When I first met Khun Kate we hit it off right away. She had just opened her anti-aging clinic in Bangkok around the same time that I’d launched my online retail training class. We spent two hours bonding over the topics of favorite vacations spots, anti-aging treatments and perfect customer service. Read More
We’re talking with Norm Bond global entrepreneur. Norm has just published his new book Make Money Online with Holiday Marketing.
Linda- Hi Norm. Recently I’ve noticed more activity around the topic of entrepreneurship but I don’t recall seeing anything like your book. What inspired you to write it?
NB-Holiday marketing is an industry that a lot of people don’t pay attention to and it’s actually an opportunity to market year-round. Read More
As reported by Skin Inc magazine, The International Spa Association (ISPA) released its annual 2015 U.S. Spa Industry Study yesterday, covering details about the industry’s growth statistics, a picture of U.S. spa facilities and treatments, and a profile of the spa industry.
The study is jam-packed with in-depth insight about the spa industry over the past year—including the fact that total industry revenue has well surpassed the $15 billion mark—but we are highlighting six key takeaways that stand out.
1. Employment in the spa industry stands at record level.
Employment in the spa industry is estimated to be at 360,000 as of May 2015, which is a 2.9% increase (more than 10,000 new jobs) over the same time last year.
Increasing staffing levels was strongest among day spas—48% said they increased employment levels.
Although both full- and part-time positions rose, the number of independent contractor positions fell by 6.5%. ISPA notes this reduction has been occurring yearly since 2010.
2. Individual spa establishments are making more money.
The average revenue for a single spa location has risen to $749,000 in 2014, which is an increase of 2.9% from the prior year.
3. Spas’ marketing tactics are attracting clients
Total spa visits were 6.7% higher in 2014 than the year before. And average visits per spa rose 4.3% (8,500) from 2013 to 2014.
4. Revenue per spa visit has declined.
Despite a strong rise in spa visits, the amount of money spas are making on an average visit has dropped slightly by 1.3% from $89 in 2013 to $88 in 2014.
ISPA suggests this could be due to several factors, including: due to busy lifestyles, clients may be visiting more frequently, but choosing shorter treatments; spas introducing express treatments; discounting; and raising prices competitive marketplace proves challenging for spas.
5. Spa visits are being integrated as a staple of a healthy lifestyle.
ISPA asked survey respondents on what they believe the next trend to shape the industry will be, stating that trends related to wellness, health and fitness were the most frequently cited trends. One in two respondents mentioned one or more wellness-related trend.
6. Spas are building on this momentum.
When ISPA asked spas about their plans for 2015, most spas said they intended to take actions to enhance their business. A few things spas plan to add in 2015 include:
Tony is a veteran stylist who works in Philadelphia. He’s been in the beauty industry for over 20 years and consistently has the top retail sales in his salon. He’s tried to retire several times but his clients won’t let him. His client base, amazingly, ranges in age from 19-82! Read More
Last week I traveled to the Middle East to discuss spa training and increasing retail sales with a well-known resort company. I was impressed by the opulence and beauty of their spa, it was the type of place designed for indulging in luxurious treatments all day long with your girlfriends. Read More
I haven’t had an opportunity to post about anything related to increasing retail selling or spa training or therapists in the past two weeks because there’s been a lot going on. First we had to go to Laos to take care of our visa renewals. Read More
Cannabis aka marijuana prohibition is entering its 78th year in the United States. But attitudes toward the plant are changing. Compared to 1968 when only 12% of the population supported legalizing marijuana, today the majority supports legalization.
Earlier this year I was very surprised to read that spa and wellness authority Spa Finder had listed “Cannabis: New spa and wellness connections” as their number two trend for 2015. Read More
Yes, it’s just the day after Labor Day. But that’s why you need to get on this now.
If you manage a spa you probably look forward to the holiday season. That period from mid-November to January 5 is ripe with opportunity for selling. Beginning with Thanksgiving (hostess gifts) and concluding with Christmas, High Holidays and Kwanzaa this time should be a retail selling bonanza. Read More
We all know that staff training is best practice for any organization. But maybe you’re having a tough time convincing your senior manager or even yourself. Here in just 10 seconds are the top 10 reasons that you should invest in your staff:
Selling 2 products increases customer retention by 60%
Trained therapists can contribute up to 20-40% from retail profits
Customer engagement and retail sales brings customers back
Online retail sellers and mega beauty emporiums are capturing your market share
Therapists who don’t recommend products aren’t performing a full service
79% of employees list training as their top priority
Products have a higher profit margin than services
In today’s competitive spa environment just performing a good service may not be enough. All therapists must be fully informed and prepared to offer the full range of products and services to make your guest’s experience extraordinary. Read More
