Three Reasons to Open a Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio Franchise

A Merle Norman franchise is easy to start and built on a time-honored legacy with potential for success

Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise is poised for growth throughout the country, and we anticipate adding at least 42 new studio franchise units this year. After nearly a century, Merle Norman has never been stronger or more focused on the future.

We are attractive to entrepreneurs and business owners for many reasons, but largely because our brand remains committed to the ideals Merle Norman herself held dear. She began our company in the kitchen of her California home in the 1920s, and today, the cosmetics and product standards she created are highly respected across generations. There’s no better time than now to join Merle Norman Cosmetics as a franchise owner.

“It’s exciting to be recruiting new franchisees to Merle Norman,” says Steven Jolton, Director of Franchise Sales. “We see a lot of energy around our growth and development initiatives this year as we sign studio owners every month. We have a unique brand with outstanding products that customers can’t get anywhere else but Merle Norman. The demand is there.”

Three reasons to open a Merle Norman studio

A Merle Norman Cosmetics studio franchise is accessible. We offer low startup costs and flexible floor plans, and we never charge a franchise or royalty fee. Starting some franchises can be complicated, costly or confusing. We’ve tried to eliminate all of those hassles for Merle Norman Cosmetics studio owners. We want opening your studio to be as smooth and affordable as possible. Your initial investment ranges from $34,803 to $186,500, depending on the floor plan and the site you choose.

Choose from a wide variety of studio options at different investment price points; our studios do well as stand-alone stores, in malls and strip malls, and as a store-within-a-store. We are successful in large metro areas, suburban neighborhoods and small towns.

“Merle Norman is an easy business to get into,” Jolton says. “There’s not a big financial burden, there are low barriers to entry, and it can fit in pretty much anywhere.”

Merle Norman studio owners build their businesses on our rich history of integrity and innovation. Merle Norman Cosmetics enjoys a time-honored legacy, with lifelong, loyal customers whose graceful aging and beautiful skin are a testament to the quality and efficacy of our products. When you join Merle Norman, you become part of our story — building on our past to create a bright future.

Your Merle Norman studio is the only place where customers can buy our unique skincare and beauty products. These products are made from the highest-quality ingredients and address the full spectrum of skincare and makeup needs for women of all ages, complexions and skin types.

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.

Merle Norman Cosmetics is committed to helping our franchisees succeed. We proudly carry on Merle Nethercutt Norman’s original goal of empowering women as we work with franchisees today. We are committed to our studio owners and do everything possible to help their businesses thrive.

Our comprehensive education and training programs cover all aspects of studio ownership, including best business practices, skincare consultation and makeup artistry. From startup and beyond, our corporate team helps with any need you may have: real estate, construction, space planning, marketing, advertising and more. Even if you’ve never owned a business before, worked in a retail setting, or have any experience with cosmetic application, we will train you in every area to be an expert beauty consultant and savvy business owner.

“We work really hard behind the scenes, trying to make running a business easier, simpler and, ideally, fun for them. We hope our efforts allow them the time, the freedom and the ability to be on the sales floor sharing the products and conveying to their customers what would help them look and feel better and why they became a Merle Norman Cosmetics studio owner. We really want potential franchisees to know that you won’t be alone in this business,” says Amy Hackbart, Chief Operating Officer of Merle Norman Cosmetics. “We have an army of people at our corporate headquarters who are as invested in their success as they are, and we care very deeply for each of our studio owners and how well they perform.”

Ready to open a Merle Norman Cosmetics studio in your community?

Extended by Merle Norman herself since 1931 to entrepreneurs, our franchise opportunity gives franchisees personal and professional fulfillment as Merle Norman Cosmetics studio owners. Find out more information about becoming a studio owner by exploring our research pages or requesting a copy of our free Franchise Information Report.

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