"It was an exciting day, but we didn't slow down long to celebrate," said Tom Schuenke, director of facilities and purchasing. "We're on pace to open a record number of salons this year, and there's a lot of work to be done to make that happen." A total of 250 new Great Clips salons are expected to open this calendar year, following a company-high 224 in 2002.

The 2,000th and 2,001st salons opened on opposite coasts on November 6 - at Main Street in Metuchen, NJ (part of the New York DMA) and at Campus Crossroads in San Bernardino, CA (Los Angeles DMA).

"It's exciting being the biggest brand," said Ray Barton, CEO, "but our goal is to be the brand that customers consider the best. The strength of our system comes not just from our size, but from the customers who sustain us."

Established in 1982, Great Clips has perfected a precise system for delivering competitively priced, high quality cuts and perms to men, women and children. The company began franchising in 1983, and today, Great Clips salons operate in some 90 markets across the U.S. and Canada. All Great Clips salons are franchised, and the concept remains a strong investor option. In 2002, Great Clips attracted a record 174 new franchisee groups to its system. The company is on pace to sign on 180 new operators this year.

For more information, contact:
Patricia Burley, Sr. Mgr.—Meeting Services & Communications
Great Clips, Inc.
7700 France Ave. So., Suite 425
Minneapolis, MN 55435
(952) 746-6454
pat.burley@greatclips.com