Established
2013
Franchise Units
100
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Magnolia Soap and Bath is a fast-growing, specialty retail franchise that blends handcrafted bath and body products with an immersive, small-town shopping experience. Known for its signature soap bars cut fresh in front of customers, clean ingredients, and strong Southern-inspired branding, the company has built a loyal following across the United States.
Positioned at the intersection of self-care, gifting, and experiential retail, Magnolia Soap and Bath stands out in a crowded beauty market by offering products that feel personal, nostalgic, and authentic. Customers are drawn to the brand’s transparent approach to ingredients, its emphasis on cruelty-free and paraben-free formulations, and the warm, welcoming environment inside every store.
From daily-use essentials like bar soaps, bath bombs, and lotions to high-margin seasonal gift items, Magnolia Soap and Bath appeals to a wide demographic including families, millennials, gift shoppers, and wellness-focused consumers. With strong unit-level economics, repeat customer behavior, and a retail model designed for community engagement, the brand has emerged as a compelling franchise opportunity in the U.S. specialty retail and personal care sector.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Magnolia Soap and Bath offers franchisees a balanced blend of brand power, product differentiation, and operational simplicity.
Proven and Scalable Retail Model
The franchise operates on a streamlined retail footprint that performs well in lifestyle centers, downtown districts, and high-traffic suburban shopping areas. The model is designed for scalability, allowing owners to expand to multiple units once the first location is established.
High-Margin Product Mix
Handcrafted soaps, bath products, and gift items offer attractive margins and strong repeat purchase behavior. Seasonal launches and limited-edition scents keep the product lineup fresh and encourage ongoing customer engagement.
Strong Brand Identity
Magnolia Soap and Bath has cultivated a recognizable, emotionally resonant brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and community. This identity helps franchisees stand out against mass-produced beauty brands and big-box retailers.
Growing Demand for Self-Care and Clean Products
Consumer spending on personal care, wellness, and self-care continues to rise in the U.S. Magnolia Soap and Bath is well-positioned to benefit from this long-term trend.
Owner-Operator Friendly
The business does not require prior beauty or retail experience. Systems, training, and ongoing support allow motivated entrepreneurs to operate efficiently with a manageable team.
Background
Established Year: 2013
Founders: Allison and Kyle Lovelace
Industry Category: Specialty Retail | Bath & Body | Personal Care
Magnolia Soap and Bath was founded in Mississippi with a simple but powerful idea: create high-quality, handcrafted soap using clean ingredients while delivering a memorable in-store experience. What began as a local concept quickly gained traction due to strong customer word-of-mouth, visually appealing stores, and a product line that customers could see, smell, and feel before purchasing.
The brand transitioned into franchising after proving its concept through company-owned locations. Since then, Magnolia Soap and Bath has expanded across multiple U.S. states, building a growing network of franchise units in both urban and suburban markets.
Today, Magnolia Soap and Bath operates 100+ franchise locations across the United States, supported by a centralized production and distribution system that ensures consistent product quality while allowing franchisees to focus on sales, customer experience, and community marketing.
The company remains privately owned and founder-led, with a strong emphasis on brand integrity, franchisee success, and controlled, sustainable growth.
Support Training
Magnolia Soap and Bath offers a comprehensive support system designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease evaluation, store layout guidance, and pre-opening planning. Corporate teams help ensure each location aligns with brand standards and local market dynamics.
Initial Training Program
Training covers operations, inventory management, product knowledge, staffing, POS systems, customer experience, and brand storytelling. This structured program prepares franchisees to confidently run day-to-day operations from opening day.
Marketing & Brand Support
Corporate provides national branding, creative assets, seasonal promotions, product launches, and marketing playbooks. Franchisees receive guidance on local store marketing, social media engagement, grand opening strategies, and community partnerships.
Operational & Supply Chain Support
Centralized manufacturing and distribution reduce complexity for franchise owners. Inventory systems, reordering processes, and merchandising standards are designed for efficiency and consistency.
Ongoing Support
Franchisees benefit from continuous operational coaching, updated training resources, system improvements, and access to a collaborative franchise network. Field support and corporate check-ins help maintain performance and brand alignment.
Ideal Candidate
The Magnolia Soap and Bath franchise is well-suited for entrepreneurs who value brand-driven retail and customer experience.
Business Background
While prior retail or management experience is helpful, it is not required. Successful franchisees often come from diverse professional backgrounds including corporate careers, small business ownership, hospitality, or sales.
Passion & Mindset
Ideal owners are people-oriented, detail-focused, and passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences. An appreciation for handcrafted products, local community engagement, and lifestyle branding is a strong fit.
Investment Capability
Franchisees should be financially prepared to meet the initial investment requirements and sustain the business through the ramp-up phase.
Location Preference
This franchise performs best in visible retail corridors, lifestyle centers, downtown shopping districts, and family-oriented communities with steady foot traffic and strong gifting demand.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $40,000 – $85,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Grand Opening & Local Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Training & Travel Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expansion Options | Single-Unit & Multi-Unit |