A Cosmetics and Boutique Studio in Dubuque Has Relocated

A popular Dubuque cosmetics shop and boutique has officially moved to a new location after nearly two decades in Kennedy Mall, according to the Telegraph Herald.

Merle Norman Cosmetics & Boutique is now located at 806 Wacker Drive, Suite 138 in Dubuque, adjacent to Copyworks. A soft-opening was held on Thursday, January 12th to commemorate the new location.

Merle Norman is a popular name around America. Named after the cosmetics magnate, chemist, and Indiana native, Merle Norman started almost 92 years ago. Today, there are more than 1,100 studios in the United States and Canada. Norman was one of the first entrepreneurs to pioneer the franchising model in business, and the stores have cumulatively generated more than $100 million in revenue.

Angie Crosby-Williams, owner of the Dubuque Merle Norman, opened the Dubuque location inside the Kennedy Mall 16 years ago. She told the TH she decided she'd relocate after being told by mall officials that they needed the Merle Norman location for a new store coming to the shopping center.

[Mall officials] were willing to relocate me, but I decided it was time to move. All of my clients are excited that they can pull right up and walk into the store. - Crosby-Williams, Telegraph Herald

Kennedy Mall spokesman Joe Bell also told the TH that he couldn't provide details on the incoming retailer as the deal is still being finalized. The only thing he did confirm was that the new retailer would be a "larger tenant."

Merle Norman has long focused on makeup as a pillar of their sales, although the studio also carries 10 different skincare lines. They also do makeup for weddings, as well as piercings, and sell a variety of jewelry and clothing.

The new location comes at a serendipitous time, as founder Merle Norman's 136th birthday was January 15, 1887. She was only 44 when she started Merle Norman Cosmetics, not only revolutionizing the industry itself, but helping write the formula for how to successfully franchise a retailer.

Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique's hours are 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday. Sunday and Monday hours vary. You can find out more information on Dubuque's Merle Norman via their website and Facebook page.

Merle Norman's new location is located at 806 Wacker Drive, Suite 138 in Dubuque.