Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids is boosting its expansion efforts and growing faster than ever before. The more than 20-year brand, known for its interactive haircut experience, recently signed an area director agreement for the development of 50 salons throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
The agreement marks Cookie Cutters’ largest multi-unit deal to date and has been signed with Glenn and Brett Gustafsson. The father and son duo have more than 20 years of combined franchise experience with such brands as Quizno’s, Rapid Refill, Dryer Vent Wizard and Hurricane Grill and Wings, and will develop the salons in six states, including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
“This year is on track to be our most successful in recent company history,” said CEO Neal Courtney, a former Cookie Cutters franchisee who acquired the brand in December 2014. “Our unique store design and truly interactive experience continues to set us apart from our competitors in the children’s-only sector of the hair industry. This is no doubt a key reason for our continued franchise growth, as well as our ability to attract small business owners who want to be part of Cookie Cutters’ success.”
In addition to the Mid-Atlantic deal, Cookie Cutters has opened two additional locations in Utah and signed a couple of other multi-unit deals in Alabama and Colorado since Courtney’s acquisition of the brand. Based on these deals and the company’s aggressive lead generation strategy, Courtney expects to open as many as 15 new locations in 2016.
There are currently 28 salons open and operating in six states.
As one of the first children-only hair salons in the United States, Cookie Cutters offers an interactive haircut experience that both children and parents won’t soon forget. Upon entering the salons, neon lights lead children to the in-store playground where they can climb and slide. The salons are also outfitted with unique fantasy chairs at every station – from race cars to motorcycles, firetrucks to airplanes – as well as televisions, so the children can watch movies or play video games while getting their haircut.
“The brand is quickly dominating an entire segment, and the customer loyalty to the brand made this a very enticing and easy decision,” said Glenn Gustafsson. “We’re honored to be part of the Cookie Cutters family, and excited to share what Cookie Cutters is all about across the Mid-Atlantic. We’re also excited to be part of the growth and have no doubt Cookie Cutters will have an even larger national presence in the very short term.”
To augment the company’s growth, Cookie Cutters is actively seeking single- and multi-unit franchisees interested in a sound investment in the more than $6 billion children’s haircut industry. With a one-time franchise fee of $30,000, the initial investment to own and operate a Cookie Cutters salon is $90,000 – $150,000.
Through April of 2016, prospective franchisees can purchase three units for $35,000. Cookie Cutter also offers a special franchisee fee discount for all military service men and women.
