2013
260
$350,000
$50,000
$617,000
No
Buff City Soap has quickly become one of the most recognizable and in-demand retail franchises in the United States, offering handmade, plant-based soaps, bath products, and personal care items. Unlike traditional soap companies that rely on harsh chemicals, Buff City Soap focuses on freshly made, natural, and customizable skincare products crafted daily in-store. With a unique retail experience that allows customers to watch soap being made, test products, and create personalized items, Buff City Soap has established itself as a powerful player in the $50+ billion U.S. skincare and personal care market.
The brand has positioned itself as a lifestyle-driven retail concept, combining eco-friendly products with an engaging in-store experience that attracts loyal customers of all ages. As demand for natural, chemical-free skincare continues to rise, Buff City Soap offers investors an opportunity to join a rapidly expanding brand with strong consumer appeal and a proven business model.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Buff City Soap franchise means partnering with a fast-growing, innovative brand that taps into multiple revenue streams and a booming consumer trend toward sustainable and natural living.
Key reasons to invest include:
Booming Industry: Growing demand for natural skincare and eco-friendly alternatives.
Unique Concept: Live soap-making and customizable product experience differentiates Buff City Soap from competitors.
Strong Brand Recognition: Rapid nationwide growth and loyal customer base.
Multi-Revenue Streams: Retail sales, custom gifting, seasonal products, and repeat purchases.
Proven Franchise System: Established training, marketing support, and operational assistance.
High Customer Loyalty: Reusable product lines ensure consistent recurring sales.
Buff City Soap is more than a retail business – it’s an experience that creates repeat customers and long-term growth potential.
Established Year: 2013
Founders: Brad Kellum (original founder), with later brand development supported by growth partners.
Franchise Launch: 2018
Franchise Units: Over 260+ locations across the United States and growing rapidly.
Ownership: Supported by General Atlantic (a leading growth equity firm) since 2021 to accelerate nationwide expansion.
Industry Category: Retail, Skincare, Health & Wellness, Beauty.
Brand Journey: From a single handmade soap shop in Memphis, Tennessee, Buff City Soap has transformed into one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. by combining eco-conscious consumer trends with a fun, interactive retail model.
Market Presence in USA: Buff City Soap has strong coverage across major states, including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, and California, with expansion opportunities available in both suburban and urban markets.
Buff City Soap provides comprehensive franchise support to ensure that every partner is equipped to succeed from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
Site selection assistance and demographic analysis.
Lease negotiation guidance.
Store design and construction support with Buff City’s signature aesthetic.
Initial training program covering product creation, retail operations, and customer service.
Operational Support
Standard operating procedures and best practices.
Inventory management system to streamline daily operations.
Access to proprietary soap-making processes and recipes.
Marketing Support
National and regional marketing campaigns to boost brand recognition.
Local store marketing toolkits, grand opening promotions, and social media strategies.
Seasonal product launch campaigns to drive recurring traffic.
Academic & Training Programs
Initial franchisee and staff training at Buff City’s headquarters and in-store.
Ongoing e-learning modules, refresher training, and access to business development materials.
Ongoing Support
Dedicated field support managers for continuous guidance.
Regular franchisee conferences, networking events, and performance reviews.
Technology support for POS systems, customer loyalty programs, and e-commerce integration.
Buff City Soap is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who value customer experience, innovation, and eco-friendly living.
The ideal franchisee should have:
Business Background: Retail, sales, hospitality, or management experience is an advantage, though not mandatory.
Passion: Genuine interest in wellness, natural products, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Investment Capability: Ability to meet financial requirements and support multi-unit expansion opportunities.
Hands-On Management: Franchisees who are involved in day-to-day operations often see the greatest success.
Location Preference: Ideal locations include shopping centers, lifestyle malls, and high-footfall suburban or urban areas with strong demographics.
Buff City Soap franchisees are often community-driven entrepreneurs who want to bring sustainable, handmade products to their local market while building a profitable and scalable business.
| Financial Requirement | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $367,000 – $617,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $350,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% national + local spend |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Expected ROI | 18–24 months |
| Break-even Point | Typically within 1–2 years |
| Revenue Streams | Retail sales, gifting, subscription/loyalty programs, seasonal launches |
