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Great Clips

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1982
  • Franchising Since 1983
  • 4427 US Franchises
  • $183K - $414K Investment Range
  • $383K Average Gross Revenue
  • 6% Royalty Fee
  • $20K Franchise Fee
Brand Description
Great Clips stands as North America's leading hair salon franchise, revolutionizing the haircare industry since 1982 with a simple yet powerful concept: convenient, quality haircuts at affordable prices. With over 4,400 locations across the United States and Canada, Great Clips has mastered the art of consistent, professional hair care services while maintaining a welcoming, no-appointment-necessary atmosphere.

What sets Great Clips apart is their innovative approach to customer convenience. Their proprietary Online Check-In system allows customers to add their name to the waiting list before arriving at the salon, significantly reducing wait times. The franchise also features Clip Notes®, a unique technology that stores detailed records of each customer's haircut preferences, ensuring consistency across visits and locations.

The brand's success is built on a foundation of professional, well-trained stylists who specialize in haircuts for the entire family. From basic trims to modern styles, Great Clips stylists are equipped to handle diverse customer needs while maintaining high standards of service. The franchise's commitment to ongoing stylist education ensures that team members stay current with the latest trends and techniques.

Great Clips has earned a reputation for being particularly family-friendly, with specially trained stylists who excel at working with children and creating a comfortable environment for first-time haircuts. Their straightforward pricing structure, extended operating hours, and consistent service quality have made them a trusted name in communities across North America, making it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a proven business model in the personal care industry.
DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Great Clips?

$183K
$414K
Did you know that opening your own Great Clips hair salon franchise - one of America's most recognizable affordable haircut chains - requires a total investment between $182,950 and $414,400, which covers everything from the franchise fee and salon build-out to equipment and initial marketing costs needed to start cutting hair and serving customers in your community?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$20K
Investment Range
$183K - $414K
Investment Midpoint
$299K
Minimum Cash Required
$183K
Royalty Fees
6%
Brand Fund
5%
Brand Bragging Rights
4,400+ locations nationwide
40+ years proven track record
No appointment necessary model
Lower investment than competitors
Recession-resistant hair care industry
Scalable multi-unit development opportunities
Financial Analysis
Great Clips presents an accessible entry point into the personal care franchise sector with investment requirements of $182,950 - $414,400, positioning well below the sub-sector average range of $279,322 - $569,025. This lower barrier to entry makes it attractive for first-time franchisees or investors seeking multiple unit development opportunities.

The hair salon industry benefits from recession-resistant fundamentals, as haircuts represent essential personal maintenance rather than discretionary spending. With 4,427 units established since 1982, Great Clips demonstrates exceptional system maturity and operational stability, indicating proven business processes and comprehensive franchisor support infrastructure.

The reported gross revenue of $382,633 tracks slightly below the sub-sector average of $404,662, though this reflects the brand's focus on high-volume, value-oriented service delivery rather than premium positioning. The no-appointment model creates operational efficiency while serving broad demographic appeal.

Ideal investors should possess $150,000-200,000 in liquid capital and demonstrate strong operational management capabilities, as success depends heavily on staff training, customer throughput, and location optimization. The scalable business model supports multi-unit development for qualified operators.

Key considerations include market saturation in established territories, labor management challenges typical in service industries, and the need for consistent brand standard execution. However, the extensive unit count provides valuable benchmarking data and peer learning opportunities. Prospective franchisees should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive market analysis before investment decisions.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Great Clips. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

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Location Analysis
Great Clips demonstrates robust market penetration with numerous locations across multiple states, showcasing particularly strong presence in the Midwest and Southeast regions. The brand maintains notable concentrations in key markets like Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois, Virginia, and Texas, indicating successful market adaptation across diverse geographic areas.

The franchise maintains a strong average rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 across thousands of customer reviews, suggesting consistent service quality and brand reputation across markets. This performance metric particularly stands out in competitive urban markets where personal care services are in high demand.

Successful Great Clips locations typically thrive in suburban retail corridors with strong daytime population, moderate-to-high household incomes, and proximity to residential areas. Key location criteria include visibility from major thoroughfares, adequate parking, and co-tenancy with daily needs retailers.

Significant expansion opportunities exist in several untapped states, particularly in the Northeast and Western regions. Demographics trending toward time-conscious consumers and value-oriented services support continued growth potential. Prospective franchisees should focus on markets with population densities above 50,000 within a 3-mile radius and median household incomes aligned with value-based service positioning.
Total US Locations4427
Open Franchises4427
Corporate Locations0
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Great Clips. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Great Clips's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Great Clips. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Great Clips's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Great Clips's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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