October 08, 2012 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis, MN – Great Clips, the world's largest hair salon brand, celebrated its 30th birthday this weekend with the company's biggest convention ever, and the celebration continues with gift giving through the end of the year. More than 3,000 franchisees (salon owners), salon managers, corporate staff, educators, industry leaders and vendors participated in three days of networking, workshops and recognition at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
This is a major milestone for the Minnesota based company that opened its first shop on the University of Minnesota campus back in 1982 - the year of mullets, thick bangs and lots of hair spray. Great Clips Chairman, Ray Barton, was one of three local men whose dreams of affordable, quality and convenient cuts have grown the company into an international icon with some 3,200 salons, 1,100 franchise and 30,000 stylists.
CEO Rhoda Olsen led the celebration of the company’s 8 year, 32 consecutive quarters of growth during the worst economy in recent history.
“This company was built by the hard work of corporate staff, franchisees, salon managers and stylists,” says Olsen. “We stayed true to our core business of affordable and convenient cuts and we introduced new technology and innovation that keep us charging ahead of the competition.”
The three day celebrations from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 included:
Hair competitions and hair show – Great Clips’ salon managers showcased their talents styling and cutting hair on mannequins and live models. Winners were featured during a hair show on Monday.
“Great is...” mural – Local artists worked together to create a 30-foot by 30-foot painting depicting all that is great! Attendees contributed to the mural by texting how they personally define “great.” The artists translated those texts into a sea of beautiful colors and images.
It may be Great Clips’ birthday, but the company is the one giving away the presents. Through the end of the year, the company is awarding a variety of fun, early-80s retro gifts to its online fans via Facebook, Twitter and EverythingGreat.com.
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has 3,200 salons in 150 markets throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips salons employ nearly 30,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn advanced skills and the latest trends. No appointments needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. And, it’s more convenient than ever with Great Clips’ Online Check-In. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.greatclips.com.
Will Hand
whand@919marketing.com
919.459.8162
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Great Clips is a walk-in salon brand.