Merle Norman Moves to Beekman

“I never had a lease in my 30 years there,” said Guerin, who said she was surprised to find out just before Christmas that she had to move. Her landlord, she explained, decided they had other plans for the space she had rented for three decades in the Algonquin Building. 

With almost all the Broadway locations already occupied, Guerin had to look elsewhere and decided on a bright and airy storefront on Beekman Street and she is finding that while she doesn’t have the foot traffic afforded from a Broadway location, business is pretty good. 

“I compared last week to the same week last year on Broadway and I did more here than I did there,” said Guerin, who has the only Merle Norman store within 300 square miles. 

Guerin opened her store on Broadway after her husband and she moved to the Spa City and she found time on her hands when the kids went to school. 

“My husband was transferred here in the ’70s and when the kids started school, I wanted something to do, but there was nothing here for me in my field,” explained Guerin, who had worked for Boston University as a fundraiser.  “And I realized there was not a Merle Norman here, so I brought one.”

So successful was she, Guerin was a fixture on Broadway for three decades offering not only the fine lines of Merle Norman skin care products, but quality hats. 

“I do not have a hat in here that is over $80,” said Guerin, noting that is the one area she saw a loss of sales in. “I have a wonderful line of beautiful hats and fascinators.”

Merle Norman Cosmetics was founded in Los Angeles in 1931 by Merle Nethercutt Norman and is a leading brand of premium skin care, foundations and color cosmetic products. 

Guerin explained that the Merle Norman line has evolved since she first began, but still offers the best products for skin care on the market today. 

“Merle Norman skin care is amazing,” said Guerin who looks 15 years younger than she is, adding that the company is still one of the few that continues to manufacture almost all of its products in the United States. 

Unlike most cosmetics, Merle Norman products are not sold on the internet or at department stores and are only distributed through Merle Norman Cosmetic locations. 

“We believe it is important to have a fully dedicated Studio with a complete line of products to offer a quality personalized service,” states the Merle Norman website, adding that its personalized service is important for customer satisfaction. 

“We provide quality products that are fully guaranteed,” said Guerin, whose Studio is recognized as a Gold Medallion Studio, a designation given only to top stores. “Many people are under the impression Merle Norman is very expensive, but it is really quite affordable.”

Continuing, Guerin said that when a competing cosmetic brand came out with a mineral-base powder foundation, she was eager to compare it to Merle Norman. 

“Our Ultra Powder foundation we have had for over 20 years,” she said. “And when I compared it to [the competing brand] we have more minerals than theirs does.”

Noting that they have powders, cream-to-powders and cream foundations, Guerin said Merle Norman’s vast array of choices and products guarantee everyone can find what they need and love. 

“There are more than 190 shades in the different consistencies,” continued Guerin. “I will show customers how to put on the make-up and how to take care of their skin.  We have products from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.” 

Noting that she loves her new location and that she will continue to give the same quality service she was known for on Broadway, Guerin said Merle Norman products come with a full satisfaction guarantee and that she encourages customers to try it before they buy it. 

“This new location is so much bigger and brighter and my customers are so happy they can find parking,” said Guerin.  “I like it here and my customers seem to really like it too.”  

Merle Norman Cosmetics is located at 70C Beekman Street at the corner of Beekman and Oak streets. Guerin’s Studio is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (518) 584-5642.