Merle Norman Cosmetics

Founded: 1931 Franchising since: 1989
Even before she opened her first studio in Santa Monica in 1931, Merle Norman's philosophy of "Try Before You Buy" was being carried out as she offered free samples of her products to neighbors, hoping they'd return later as paying customers.

And return they did. Many even opened their own studios, and the company now has locations throughout the United States and Canada. Carrying on the Merle Norman tradition, franchisees now offer skin care--from cleansers and toners to sun defense--and a full line of cosmetics.

Address: 9130 Bellanca Ave. Los Angeles, California 90045

Phone: (800)421-6648/ (310)641-3000

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 464 employee(s); 10 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2008	1,691	88	0	5
2007	1,752	88	0	5
2006	1,766	87	0	3

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Total investment: $33,300 - $168,700
Franchise fee: $0
Term of agreement: Open-ended


Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	Yes	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Experience in retail, cosmetics and customer service

Operations

• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 6
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

Training

• Available at headquarters: 10 days
• Field training classes, field visits, advanced home office training and point-of-sale software training

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks
• National media
• Regional advertising

Franchise 500® rank:
#34 (2009); #37 (2008); #21 (2007); #32 (2006);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#6 (2009); #10 (2008); #6 (2007); #12 (2006);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#29 (2009); #56 (2008); #33 (2007); #34 (2006);