How many MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS franchise locations are there?

As of the 2026 FDD, MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS has 757 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1934.

Can you get an SBA loan for a MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS franchise?

Yes, SBA loans are available for MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS franchises. We have historical SBA 7(a) loan data on file including approval counts, average loan amounts, and default rates. Get full access to see the complete SBA loan history.

Is MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS a good franchise to buy?

MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS shows several positive indicators: established brand with 757+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.

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MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. franchises independently-owned retail stores called 'Studios' that sell high-quality proprietary skin care, color cosmetics, and related products manufactured by the franchisor, while providing free individualized makeover lessons and customer instruction. The business model centers on distributing Merle Norman products through these Studios, with franchisees required to purchase initial inventory packages, adhere to merchandising and operational standards, and focus primarily on MN Products. The target market includes consumers seeking cosmetics priced between department stores and drug stores, emphasizing personalized service and product education in a professional studio environment.

FDD Year:

757locations

$48K–$263K

Since 1934

RetailLos Angeles, CAwww.merlenorman.comDisclaimer

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Franchise Costs

Franchise Fee

Initial Investment

$47,870 – $262,938

Royalty Rate

N/A

Brand Fund

N/A

Fixed Monthly Fees

$420 – $420

No ongoing royalty or brand fund fees. $35/mo for Social Media, Digital Email, and SMS Marketing services.

Financial Performance

Item 19 Financial Performance

This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.

Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.

Extracted Item 19 Section

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How MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS Compares

Key Insights

One of the lowest investment costs in Specialty Retail (ranked #1 of 47)
#2 largest franchise system in Specialty Retail
Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Specialty Retail

Franchise	Investment	Fee	Royalty	Locations
MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS Current	$48K – $263K	N/A	N/A	757
CORNWELL	$80K – $324K	N/A	N/A	793
BATTERIES PLUS	$285K – $537K	$50K	5.0%	601
PET SUPPLIES PLUS	$537K – $2.0M	$50K	3.0%	502
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED	$232K – $376K	$40K	4.0%	344
MUSIC-GO-ROUND	$346K – $460K	$25K	5.0%	309
Specialty Retail Average 47 franchises	$287K – $705K	$39K	5.0%	–

* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 47 Specialty Retail franchises by location count.