What Makes a Cobia Owner Successful?
A Successful COBIA Salon + Store is fueled by the same focused strengths… Our people and our commitment to creating a warm, welcoming, luxurious and memorable salon experience for all our guests. To achieve this, our salon owners focus on 7 pillars of their business that are the proven keys to running healthy, happy and profitable salons.
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Styling Excellence
We seek and attract stylists who want to be part of a team founded on continuous growth, and dedication to excellence in their craft.
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Guest Experience
We create a warm and inviting environment filled with unexpected luxury delivered through carefully curated amenities and thoughtful services.
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Brand
Inclusivity of every shape, form, and colour is the very soul of who we are and embodies the true meaning of beauty.
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Retail
Our unique collection of both mainstream and boutique style brands separate COBIA as an innovative leader in the hair and beauty industry.
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Culture
Our teams live and breathe the COBIA culture at every level as it is firmly engrained in the fabric of both the experiences and the services that we offer.
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Shop Ops
The COBIA difference is built on thoughtful and specific operational behaviours that focus on recognizing and servicing the individual needs of each of our guests.
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Social Responsibility
Sustainability is a cornerstone of who we are, and we strongly believe in investing back into our environment through our plant a tree program, eco-friendly packaging and a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
Your Journey to Salon Ownership
Inquiry
Inquiry
Now that you’re interested in becoming an owner with COBIA, simply submit an inquiry to start your journey!
Application
Application
After your inquiry has been received, one of our COBIA team members will be in touch to provide you with our COBIA Owner Application Form so we can get to know you a bit better before arranging our first discussion.
Interview
Interview
Once your application has been received and reviewed, we will get in touch to let you know about the next steps. If you are a successful applicant, we will book a time to discuss your application in more detail and answer your questions too!
Discovery Day
Discovery Day
Having completed the interview phase successfully, we will invite you to come join us for a discovery day in Kelowna, BC at our Support Office. This is a great opportunity to learn even more about the brand, our systems and meet all the people who will be supporting you as you become a COBIA salon owner.
Awarding
Awarding
Now that you have completed all the phases of the journey to ownership, our team will discuss how awesome you are, and make our final decisions about awarding you a COBIA Salon + Store. Once approved, we will let you know how excited we are for you to join our team!
Investing in Your Future
Investing in a Cobia Salon
The cost to build your very own COBIA Salon + Store typically averages between $750,000- $850,000. Once we have identified your salon site, negotiated the lease, and have fully inspected the location, we will provide you with a more accurate estimate for your salon build out cost.
Unencumbered Capital
To financially qualify for a new COBIA Salon + Store, interested parties must have access to approximately $200,000 in unencumbered cash and $100,000 in working capital. These funds can then be coupled with bank financing to fund the rest of the required investment.
Multi-Unit Investments
COBIA’s business model was designed with multi-unit ownership in mind, we fully support and encourage our salon owners to reach for the stars and fulfill their multi-unit dreams.
Many COBIA Salon + Store owners will start with one salon location. Through embracing COBIA’s business model, support structures, cost controls and culture you can create a financial foundation, allowing you to grow into multi-unit ownership.
We Support Your Success
Our team here at COBIA strongly believes that our success is fully dependent on the success of our business owners. In fact, it’s the whole reason we identify as a “support” office and not a “head” office. We are passionate about seeing you succeed as a salon owner, which means providing you with the systems, tools and training that you need. We will provide you with:
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On-Going Operational Support
You will be assigned a dedicated Operational Manager who is invested in the overall success of your salon and will guide and assist you with the knowledge to streamline your business.
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IT & Technical Support
Our team of incredible tech experts will help you with all your IT and technical needs while also equipping you with industry leading software, programs and guest facing technology.
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National & Local Marketing
Our Marketing team will drive brand awareness and new customer acquisition through insightful and strategic national campaigns while continuing to assist you with your local salon marketing initiatives.
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Initial & On-Going Training & Recruitment
The COBIA Support Office team is continuously developing and curating new industry leading training programs and recruitment strategies that will help you hire, train, and grow your stylist and guest service team.
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Vendor Relations & Distribution
Our valued relationships with knowledgeable boutique and national vendors has allowed us to leverage incredible buying power on your behalf. Our Distribution Center allows us to purchase large scale quantities that ensure your shelves will always be stocked at industry best prices week after week.
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Leasing & Real Estate
Our team of talented leasing managers work with real estate brokers all over the country to identify and secure the very best sites for our COBIA Salon + Stores.
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Construction
We handle the creation, design, and build of your beautiful new salon while ensuring that the process is seamless, smooth and transparent for you. A Construction Project Manager will also be assigned to your build and will help guide you through each phase of the construction journey.
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Market Research & Intelligence
Salon technology, trends, products, and brands are always changing and innovating in our industry. Our team at the Support Office constantly keep our finger on the pulse to research, source, test, and procure the very best the industry has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need salon experience?
Do I need salon experience?
The simple answer is no. Our Business Partners come to us from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. We look for leadership experience and a solid understanding of the importance of operational excellence. We couple that with all the tools and training you will need to succeed.
Who determines the location?
Who determines the location?
Extensive research is completed by COBIA’s Ownership and Leasing department to determine the most optimal locations. The research process includes consideration of market demographics along with success of other retailers in the trading area.
Who manages development?
Who manages development?
COBIA’s support office manages the design, construction, inventory and equipment processes. It is highly important to COBIA’s organization that we only work with specific vetted and approved contractors. Throughout the whole process, we continuously engage with each owner, up to and including assisting with staffing and training.
What locations are suitable for COBIA?
What locations are suitable for COBIA?
COBIA Salon + Stores can operate successfully in power center/street front and mall locations.
What hours do COBIA Salons follow?
What hours do COBIA Salons follow?
COBIA salons located inside major regional shopping centers must follow mall hours. Franchises inside big box power centers are generally open Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sundays from 11am to 6pm.
How do I apply?
How do I apply?
Complete the inquiry form and submit it to us. Following your application, a representative will contact you to begin the qualification process.
How do I purchase inventory?
How do I purchase inventory?
We operate our own Distribution Centre located in Kelowna, BC, where most of our products are supplied to each of our salons directly using preferred vendors.
How much income can I expect to earn?
How much income can I expect to earn?
The level of income that you will earns is dependent on a number of factors, including your level of involvement in the operation, sales performance, cost controls, fixed overhead, location and market.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
The combined costs associated with opening a Cobia Salon Location varies dependent on the size of the location and market conditions. The average Cobia Location will cost between $650,000 and $750,000.
What are the fees?
What are the fees?
The COBIA Ownership Fee is $40,000. 5% of your gross sales are collected as a royalty fee and 2% is collected and redistributed towards brand development programs.
Are there discounts for multiple locations?
Are there discounts for multiple locations?
Of course! Contact us for more details on multiple locations.