Merle Norman Cosmetics vs City Looks Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Merle Norman Cosmetics vs City Looks including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
City Looks Franchise
Investment $39,471 - $180,888$94,500 - $275,000
Franchise Fee N/AN/A
Royalty Fee 0-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19311963
Year Franchised 19891968
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Term Of Agreement Open-ended-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
City Looks Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
City Looks Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment Yes/No-/-
Inventory Yes/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
City Looks Franchise
Training Field training classes, field visits, advanced home office training and point-of-sale software training Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Online training -
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform -
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing -
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchisee is allowed.

-

Expansion Plans
 
Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise
City Looks Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About Merle Norman Cosmetics

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 discover the benefits and return as paying customers. And return they did. Many even opened their own studios and the company now has studios 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.

Veteran Incentives  $5,000 in inventory

"Entrepreneur
#366 in Franchise 500 for 2020.




About City Looks

Big-City Excitement
City Looks caters to women looking for an exceptional hair-care experience and a full array of salon services. Located primarily in shopping malls and strip centers, the City Looks client wants convenience and high quality hair-care services in a comfortable environment.
City Looks at a Glance * Year of inception: 1968. Changed name to City Looks in 1987. * Number of City Looks salon locations: 32 franchise and corporate owned locations * Geographic coverage: United States, Canada * Franchisee business profile: Single or multi-unit operator looking to own one or more units * Previous experience: No salon background necessary * Financial requirements: $150,000 liquid assets and $400,000 net worth