Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

Type: Private
On the web: http://www.merlenorman.com
Employees: 611

Merle Norman Cosmetics has built its foundation on offering samples to customers so they can "try before they buy." Founded when a young woman by the name of Merle Norman first opened up shop in Santa Monica, California, in 1931, the beauty company makes and markets skin care products and color cosmetics. Its products (all of which are manufactured in the US) are sold through about 2,000 independently owned and operated retail outlets -- Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios -- in the US and Canada. Many are located in malls. Brand names include Automatic Definitive, Inspirations, Luxiva, Only Natural, and more. The company is owned by chairman Jack Nethercutt, Norman's great-nephew.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2007:
Sales: $97.6M

Officers:
Chairman: Jack B. Nethercutt II
CEO: Art Armstrong
VP Operations: Robert Dunlap

Competitors:
Estée Lauder
Sally Beauty
Sephora USA