Smartstyle
Smartstyle franchises offer value-priced hair care services and product sales in Walmart stores and other locations. Known for providing accessible beauty solutions, Smartstyle operates in the retail and personal care services industry.
About Smartstyle
Regis Corporation is an American operator of hair salons. As of August 2021, it has 5,563 franchised and 276 company-owned salons. Its headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Read more on Wikipedia → · Facts from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Smartstyle franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Smartstyle franchise in a Walmart store or other location ranges from $184,440 to $336,340. This includes $41,500 to $43,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate(s). [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is deferred until SMARTSTYLE has fulfilled its pre-opening obligations under the Franchise Agreement and the franchise is open for business in some states, such as North Dakota and Virginia. For new franchisees or existing ones who signed a Development Agreement after September 29, 2011, The Barbers does not charge any initial franchise fees for Salons to be developed under the Development Agreement. [p.367, p.378, p.355, p.21]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Ongoing royalties and advertising fees are recognized as revenue when sales occur [p.93]. These fees are billed and collected monthly in arrears [p.93], and franchisees are required to participate in advertising funds for their respective salon concept, with contributions expensed when made [p.89].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts do not contain information about the length of the initial franchise agreement or the renewal process.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
Yes, you can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires Smartstyle's prior written approval. The transferee must meet certain conditions including compliance with Article 11 of the Agreement, payment of all monetary obligations to Smartstyle, execution of a satisfactory agreement by the transferee, and demonstrating managerial, financial, and business standards set by Smartstyle [p.187]. This does not obligate Smartstyle to approve any transfer for good cause [p.5].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.370]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for specific grounds beyond legal requirements.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by Smartstyle, or other channels of distribution controlled by Smartstyle or its affiliates [p.48]. This isn't specified in the excerpts.
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training through virtual learning and other electronic means, or at a designated location chosen by them [p.45]. This includes training you and your managerial employees to operate a Smartstyle Salon [p.45]. Ongoing support is provided through the Design Team Program, which trains your Design Team member to facilitate educational programs for your salon and stylists [p.46].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
According to the FDD, as of June 30, 2025, there were 62 franchised Magicuts salons in Canada [p.48]. Additionally, during the last three years, more than 38% of franchised outlets (which likely refers to a significant number based on the context) have been terminated, not renewed, re-acquired, or ceased operations for other reasons [p.4], indicating that at least 241 out of 620 outlets have closed or been terminated, though the exact number is not specified.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not provide representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets [p.399, p.164]. However, if an existing outlet is being purchased, the franchisor may provide actual records of that specific outlet [p.61]. Any other financial performance information should be reported to the franchisor's management and relevant regulatory bodies [p.61].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are generally prohibited from operating a similar business during the term of the franchise [p.3]. As for what you can sell, there are no specific restrictions mentioned other than having to adhere to brand standards for products and services [p.31]. Regarding supply sources, you must buy or lease all Operating Assets and other products and services in accordance with Brand Standards from manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors designated or approved by the franchisor [p.31, p.33]. These may include or be limited to the franchisor or its affiliates, which could potentially result in higher costs compared to purchasing from other sources [p.3, p.39].