Established
1931
Franchise Units
1500
Minimum Investment
$35,000
Franchise Fee
Inquire
Total Investment Range
$150,000
Home Based
No
Description
Merle Norman Cosmetics is one of America’s most iconic beauty brands, representing timeless elegance, professional-grade skincare, and personalized cosmetic services for nearly a century. Known as “The Place for the Custom Face,” Merle Norman has built a loyal following by combining premium products with hands-on customer care—something today’s beauty consumers actively seek.
Unlike traditional retail beauty stores, Merle Norman Studios operate as neighborhood beauty destinations, offering skincare consultations, makeup services, and curated product recommendations. This service-driven approach allows franchise owners to create meaningful customer relationships while benefiting from a trusted national brand with deep roots in the U.S. cosmetics industry.
With a flexible studio format, strong brand recognition, and a business model designed for owner-operators, the Merle Norman franchise opportunity appeals to entrepreneurs who want to enter the beauty and wellness sector with a proven, heritage brand that continues to evolve with modern consumer trends.
Why Invest in the Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise?
Investing in a Merle Norman franchise means aligning with a brand that has successfully adapted across generations while maintaining its core values of quality, trust, and personalization.
Key reasons investors choose Merle Norman:
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Nearly 100 years of brand credibility in the U.S. beauty market
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Service-based retail model that encourages repeat customers and loyalty
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Exclusive product line manufactured and distributed by the brand
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Flexible studio size and location options (strip centers, neighborhood plazas, downtown areas)
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Strong female-focused consumer demand in skincare and cosmetics
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Lower staffing requirements compared to large retail beauty stores
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Ideal for owner-operators seeking hands-on involvement
Background
Brand Name: Merle Norman Cosmetics
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Established Year: 1931
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Founder: Merle Nethercutt Norman
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Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
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Industry Category: Beauty, Cosmetics & Skincare Franchise
Merle Norman Cosmetics was founded in 1931 by visionary entrepreneur Merle Nethercutt Norman, during one of the most challenging economic periods in U.S. history. From the beginning, the brand set itself apart by introducing a unique studio-based retail concept focused on personalized beauty solutions rather than traditional department-store counters. This approach helped Merle Norman quickly build trust and long-term relationships with customers.
The company pioneered a model that empowered independent studio owners—many of them women—long before entrepreneurship became mainstream in the beauty industry. Over the decades, Merle Norman expanded steadily across the United States, establishing itself as a household name known for professional-quality skincare and cosmetics.
Merle Norman Cosmetics remains privately owned and continues to design, develop, and manufacture many of its products in the U.S., ensuring quality control and brand consistency. Today, the brand operates 1,500+ active, independently owned studios across the United States, making it one of the largest and most established beauty franchise systems in the country.
Support Training
Merle Norman offers comprehensive support designed to help franchise owners succeed from day one and grow sustainably over time.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and studio layout recommendations
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Assistance with lease review and space planning
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Studio design standards and merchandising guidelines
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Initial inventory planning and ordering support
Training Programs
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In-depth product knowledge and skincare education
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Makeup application techniques and customer consultation training
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Business operations, inventory control, and sales management
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Brand standards and customer experience best practices
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing initiatives
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Seasonal promotions and product launch campaigns
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Digital marketing tools, social media assets, and email templates
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Point-of-sale marketing materials and in-studio visuals
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated field support representatives
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Continuous product education and advanced training modules
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New product introductions and trend updates
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Operational guidance to improve profitability and efficiency
Ideal Candidate
Merle Norman is best suited for entrepreneurs who value customer relationships, brand integrity, and hands-on business ownership.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Passionate individuals interested in beauty, skincare, or wellness
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Owner-operators who enjoy community engagement and service
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Professionals seeking a lifestyle-friendly retail business
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Women entrepreneurs and first-time franchise owners
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Investors with strong people-management and sales skills
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Candidates comfortable with retail operations and customer service
While prior experience in cosmetics or retail is helpful, it is not mandatory, as the brand provides extensive training and ongoing education.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $35,000 – $150,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$35,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | Included in initial investment |
| Studio Build-Out & Fixtures | $10,000 – $60,000 |
| Initial Inventory Purchase | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fees | No traditional royalty (product-based model) |
| Advertising / Brand Fund | Included in product pricing |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 12 – 24 months |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location & owner involvement |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Retail product sales, skincare services, makeup consultations |