Five Fast Facts About Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise

Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise ownership is a rewarding business for passionate entrepreneurs

There’s never been a better time for aspiring business owners to purchase a Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise. We are actively recruiting passionate entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the lives of the women in their communities. Extended by Merle Norman herself since 1931 to entrepreneurs, our franchise opportunity gives franchisees personal and professional fulfillment as Merle Norman Cosmetics studio owners.

Here are five fast facts to consider as you evaluate the Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise opportunity.

1. Merle Norman Cosmetics are made of the highest-quality ingredients, yet are reasonably priced.

Our studio owners tell similar stories about their lifelong Merle Norman Cosmetics customers — women in their 80s and 90s whose skin looks decades younger. That’s because they’ve used nothing but Merle Norman skincare and cosmetics products all of their adult lives.

The Merle Norman Cosmetics line addresses the full spectrum of skincare and makeup needs for women of all ages, complexions and skin types. We take pride in pioneering innovative formulations that often are years ahead of our competitors, yet we keep the price point affordable.

Merle Norman is proud to say we manufacture most of our products in America, in the same plant built in Westchester, California, by Merle Norman herself in 1952. This is where products continue to be conceived, formulated and filled. It’s a unique heritage and an integral part of who we are.

2. A Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise is a rewarding business built upon Merle Norman’s vision of empowering women.

In 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression, Merle Norman opened her first studio in Santa Monica, California. Her nephew J.B. Nethercutt assisted in the development and manufacturing of her products. Within three years, 94 Merle Norman Cosmetics Studios opened and were predominantly owned by women.

Merle Norman was way ahead of her time. She started the first franchise long before the concept was officially defined. In a time when women were not business owners, Merle Norman was launching her own company. She believed in empowering women through business ownership to achieve their dreams and realize their full potential. When you become a Studio owner, you carry on Merle Norman’s original vision.

3. A Merle Norman Cosmetics studio franchise is affordable.

The low barrier to entry and affordable startup costs make Merle Norman Cosmetics an attractive franchise to own. In fact, Entrepreneur magazine named us to their prestigious “Top 100 Franchises for Less than $50,000” list in 2018.

Depending upon the floor plan and site you choose, the initial investment to begin a Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio ranges from $34,803  for a store within a store concept to $186,500 for a Regional Mall location

Start-up costs include the price for one of several initial packages of Merle Norman Cosmetics, supplies and other items, which range from approximately $17,000 to $26,000 that is paid to Merle Norman. The total investment does not include rent for the business location.

4. Merle Norman Cosmetics has existing stores for sale in addition to attractive territories available for new franchise development.

Although we have more than 1,000 studios open in North America, we still have optimal territory available for you to open your own cosmetics studio franchise.

A Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio can be in a mall or strip center or be incorporated as a “store-within-a-store” within an existing business. We have territories available for new store development, as well as existing Merle Norman franchises available for resale. Whatever your budget and your business goals, we have a studio that fits your needs.

5. Merle Norman Cosmetics home office supports studio owners in every way possible.

We are deeply committed to offering the most extensive support system in retail cosmetics. After almost 90 years in business, we know that our franchise owners wear many hats, so we make it our business to help you implement marketing strategies and advertise your franchise. We assist you with all aspects of getting the word out about your store, including print and digital assets, free products for demonstration, marketing co-op programs, and so much more.

And don’t worry if you’ve never worked in cosmetics, skincare or retail before. We train you for every facet of business ownership, every step of the way. We teach you everything from makeup artistry skills to balancing a budget.

We’re committed to equipping you to become both a cosmetics expert and a savvy business owner.

Find out more about franchising with Merle Norman Cosmetics

For more details about franchising with us, see what our current studio owners say about why they love Merle Norman franchise ownership. Visit the research pages on our franchise website or request a copy of our free Franchise Information Report.