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SEARCHWe’re all looking for signs that economic times are improving, and service industries are a good bellwether of how confident consumers feel about the state of the economy. This month we asked leaders from the salon industry if they see a light at the end of the tunnel: “What signs do you see that we are emerging from the recession?”
We're all looking for signs that economic times are improving, and
service industries are a good bellwether of how confident consumers
feel about the state of the economy. This month we asked leaders from
the salon industry if they see a light at the end of the tunnel:
"What signs do you see that we are emerging
from the recession?"
Rocco Altobelli
Founder, Rocco Altobelli Salons and Spas
I BELIEVE THE ECONOMY has come back,
but it is a new economic reality and probably
won't ever return to what we remember.
With our salons, we are not focusing
so much on growth, but on working within
the new reality by renegotiating leases and
making the best use of smaller spaces.
The one "benefit" of the recession was
that we focused even more on customer
service and letting our clients know we
care. We offered complimentary bang trims
and adjusted our hours to accommodate
clients' needs.
Some clients who visited lower priced
salons during the recession, out of financial
need, are now returning to us. They
are feeling more secure and are willing
to pay more for results with less concern
about lower prices.
Clients are starting to again pamper
themselves, and the facial business in our
spas is better than ever. Waxing services
are also up.
I have a large private label product business
in addition to the salons and spas, and
am encouraged enough by business that our
company is launching a new natural hair
care line, a new prescription facial system
and a new men's line.
Sydney Berry
President/Owner of Salon Services & Supplies
OUR SALON CUSTOMERS at Salon Services
have moved from a survival mode to a renewal
mode. They have survived the bad
economy and are now developing new options
to strengthen their business.
Salons are re-positioning themselves
and investing in more staff training as part
of building their clientele. We are seeing a
stronger internal focus on building a salon
infrastructure that is designed to support
the retention of clients and tap into the
new clients that are re-appearing from the
economic doldrums.
Our salon customers are also venturing
into new marketing strategies like social
media and Groupon and LivingSocial promotions.
A lot of salons are also investing
in in-salon events that focus on various
services and new retail opportunities for
clients. Again, the emphasis in no longer
on surviving, but on renewing the business
to fit the new economy.
Tom Porter
President and CEO of
Malibu Wellness
FOR US AT MALIBU WELLNESS, the most
significant signs that indicate our nation is
moving from the depths of the recession is
the increase in inquiries that we are receiving
from salons and spas about expanding
their mini-treatment category.
This is a special service category and
indicates to me that consumers have more
disposable income and are spending money
on services that don't just improve appearance,
but improve the health and feel of
their hair, as well.
Two years ago, the salons that we were
hearing from were using our products for
"trouble shooting" to fix a problem. It was
more of a reaction to something that had
to be "fixed." Now, more and more professionals
are asking how to incorporate our
products into their "natural treatments"
menu. They are offering treatments as an
extension of salon services, and not just
to solve a problem, once it has occurred.
We see a general growth trend at both the
regional and national level in treatment
categories. This demonstrates that clients
are ready to spend money beyond the basics
and indulge in conditioning and healing
treatment products and services.
All beauty professionals should know how to identify when a client may need some health guidance. Tracy Rado discusses some common questions that clients ask in the chair, how to advise them, and when to refer them to a specialist.
In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.
In her latest blog, Amy Pal helps you develop your own clear guidelines around complimentary free employee services.
From managing air traffic on busy days to handling frustrated guests' complaints, your front desk team often serves as the salon's emotional shock absorber. From a customer service lesson from the DMV to a list of strategies for caring for your front line, our experts offer ideas for alleviating stress, celebrating wins, and setting goals.
According to the KIM Report, top-line salon revenue appears steady or slightly up, but that growth is driven primarily by service price increases. Beneath the surface, retail performance and client visit frequency (appointment drift) are under real pressure. In his latest blog, Alain Audet offers strategies for keeping your salon's retail sales strong.
Putting your family to work in the salon offers some real tax benefits, but you have you have to play by the rules of the tax code to claim them. Azarvand Tax Law's Leticia Skrabut, Esq., shows you how.
Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software
The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salons can grow with this movement.
While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.
Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.
In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.
The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.
Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.
Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™
At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.
