It’s bowl season and college football fans are in it. Whether they’re hollering at the TV, packing stadiums in team colors, swapping stories about their team’s glory days, or stirring up the fiercest rivalries (looking at you, Hope College!), these games have a way of bringing people together.
And for businesses, moments like this are the perfect chance to show up and be part of the excitement. That’s what Great Clips’ partnership with the College Football Playoff is about: being visible to fans in ways that make sense for the brand and for our franchisees.
Why visibility matters
College football isn’t just a sport—it’s a cultural moment. Fans watch it, talk about it, and live it, and they notice who’s showing up. For a brand like Great Clips, being part of that scene means we’re on their radar: on their TVs, in the stadiums, and all over social media.
Take our NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with Dillon Gabriel, one of college football’s top quarterbacks. That partnership isn’t just about putting a name next to ours. It’s about connecting with customers through someone they admire, in a way that feels relevant and authentic.
But this isn’t just about logos or ads. It’s about showing customers that we get it. We’re part of their world, and when they need a haircut—whether for game day or just a regular Tuesday—they think of Great Clips.
Lisa Hake, Vice President of Marketing at Great Clips, puts it this way: “We know sports bring people together, and we want to be part of those connections. Whether it’s an NIL deal with a standout quarterback or sponsoring the College Football Playoff, these opportunities allow us to engage with customers in meaningful ways that drive business back to our salons.”
MORE: Fans Get Ready for College Football Playoffs at Great Clips
How this helps franchisees
The best part? Partnerships like this help every single Great Clips salon, without franchise owners needing to lift a finger. Here’s why it works:
· Customers Remember the Brand: When people see Great Clips in a big moment, it sticks with them. And when they need a haircut, they’re already thinking of us.
· Local Impact: National exposure creates local buzz. People want to visit the place they’ve seen on TV, or online, or tied to their favorite team.
· Strategic Support: The brand takes care of the big marketing moves. Franchisees get to focus on running their salons and taking care of their customers.
This kind of visibility doesn’t happen for small businesses on their own. It’s one of the biggest advantages of being part of a large franchise organization like Great Clips. With the scale and resources to partner with events like the College Football Playoff, we create moments that put Great Clips—and the franchisees who make up our brand—in the spotlight.
Big moments like the College Football Playoff aren’t just about the hype—they’re about creating lasting results. They boost visibility, build customer trust, and create momentum that carries over to local businesses.
For franchisees, it’s proof that the power of a national brand can translate into wins where it really counts: in their salons, in their communities, and with their customers.
Are you thinking about investing in a trusted franchise brand that’s big enough to partner with other big brands? Give me a call. I’d love to talk to you (even if you went to my rival college!).
Beth Nilssen
Director of Franchise Development | Great Clips, Inc.
800-947-1143 | [email protected]