PROOF OF CONCEPT Just Cuts is recession-proof, pandemic-proof and online shopping-proof
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Laurie Broomhall
hen Laurie Broomhall and husband Paul invested in their first Just Cuts franchise in Whanganui eight years ago, it never occurred to them that the business would shrug off the triple shocks of online shopping, global pandemics and economic recessions. In hindsight, though, it’s obvious – as Laurie points out, ‘Hair still grows, it needs cutting and that can’t be done online.’
It’s a model that enabled the couple to develop three salons within the franchise (as well as managing a fourth) and saw Laurie named 2020 Franchisee of the Year after a hugely challenging year. Laurie lost Paul, her husband of 40 years, to cancer in April 2020, but he had lived to see them receive the Just Cuts Client Choice award five years running – an achievement Laurie attributes to following the Just Cuts system. Perhaps unexpectedly, the couple had no hairdressing experience prior to buying their first franchise, with Laurie having worked in office admin and partnered with Paul on various business and renovation projects. ‘We bought the franchise originally as an investment which we could operate alongside full-time employment,’ Laurie recalls. ‘It was wellestablished, with proven systems and processes, and we had an interest in people – both clients and team. But the business just grew, and we added more salons to give us a very comfortable lifestyle.’
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Nothing but praise After the worst possible year in 2020, Laurie has nothing but praise for her chosen franchise. ‘The Just Cuts training and support covers everything from day-to-day matters to constantly looking for the latest technologies to keep us ahead of the market. When we went into lockdown, the franchisor team was in contact with government agencies for all the information we’d need; we had help to apply for the employment subsidies; and I was able to keep all our staff. If I hadn’t, I’m sure we’d have been overwhelmed by the huge post-Covid client influx! ‘Another significant benefit is the way Just Cuts franchisees work together to encourage and help each other. And my team has been great – the award belongs to them, really. All my stylists are fully-qualified hairdressers who’ve worked so hard during a year like no other. I’m so proud of them.’
All around the country Just Cuts is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fixed-price, no appointments hair salon chain. For new franchisees, the investment ranges from $170,000 to $270,000 +gst. There’s a flat fee turn-key franchise structure that Advertiser Info is simple and transparent, requiring a commitment of just 14 haircuts per week – Just Cuts everything else is yours. www.franchising.justcuts.com ‘Our success shows that, wherever you are in New Zealand, Just Cuts can offer you a great opportunity,’ smiles Laurie. ‘If you want a business that really is a cut above most franchises, talk to Just Cuts.’
Franchise New Zealand
Contact Zenardia Anderberg P 0061 2 9527 5444 M 0061 4 8860 0036 bdm@justcuts.com
Autumn 2021
Year 30 Issue 01
