Merle Norman Cosmetics
Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data
Researching Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.
Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise specializes in beauty products and personalized skincare consultations through independently owned studios that have served cus
Headline figures
Quick facts
- How much does it cost to open a Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise?
- The Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise Disclosure Document reports separate estimated initial investments by format: $88,404–$154,896 for total (1 — $88404 (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 19); $47,870–$84,481 for total (1 — $47870 (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 20); $134,470–$262,938 for total (1 — $134470 (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 18). These formats are not combined. Each is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
- What is the Merle Norman Cosmetics initial franchise fee?
- The disclosed initial franchise fee for a standard single unit is $0 (2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 14). Other fee options (for example multi-unit or conversion) are listed separately in the report. Details
- Does Merle Norman Cosmetics disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- No. The reviewed Merle Norman Cosmetics FDD states that it does not make a financial performance representation in Item 19. Details
- How many Merle Norman Cosmetics locations are there?
- The FDD reports 757 outlets at the end of 2025 (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 44). Existing locations do not indicate territory availability. Details
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
What the disclosures show
- 1The 2026 FDD (Item 7) estimates opening costs separately by format: $88,404 – $154,896 (Total (1 — $88404); $47,870 – $84,481 (Total (1 — $47870); $134,470 – $262,938 (Total (1 — $134470); several initial fee options apply.
- 2The franchisor makes no financial performance representation in Item 19.
- 3Outlets declined by 40 in 2025, to 757 (United States, as labeled in the FDD, Item 20).
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
Costs · Items 5–7
What does it cost to open?
Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.
Startup Investment — Item 7
Range across 3 single-unit formats
2026 FDD · Item 7
Formats disclosed in Item 7 (3)
Each format has its own total. The total depends on the format you choose.
- Total (1 — $47870PDF p. 20$47,870 – $84,481
- Total (1 — $88404PDF p. 19$88,404 – $154,896
- Total (1 — $134470PDF p. 18$134,470 – $262,938
Standard single-unit franchise fee
2026 FDD · Item 5 · PDF p. 14
Discounted and multi-unit options are separate; see all fees.
Ongoing Fees — Item 6
Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.
19 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.
Financial Performance — Item 19
What results are disclosed—and for which locations?
No financial performance representation in Item 19
The reviewed 2026 FDD for Merle Norman Cosmetics has no Item 19 figures on record. Franopolis does not estimate revenue or earnings in their place; ask the franchisor and current owners what unit-level information they can share.
Outlet Changes — Item 20
How has the outlet count changed?
United States, as labeled in the FDD · counts as of 2025 of each year.
2026 FDD · Item 20 · PDF p. 44
Net −74 outlets, 2023–2025
Year-end counts reported in Item 20. The scale starts at zero, so the line looks nearly flat; the labels between the dots show each year's change. Openings and closures for 2025 haven't been pulled from the Item 20 tables yet, so no turnover or churn is shown.
Questions to investigate
Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.
For the franchisor
Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($47,870 – $262,938) vary most by market, and why?
Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?
Merle Norman Cosmetics reports no financial performance figures in Item 19. What information can you share about unit-level results?
Reported units decreased from 797 to 757 in 2025. What drove the change?
Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?
For current and former owners
How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?
How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?
What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?
For your advisors
Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.
Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.
Sources & vintage history
Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.
Citations (2026 FDD)
- [1]Standard initial franchise fee — Item 5 · PDF p. 14
- [2]Outlet counts — Item 20, Table 1 · PDF p. 44
"PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page. Source document: GetFDD listing
Territory & operations
831 addresses in Franopolis's imported location list. Coverage may differ from Item 20 outlet counts.
These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.
Legal & agreement
Franchisor financial statements
| Fiscal year | Measure | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | notes receivable, current portion | $7,000 |
| 2025 | inventoriesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $8,974,000 |
| 2025 | investments in debt securities | $15,050,000 |
| 2025 | property and equipment, net | $3,491,000 |
| 2025 | notes receivable, net of current portion | $4,000 |
| 2025 | intangibles and other assets, net | $74,000 |
| 2025 | operating right-of-use assets, net | $307,000 |
| 2025 | total assets | $35,576,000 |
| 2025 | accounts payable | $2,622,000 |
| 2025 | accrued retirement benefits, current portion | $1,319,000 |
| 2025 | total current liabilities | $11,744,000 |
| 2025 | total liabilities | $11,744,000 |
| 2025 | capital stock at stated value | $12,000 |
| 2025 | total shareholder's equity | $23,832,000 |
| 2025 | total liabilities and shareholder's equity | $35,576,000 |
| 2025 | net sales | $50,719,000 |
| 2025 | cost of sales | $20,812,000 |
| 2025 | general and administrative | $15,038,000 |
| 2025 | selling, promotion and advertising | $11,653,000 |
| 2025 | shipping | $4,346,000 |
| 2025 | credit loss expense | $12,000 |
| 2025 | loss from operations | -$1,142,000 |
| 2025 | interest expense | -$166,000 |
| 2025 | other income, net | $2,050,000 |
| 2025 | income | $1,481,000 |
| 2025 | provision | $52,000 |
| 2025 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,429,000 |
| 2025 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,429,000 |
| 2025 | comprehensive income | -$1,184,000 |
| 2025 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,429,000 |
| 2025 | provision for credit losses | $12,000 |
| 2025 | provision for lifo reserve | $371,000 |
| 2025 | gain on sale of property and equipmentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$51,000 |
| 2025 | gain on sale of debt securities | -$1,000 |
| 2025 | depreciation and amortization | $1,006,000 |
| 2025 | accounts receivable | -$48,000 |
| 2025 | prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$386,000 |
| 2025 | other assets | $11,000 |
| 2025 | contributions to plan assets | -$283,000 |
| 2025 | accrued retirement benefits | -$59,000 |
| 2025 | net cash provided by operating activities | $286,000 |
| 2025 | payments received on notes receivable | $77,000 |
| 2025 | purchases of property and equipment | -$241,000 |
| 2025 | purchases of intangible assets | -$11,000 |
| 2025 | purchases of debt securities | -$15,263,000 |
| 2025 | sales of debt securities | $15,085,000 |
| 2025 | borrowings on line-of-credit | $1,372,000 |
| 2025 | payments of dividends | -$702,000 |
| 2025 | net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $652,000 |
| 2025 | cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year | $3,232,000 |
| 2025 | capitalized operating right-of-use assets | $70,000 |
| 2025 | decrease | -$2,557,000 |
| 2025 | cash and cash equivalents | $3,884,000 |
| 2025 | accrued liabilities | $4,562,000 |
| 2025 | total operating expenses | $31,049,000 |
| 2025 | accounts receivable, net | $2,286,000 |
| 2025 | prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,499,000 |
| 2025 | total current assets | $31,700,000 |
| 2025 | retained earnings | $25,806,000 |
| 2025 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $670,000 |
| 2025 | unrealized | -$56,000 |
| 2025 | current portion of operating lease liabilities | $281,000 |
| 2025 | line-of-credit | $2,960,000 |
| 2025 | gross profit | $29,907,000 |
| 2025 | interest income | $688,000 |
| 2025 | gain on sale of property and equipmentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $51,000 |
| 2025 | inventoriesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$861,000 |
| 2025 | accounts payable and accrued liabilities | -$855,000 |
| 2025 | proceeds from the sale of property and equipment | $49,000 |
| 2025 | non-cash lease expense | $1,000 |
| 2025 | cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year | $3,884,000 |
| 2025 | total other income, net | $2,623,000 |
| 2025 | unrealized gain | -$56,000 |
| 2025 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$304,000 |
| 2025 | cash paid during the year for states taxes, net | $98,000 |
| 2024 | cash and cash equivalents | $3,232,000 |
| 2024 | accounts receivable, net | $2,303,000 |
| 2024 | notes receivable, current portion | $24,000 |
| 2024 | inventoriesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $8,484,000 |
| 2024 | prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,113,000 |
| 2024 | total current assets | $30,083,000 |
| 2024 | notes receivable, net of current portion | $11,000 |
| 2024 | prepaid retirement benefits | $896,000 |
| 2024 | intangibles and other assets, net | $130,000 |
| 2024 | accounts payable | $3,300,000 |
| 2024 | accrued liabilities | $4,739,000 |
| 2024 | current portion of operating lease liabilities | $207,000 |
| 2024 | total current liabilities | $9,834,000 |
| 2024 | operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | $306,000 |
| 2024 | capital stock at stated value | $12,000 |
| 2024 | total shareholder's equity | $25,718,000 |
| 2024 | total liabilities and shareholder's equity | $35,858,000 |
| 2024 | cost of sales | $22,613,000 |
| 2024 | general and administrative | $16,191,000 |
| 2024 | selling, promotion and advertising | $11,801,000 |
| 2024 | credit loss expense | $60,000 |
| 2024 | loss from operations | -$3,254,000 |
| 2024 | interest income | $744,000 |
| 2024 | other income, net | $420,000 |
| 2024 | total other income, net | $1,042,000 |
| 2024 | income | -$2,212,000 |
| 2024 | provision | -$71,000 |
| 2024 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$2,141,000 |
| 2024 | unrealized gain | $38,000 |
| 2024 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$2,141,000 |
| 2024 | non-cash lease expense | $5,000 |
| 2024 | provision for credit losses | $60,000 |
| 2024 | provision for lifo reserve | $559,000 |
| 2024 | gain on sale of debt securities | -$4,000 |
| 2024 | depreciation and amortization | $1,239,000 |
| 2024 | inventoriesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $710,000 |
| 2024 | other assets | -$13,000 |
| 2024 | accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $329,000 |
| 2024 | contributions to plan assets | -$565,000 |
| 2024 | net cash provided by operating activities | $549,000 |
| 2024 | issuance of notes receivable | -$56,000 |
| 2024 | payments received on notes receivable | $135,000 |
| 2024 | purchases of property and equipment | -$435,000 |
| 2024 | sales of debt securities | $16,016,000 |
| 2024 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $421,000 |
| 2024 | payments of dividends | -$1,395,000 |
| 2024 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$319,000 |
| 2024 | net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $651,000 |
| 2024 | cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year | $2,581,000 |
| 2024 | cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year | $3,232,000 |
| 2024 | cash paid during the year for states taxes, net | $50,000 |
| 2024 | capitalized operating right-of-use assets | $162,000 |
| 2024 | unrealized | $38,000 |
| 2024 | decrease | $2,913,000 |
| 2024 | investments in debt securities | $14,927,000 |
| 2024 | property and equipment, net | $4,198,000 |
| 2024 | line-of-credit | $1,588,000 |
| 2024 | total liabilities | $10,140,000 |
| 2024 | operating right-of-use assets, net | $540,000 |
| 2024 | total assets | $35,858,000 |
| 2024 | net sales | $52,668,000 |
| 2024 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$2,141,000 |
| 2024 | retained earnings | $25,079,000 |
| 2024 | gross profit | $30,055,000 |
| 2024 | shipping | $5,257,000 |
| 2024 | total operating expenses | $33,309,000 |
| 2024 | comprehensive income | $810,000 |
| 2024 | accounts receivable | -$209,000 |
| 2024 | interest expense | -$122,000 |
| 2024 | purchases of debt securities | -$15,239,000 |
| 2024 | borrowings on line-of-credit | $1,076,000 |
| 2024 | prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $456,000 |
| 2024 | accrued retirement benefits | $123,000 |
| 2023 | cash and cash equivalents | $2,580,000 |
| 2023 | restricted cash | $1,000 |
| 2023 | notes receivable, current portion | $67,000 |
| 2023 | inventoriesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $9,753,000 |
| 2023 | prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,569,000 |
| 2023 | total current assets | $31,788,000 |
| 2023 | property and equipment, net | $4,955,000 |
| 2023 | intangibles and other assets, net | $164,000 |
| 2023 | operating right-of-use assets, net | $631,000 |
| 2023 | total assets | $37,583,000 |
| 2023 | accounts payable | $2,851,000 |
| 2023 | accrued liabilities | $4,859,000 |
| 2023 | current portion of operating lease liabilities | $207,000 |
| 2023 | line-of-credit | $512,000 |
| 2023 | operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | $392,000 |
| 2023 | accrued retirement benefits, net of current portion | $2,459,000 |
| 2023 | total liabilities | $11,280,000 |
| 2023 | capital stock at stated value | $12,000 |
| 2023 | retained earnings | $28,615,000 |
| 2023 | total liabilities and shareholder's equity | $37,583,000 |
| 2023 | net sales | $54,584,000 |
| 2023 | cost of sales | $22,887,000 |
| 2023 | gross profit | $31,697,000 |
| 2023 | selling, promotion and advertising | $12,004,000 |
| 2023 | shipping | $5,018,000 |
| 2023 | total operating expenses | $33,391,000 |
| 2023 | loss from operations | -$1,694,000 |
| 2023 | interest income | $118,000 |
| 2023 | interest expense | -$41,000 |
| 2023 | other income, net | $1,060,000 |
| 2023 | total other income, net | $1,164,000 |
| 2023 | provision | $52,000 |
| 2023 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$582,000 |
| 2023 | unrealized gain | $254,000 |
| 2023 | comprehensive income | $692,000 |
| 2023 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$582,000 |
| 2023 | non-cash lease expense | -$1,000 |
| 2023 | gain on sale of property and equipmentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$27,000 |
| 2023 | depreciation and amortization | $1,368,000 |
| 2023 | accounts receivable | -$288,000 |
| 2023 | inventoriesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,440,000 |
| 2023 | prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$326,000 |
| 2023 | other assets | $11,000 |
| 2023 | accounts payable and accrued liabilities | -$1,472,000 |
| 2023 | accrued retirement benefits | $406,000 |
| 2023 | issuance of notes receivable | -$138,000 |
| 2023 | purchases of property and equipment | -$764,000 |
| 2023 | proceeds from the sale of property and equipment | $27,000 |
| 2023 | purchases of intangible assets | -$135,000 |
| 2023 | purchases of debt securities | -$17,392,000 |
| 2023 | sales of debt securities | $15,363,000 |
| 2023 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$2,600,000 |
| 2023 | payments of dividends | -$1,344,000 |
| 2023 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$832,000 |
| 2023 | cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year | $4,895,000 |
| 2023 | cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year | $2,581,000 |
| 2023 | cash paid during the year for states taxes, net | $125,000 |
| 2023 | unrealized | $254,000 |
| 2023 | general and administrative | $16,409,000 |
| 2023 | accounts receivable, net | $2,156,000 |
| 2023 | investments in debt securities | $15,662,000 |
| 2023 | total current liabilities | $8,429,000 |
| 2023 | notes receivable, net of current portion | $45,000 |
| 2023 | credit loss expense | -$40,000 |
| 2023 | income | -$530,000 |
| 2023 | total shareholder's equity | $26,303,000 |
| 2023 | gain on sale of property and equipmentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $27,000 |
| 2023 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$582,000 |
| 2023 | provision for credit losses | -$40,000 |
| 2023 | provision for lifo reserve | $299,000 |
| 2023 | employee retention credit receivable | $1,226,000 |
| 2023 | contributions to plan assets | -$500,000 |
| 2023 | net cash provided by operating activities | $1,118,000 |
| 2023 | purchases of construction-in-progress | -$146,000 |
| 2023 | gain on sale of debt securities | -$396,000 |
| 2023 | payments received on notes receivable | $585,000 |
| 2023 | borrowings on line-of-credit | $512,000 |
| 2023 | net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | -$2,314,000 |
| 2023 | decrease | $1,020,000 |
These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.
SBA-backed loans to franchisees
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Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.
Related research
Brands in the same subcategory first, then the wider industry, ordered by shared business format and overlapping investment range. This is not a ranking or recommendation.
Head-to-head comparisons
At a glance
Business history
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Owner participation
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Territory language
Litigation disclosure
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Bankruptcy disclosure
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Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.