What percentage of beauty salons in the USA are independently owned versus chain-operated?
Content
Given the beauty salon industry in the USA is a cornerstone of the local services economy and encompasses over 200,000 businesses across all 50 states—ranging from single-chair salons to large multistate operators—what percentage of these establishments are independently owned (defined as franchises or corporate chains with fewer than five locations) versus chain-operated (encompassing large chains like Supercuts, Regis, or Ulta Salon), and how have these proportions fluctuated since 2010 due to trends like rising real estate costs, demand for personalized services, and the growth of salon subscription models?
As of the latest industry data, approximately 86% of beauty salons in the USA are independently owned, while about 14% are chain-operated. This breakdown is supported by reports from industry sources like IBISWorld and the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).
Key Details:
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Independently Owned Salons (86%):
- These are small businesses, often single-location establishments, run by individual proprietors or private owners.
- They typically emphasize personalized services, community engagement, and niche offerings (e.g., specialty hair treatments, organic products).
- High startup costs and risks contribute to the prevalence of small-scale ownership, though growth is steady due to low retail competition.
- Chain-Operated Salons (14%):
- Includes large franchises (e.g., Supercuts, Salons by JC, Great Clips) and corporate-owned chains.
- Chains benefit from economies of scale, bulk purchasing power, standardized training, and brand recognition.
- They often target high-traffic commercial locations and offer convenience-focused services at competitive prices.
Industry Context:
- Market Size: There are over 350,000 salon establishments in the US employing over 1.6 million professionals (IBISWorld, 2023).
- Trends: Independent salons dominate due to consumer demand for customization and local expertise. Chains are expanding in suburban/urban areas but remain a minority segment.
- Data Sources: Statistics are derived from industry analysis reports, U.S. Census Bureau data, and surveys by bodies like the PBA. Figures can fluctuate slightly year-to-year but consistently show independents holding an 80–87% share.
Note:
Exact percentages vary by year and report, but the consensus is clear: independent ownership is the prevailing model in the U.S. beauty salon industry.