Great Clips Partners with National Sports Organizations to Bring Brand Awareness To Franchisees

With over 4,400 salons across the United States and Canada, Great Clips is a brand that consumers know they can trust. The franchise also receives incredible exposure and brand recognition through its partnerships with big-name sports organizations like the NCAA and the NHL. These collaborations have proven transformative for the franchise and its franchisees, bringing in a large base of dedicated sports fans.   

By teaming up with the NHL and NCAA, Great Clips has positioned itself as the salon that hockey and college basketball lovers think of when it’s time to get a haircut. Each partnership has afforded the business valuable advertising time during some of the most-watched sporting events of the year. Additional benefits include marketing deals with top athletes and engaging promotions encouraging customers to model their hairstyles after their favorite players.

Great Clips is the Official Hair Salon of the NCAA

In 2020, Great Clips announced a multi-year marketing partnership with the NCAA through Turner Sports and CBS Sports. And that partnership continued in 2022 with an effective integrated marketing campaign. The brand ran sweepstakes on social media, promoting #GameDayGREATness during March Madness. Those who participated by interacting with Great Clips posts or uploading their own photos were entered to win prizes, including trips to the Men’s or Women’s Final Fours in New Orleans and Minneapolis and free haircuts at Great Clips.

“Everyone wants to look great for life’s biggest moments. Whether you’re a college athlete preparing for March Madness or a fan getting ready to cheer on your favorite team, you can rely on Great Clips salons to provide a haircut that’s convenient, with great prices and skilled stylists,” said Lisa Hake, vice president of marketing and communications at Great Clips, Inc. 

It’s Also the Official Hair Salon of the NHL

Since 2019, Great Clips has been the “Official Hair Salon of the NHL” after partnering with the league and its affiliates, the NHLPA and NHL Alumni Association. Since then, the brand has become increasingly popular among hockey fans, thanks to advertising and creative promotional ideas. 

One facet of the NHL partnership driving new customers to try Great Clips is the interactive Great Clips site built on NHL.com. This page includes #HockeyHair trivia and hockey hair-related memes. The microsite and interactive experience give fans more ways to connect with their favorite teams and the Great Clips brand. 

The NHL partnership enhances marketing efforts across the U.S. and Canada, meaning franchise owners can advertise their brand during massive sporting events.