Merle Norman Cosmetics is an established American beauty franchise. It began in 1931 in Santa Monica, California, when chemist Merle Nethercutt Norman created her signature “Three Steps to Beauty” skincare system. The company is still family-owned and operates from its Los Angeles headquarters.
The brand embraced a franchise-style model as early as 1931 and formalized modern franchising in 1973. Today, hundreds of independently owned studios span the United States, Canada, and select international markets.
Merle Norman Studios sell cruelty-free skincare, makeup, and personal-care products made in the company’s own U.S. manufacturing facility. Many locations also offer spa-style services such as facials and makeovers.
The franchise stands out with its “Try Before You Buy” philosophy, personalized consultations, and small-studio ambiance. Consistent American production, owner-operator flexibility, and strong franchisor support further differentiate Merle Norman from department-store beauty brands.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Merle Norman offers 3 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio located in a regional mall.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Merle Norman offers 3 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio located in a regional mall.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Merle Norman provides a structured and supportive training program to ensure franchisees are equipped for successful studio operation. Below are the key training components:
Merle Norman does not offer exclusive or protected territories to its franchisees. Studio Owners may operate their studios in approved locations, but the franchisor retains the right to open or authorize other studios in the same geographic area.
This includes new branch studios or those opened under the Gold Medallion Program, as long as they meet the brand's criteria. The Gold Medallion Program, while offering additional marketing and branding advantages, does not provide territorial exclusivity.
Studio Owners must rely on their performance and adherence to quality standards to maintain eligibility in such programs. Thus, territory operation is not safeguarded against internal competition from other franchisees or new openings.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
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Merle Norman
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