#United States #Chicago #Franchise Growth #Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts Expands Chicago Presence with New Franchise Agreement

Pigtails & Crewcuts, the esteemed children's hair salon franchise, is excited to announce a major expansion in Chicago through a new three-unit franchise agreement with Hillery Simmons, marking a significant step in their growth strategy. The brand has long viewed Chicago as a key market, and this new deal comes on the heels of a successful third quarter, demonstrating the franchise's steady upward momentum.

A Targeted Market for Growth

Chicago has always been a priority for Pigtails & Crewcuts. According to Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development, the decision to partner with Simmons is a thrilling opportunity to fulfill the hair care needs of families in the area. With haircuts being an essential service for families, the brand is well-positioned to offer quality care tailored specifically for children. "Our structured systems and supportive training will provide Hillery everything she needs to succeed in this dynamic market," remarked Holliman.

Interestingly, Simmons was captivated by the concept of Pigtails & Crewcuts despite not having children of her own. Holliman highlights that many of the brand's franchisees find success through a combination of deep community understanding and strong family ties, which positions them well to serve the needs of the community effectively.

The Power of Peer Support

The support structure within the Pigtails & Crewcuts network plays a crucial role in bolstering franchisees. For Simmons, insights from an established franchisee in nearby Glenview helped ensure her confidence in moving forward with the deal. This peer validation emphasizes the strength of community and collaboration among franchisees, a core philosophy within the Pigtails & Crewcuts framework.

Holliman pointed out, "The experiences shared among our franchisees act as a guide, enabling new partners like Hillery to feel secure in their decision-making as they embark on this journey."

Building on Success

This franchise agreement comes at a time of impressive financial performance for Pigtails & Crewcuts, with a reported year-over-year increase of 6% in systemwide sales for Q3. This growth reflects both the dedication of franchisees and the brand's consistent demand, which typically sees spikes during seasons like back-to-school. Holliman noted, "Maintaining a positive trajectory in our sales is a clear indicator of our service's enduring popularity and relevance."

Particularly, Pigtails & Crewcuts prides itself on its comprehensive support for franchisees, an aspect that CEO Wade Brannon regularly emphasizes. From the initial engagement through to ongoing operations, the brand’s infrastructure is designed to empower franchisees, equipping them with resources and tools that foster their successes.

Opportunities for Future Growth

Furthermore, Pigtails & Crewcuts enjoys the benefits of being on the SBA registry, giving franchisees and lenders confidence in the brand. This registry has enabled many franchise owners to secure financing to launch their locations, underscoring the credibility and reliability of the franchise model. Holliman expressed optimism regarding the company's growth trajectory, stating, "With the foundational work we have laid and the momentum we’re building, we are poised for significant expansion in 2026."

Pigtails & Crewcuts is actively targeting emerging markets such as Indianapolis, Omaha, and Florida, with plans to establish more locations nationwide.

As the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary this year, there’s a palpable excitement building for the upcoming national convention in October, where franchisees will gather to celebrate achievements and plan future endeavors. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the resilience the brand has shown through economic challenges like the 2007 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

In summary, the signing of this agreement in Chicago marks not only a strategic move for Pigtails & Crewcuts but also highlights the brand's ongoing commitment to franchisee development and community engagement. With a strong operational model and an emphasis on support, Pigtails & Crewcuts is embracing the future, inspires both current and prospective franchisees to join in on their growth journey. The coming years are set to be filled with opportunities as the franchise continues to adapt and thrive in the kids' hair care sector.