analysis of brand positioning and its consistency across international markets
- Assessment of format replicability and operating model robustness
- Review of internal organisation, processes and available capabilities
- Assessment of medium-term financial sustainability
- Identification of critical issues, gaps to address and risk areas before expansion
Deliverables
- Structured assessment of the brand’s international readiness
- Clear GO/NO-GO recommendation for expansion
- Map of strengths and priority improvement areas
- Operational recommendations on how and when to grow
- Checklist of minimum conditions to meet before investing
Client outcome
A clear decision on the opportunity to expand internationally, greater awareness of the actual risks, defined priorities before investing time and resources, reduced risk of premature or unsustainable choices.
Engagement options
One-off advisory · First phase of an international development project
Franchise & Master Franchise Model Design
An effective franchising model is not just a contract – it’s a balance between strategy, operations and partner relationships.
I support franchisors and entrepreneurs in designing or refining their franchise or master franchise model. My work focuses on structure, roles, processes and network support systems, drawing on first-hand experience from both sides: headquarters and the local partner.
The goal is to build a resilient, scalable system capable of sustaining long-term growth as the network expands and complexity increases.
Activities included
- Analysis of the existing model or franchise concept
- Definition of roles, responsibilities, governance and fee structure
- Review of operating processes and network support mechanisms
- Alignment between headquarters’ vision and local partners’ reality
- Drafting or updating of operating manuals
Deliverables
- Complete franchise and/or master franchise model
- Operational manuals and guidelines for headquarters and the franchise network
- A business model ready to be presented to partners, investors and international markets
Client outcome
A clear and sustainable franchising system, clearly defined rules that reduce ambiguity and conflict, greater control over network development and solid foundations for growth without compromising the model.
Engagement options
Structured project · Part of a broader expansion project
New Market Assessment & Market Entry Strategy
Every market has its own rules, dynamics and expectations.
I support companies, investors and entrepreneurs in assessing international markets and selecting the entry strategy that best fits the brand and its risk profile.
Direct experience across diverse international markets helps uncover the reality of local contexts, avoiding decisions based solely on theoretical data or remote assessments.
Activities included
- Analysis of target markets from a retail and franchising perspective
- Assessment of opportunities, risks and operational complexity
- Analysis of local, cultural and consumer behaviour
- Definition of the most suitable market entry model
- Alignment of strategy with client objectives
Deliverables
- Comparative market analysis and selection
- Clear recommendation on the target market
- Recommended market entry model
- Operational roadmap for the first 6–12 months of development
Client outcome
A clear choice of the right market, a coherent entry strategy and a solid basis for negotiations and development planning.
Engagement options
One-off advisory · Phased project
Strategic and Operational Support for Franchisees and Master Franchisees
Being a franchisee or master franchisee means translating a global strategy into local results.
I support partners and investors in their dialogue with headquarters, through the launch and development phases of the network and in optimising operational and commercial performance.
My role is independent: I represent neither headquarters nor the local partner, but work to realign objectives, expectations and results.
Activities included
- Support in dialogue and negotiation with headquarters
- Support during network launch and development phases
- Support for operational and commercial organisation
- Optimisation of store performance
- Analysis of gaps between HQ standards and local practices
Deliverables
- Operational plan for network launch or development
- Concrete actions to improve management and performance
- HQ standards realignment plan
- Ongoing support for operational decisions
Client outcome
Greater clarity in the relationship with headquarters, reduced operational friction, improved local performance and the ability to manage development with greater control and awareness.
Engagement options
Structured project · Ongoing support · Temporary management
Advisory Services for Entrepreneurs and Investors in Retail & Franchising
For those evaluating an investment in retail or franchising and seeking an independent perspective before committing.
The goal is to verify the actual sustainability of the project before committing capital, time and resources.
Activities included
- Analysis of the business model and economic fundamentals
- Assessment of operational and economic sustainability
- Commercial and operational due diligence
- Support for pre-contractual negotiation
Deliverables
- Independent, structured assessment of the opportunity
- Clear analysis of risks, critical issues and key considerations
- Structured decision-support documentation
Client outcome
An informed decision before signing, greater negotiating strength, reduced risk of unsustainable or poorly structured investments.
Engagement options
One-off advisory · Project-specific consulting
Network Performance Analysis & KPI Optimisation
A network grows sustainably only when performance is properly understood and managed.
I support companies and partners in analysing commercial and operational results, turning numbers into concrete decisions.
The goal is to identify what isn’t working, what can be improved and where to act to increase margins and productivity.
Activities included
- Analysis of network commercial and operational performance
- Review of KPIs, margins, stock and productivity by store
- Identification of recurring critical issues
- Definition of intervention priorities
Deliverables
- Structured performance report
- Operational priorities with concrete actions
- KPI optimisation plan
- Support for development and investment decisions
Client outcome
Numbers that finally make sense, operational decisions supported by data, greater control over performance and network sustainability.
Engagement options
One-off advisory · Optimisation project
RADIO FRANCHISE
MAY 2026
In this conversation, I discuss international franchising, understanding new markets, building partnerships that truly work – and a few insights worth listening to.
Interview with Lorenza Nasini (Italian)
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