Great Clips Pinpoints Winnipeg as Key Growth Market

With more than 4,300 salons throughout the United States and Canada, Great Clips has established itself as not only the premier destination for quality, convenient haircuts, but also as an incredibly attractive franchise concept with a low entry cost and high success rate. As the brand looks to grow its already expansive presence in Canada, Great Clips has identified the Manitoban capital of Winnipeg as a key target market for development.

With population growth in the province of Manitoba outpacing Canada’s national rate and new development underway, Winnipeg has many of the elements that Great Clips looks for in a market.

“We believe there is a great deal of unmet demand in the space and our brand can deliver on what customers want – a great haircut, low wait times at a reasonable price,” said Craig Touchie, Great Clips’ Director of Operations in Canada. “The Winnipeg market helps us close the gap between our Alberta and Ontario salons as we become a national salon brand in Canada.”

At the end of 2017, Great Clips opened its 150th salon in Canada. The brand currently has over 160 units across the country, with a strong presence in the greater Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton markets. With salons opening soon in both Saskatoon and Regina, Winnipeg is a natural next step for growth.  

“With a strong base of salons across the country, we already have the infrastructure in place to support the market,” Touchie said. “Our Canadian head office is located just north of Toronto and we have field support deployed across the country to help support our growing franchisee base.”

Touchie explained that Great Clips typically looks to place its salons in shopping centres that feature high traffic, easy access and visibility, as well as strong retail co-tenants such as grocery or big-box stores.

“Through research we have a strong understanding of customer expectations, the competitive landscape and the future development happening in and around the city,” Touchie continued. “As we find qualified prospects, we will be strategic in our approach and work with them to develop a plan that ensures we are opening salons where our customers need us.”

As the brand currently chooses locations for its first wave of salons, Touchie said the population and growth in Manitoba could eventually lead Great Clips to open as many as 25 locations in the region. Noting that Great Clips has franchisees from all different backgrounds thriving in its system, Touchie said the brand is seeking engaged, growth-minded entrepreneurs who see the value in following a proven system to help the brand grow in Winnipeg.

“We are looking for potential franchisees that are ready to be their own boss and have a good business sense,” he said. “They care about the people they employ and the people in the communities in which they operate. Our franchisees thrive when they work together and focus on building the brand in their market.”

The startup costs for a Great Clips franchise range from $122,500 to $233,100, which includes a $20,000 franchise fee. To learn more about franchising with Great Clips, visit https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com/.