My Outlook for 2026: Cautiously Optimistic About Franchising

2026 Franchising Outlook: At a Glance

• More planning, less waiting: People want a plan, not perfect timing.

• Diversification matters: Prospective franchisees are looking for stability and options.

• Value wins in uncertain times: Practical, affordable brands stay relevant.

• Steady beats flashy: Consistency and resilience matter more than hype.

Throughout last year, many of my conversations with prospective franchisees started the same way. Someone would share that they were interested in owning a franchise business, maybe even a walk-in hair salon like Great Clips…and then add, “I’m just not quite ready yet.”

And honestly, that made sense. The past year invited caution. But now a month into 2026, something is changing. People are moving out of “wait and see mode” and starting to ask more practical questions about timing, options, and next steps.

That’s a meaningful shift—and one of the reasons I’m feeling cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

2025 Was a Year of Caution and Uncertainty

At the end of 2024, it was clear to me that 2025 might move at a different pace. There were signs of that shift: fewer leads, thinner pipelines, and more measured conversations.

That hesitation wasn’t about the business itself. It was about timing. People weren’t sure what the next few months would bring—with their jobs, their industries, or the broader economy—and when that happens, even good opportunities can feel risky.

What’s shifting as we look toward 2026

Here’s what I’m noticing now: The uncertainty hasn’t gone away, but people are learning how to live with it. Instead of waiting for everything to settle down, more people are saying things like: “I need a plan.” “I want to be prepared if something changes.” “I don’t want all my income coming from one place.” That’s a very different conversation. It’s less emotional and more practical.

Why Diversification Is on More People’s Minds

One word I expect to hear a lot more in 2026 is diversification. For many professionals, the last few years have been a reminder that stability isn’t always guaranteed, even in roles that once felt very secure. That’s pushing people to think differently about franchise ownership. It’s about building options and creating something alongside what they’re already doing.

Franchising Continues to Show Resilience

Industry outlooks are echoing what I’m seeing on the ground. According to a recent FranNet article, franchising continued to grow through 2025 and is expected to carry that momentum into 2026. Franchised businesses grew faster than the overall U.S. economy in 2025, adding jobs and new units that help signal ongoing strength in the sector.

Why Value Brands Tend to Hold Up in Uncertain Times

Another reason I feel cautiously optimistic about 2026 is how Great Clips tends to perform when the economy isn’t firing on all cylinders.

When budgets tighten, customers don’t stop getting haircuts. They just get more practical about where they go. People still need to look presentable for work, interviews, and everyday life—they just don’t want to overspend doing it.

That’s where value really matters. And it’s one of the reasons Great Clips has historically performed well during uncertain times. I’m not expecting anything dramatic. But steady customer traffic, especially in a softer economy, is something I feel good about.

So that’s why I am cautiously optimistic about 2026 with hopes that the coming year will be when people stop waiting for certainty and start preparing for what’s next. From where I sit, that’s a smart place to be.

If you’re curious about franchise ownership and want to talk through whether investing in a franchised hair salon fits your goals, we’re always happy to have that conversation—no pressure, just information.