About Merle Norman
The Merle Norman Studio located at 635 – 11th Avenue, we host over 2000 square feet of retail and wellness space. Located in the Mid-town shops plaza there is ample free parking for your visit and great business neighbours surrounding the spa.
The first thing you notice as you enter the door is the fabulous energy. The second? Well, it may be the astounding array of purses, or perhaps the hats? Purses and wallets and jewellery, oh, my! How is a person to choose? In addition to the customary spa lotions and potions, and the lovely Eminence Organic line of skin care, the retail area is filled with an enticing array of eclectic gifts and personal care items.
Many guests dash in to find that “perfect gift”. You can browse through scarves, locally crafted jewellery, fashion, hats, purses and baubles and bangles of all sorts.
The Something More Aesthetics Day Spa is the relaxation sanctuary located inside the retail studio. Here you will find nail stations and cozy areas for personal care. The Day Spa has a full service menu that includes massages, eyelash extensions waxing, and even an Infrared sauna. Click here to see all guest services
All these services are available in the serene, well-appointed rooms. Done in calm, neutral tones, the space invites you to shed the cares of the week and just sink into relaxation. But there is much more than appearance. Each technician is fully industry certified; all the stations are stocked and there is an in-house dental grade autoclave for sanitizing implements.
Whether you are seeking that “just right” gift, or an afternoon of relaxation, when you step into the space at Merle Norman Cosmetics & Day Spa, you are stepping away from stress and into pure enjoyment.
We value the importance of shopping local. Choosing an item from a local retailer may make the difference in whether or not they are around for the next season. Whether you are looking for fine quality cosmetics and skin care or that unique trinket for your bestie, stop in for a visit at Merle Norman. We also offer the option of gift certificates for redemption in the studio & spa.
History of Merle Norman in Campbell River
In January of 1978 Merle Norman originated in the Ironwood Mall (now Campbell River Common). At that time, the Merle Norman Studio was a small business, starting out with makeup, ear piercings and a few accessories. This local business has evolved through many powerful community women and has grown into the successful retail studio and Something More Aesthetics Day Spa that it is today.
Birth of the Merle Norman Brand
In the early 1900’s, Hollywood glamour became more desirable among average women, and with it, an interest in products that would help improve the look of their complexions. With a background in medicine and chemistry, Merle Norman set out to create her own skin-enhancing products. Using her kitchen as her first “laboratory,” she mixed ingredients in a large coffee pot to create the very basis of an innovative skin care line she called the “3 Steps to Beauty.” Thus was born Powder Base ™, Cleansing Cream ™, and Miracol ®—the cornerstones of her fledgling business…which are still available in our Studios today.
In the 1930’s she began sharing her products with family and friends, and demand grew. So with her typical grit and determination, Merle Norman opened her first Studio in Ocean Park California in 1931, launching a brand and blazing a trail that would improve the lives of others.
Passionate to Share
Merle Norman was always ahead of her time. By 1934 her enthusiastic converts began opening “Studios” of their own, first in Santa Barbara, then San Francisco. By the end of that year there were 94 independently owned Studios, owned predominantly by women. At a time when women’s work options were traditionally nurses, teachers or secretaries, Merle Norman was giving hundreds of women the opportunity to own their own business and transform their lives and the lives of their customers with Merle Norman Cosmetics.
“Try Before you Buy”
Merle was so passionate about her formulations that she knew if people had a chance to try her products, they’d become buying customers. Wherever she went, she took the opportunity to share samples with those she’d meet. And in her Studio, everyone who entered would be invited to try her products with a free makeup demonstration. Her famous “try before you buy” philosophy is echoed by many businesses today. And the free makeover is a core service that is still offered in every Merle Norman Studio.
