Key Numbers
797
Total units open
5
Units opened last year
35
Units closed last year
-34
Net unit growth
Merle Norman Franchise
Franchised by Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. · FDD 2026
Health & Beauty FDD 2026 Founded 1974 · 52+ yrs No Item 19
Data extracted from Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.'s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, filed under FTC Rule 16 CFR 436. How we analyze FDDs →
Initial investment
$48K - $263K
System size
757 (+4)
The Verdict
Quick Verdict · who it fits
Merle Norman fits first-time franchise buyers looking for a mature wellness concept.
✓ Strengths
- ✓757 units — strong system scale
- ✓No disclosed Item 3 litigation
- ✓52 years in business — established brand
⚠ Risks to review
- ⚠No Item 19 disclosure — buyers fly blind on revenue
- ⚠No exclusive territory — franchisor can open nearby
Key FDD Facts
The numbers a buyer needs first — straight from the filing.
Initial investment (Item 7)
$48K - $263K
System size (Item 20)
757 +4
Agreement term
10 yrs
Years in business
52+ yrs
Item 3 litigation
None disclosed
Model Merle Norman's costs in the investment calculator → Prefilled from this filing — startup cost, cash flow and break-even.
Buyer qualifications
✓Financing available•No exclusive territory✓Semi-absentee eligible✓No bankruptcy disclosed✓No Item 3 litigation
Data extracted from the 2026 FDD filed with state regulators. Fees and terms may have changed since filing — request the current FDD from the franchisor before deciding. Not legal, financial, or investment advice. Full disclaimer.
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What's inside
Franchise Overview
Costs & Fees Breakdown
Your Obligations
Franchisor Obligations
Financial Statements
Contracts Summary
Unit Economics
Network Health
Litigation Risk
Earnings Analysis
Financial Fit Analysis
Buyer Verdict
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Research, not legal advice. Use this report alongside professional legal and financial review before signing any franchise agreement.
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Competitive intelligence for franchisors →Executive Summary
Free AI summary — the first read on the filing.
AI Due Diligence Findings PREMIUM
What our analysis flagged across the 2026 filing.
5
Risks to review
4
Strengths identified
5
Questions to ask
Industry Benchmarks
How Merle Norman ranks against 89 Health & Beauty peers we've analyzed.
Initial investment
3rd pct · of 89 peers
System size
90th pct · of 89 peers
Health & Beauty industry averages
Avg investment
$374K - $727K
Avg franchise fee
$48K
Avg system size
268
Franchises analyzed
89
How Merle Norman stacks up
Closest concepts by category and investment.
| Brand | Item 19 | Fee | Investment | Royalty | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merle Norman | None | — | $48K - $263K | — | 757 |
| Lemon Tree Development Similar price | Disclosed | $35K | $185K - $278K | 6% | 36 |
| Great Clips Biggest system | Disclosed | $20K | $188K - $420K | 6% | 4,441 |
| Miniluxe Top-rated in category | Disclosed | $50K | $558K - $990K | 6% | 2 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Merle Norman franchise cost?
Merle Norman requires a total initial investment range of $47,870–$262,938, per the most recent FDD on file.
Who owns Merle Norman?
Merle Norman is franchised by Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc., the franchisor entity of record on its Franchise Disclosure Document. Item 1 of the FDD discloses the franchisor's corporate history, parents, and predecessors.
Does Merle Norman disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
No. Merle Norman does not include a financial performance representation in its FDD. Prospective buyers should rely on validation calls with existing franchisees and benchmark against industry medians.
How many Merle Norman locations are there?
As of their 2026 FDD, Merle Norman has 757 total locations, with 4 new locations opened in the most recent reporting year. This information comes from Item 20 of the FDD.
Does Merle Norman grant exclusive territory?
No. Merle Norman does not grant exclusive territory rights under Item 12. The franchisor retains the right to operate or grant additional units inside or adjacent to your trade area.
What are the renewal and exit terms?
Per the FDD, Merle Norman discloses an initial agreement term of 10 years. Review Items 10 and 17 for the full renewal and termination provisions.
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