4 Ways Spas Make Sense, Even in a Recession
These days, it can be difficult to escape talk about the “R word.” I’m talking about the recession. In tricky economic times, it’s only natural for people to tighten their belts a little and trim down their extra expenses. That may mean cutting out certain luxuries, like eating out or taking a vacation.
So, where does the beauty industry fit into this equation? For businesses that are willing to adapt to the current economic situation and get creative, there are bountiful opportunities to attract new and existing spa customers.
Don’t let the shaky economy discourage you if you’re considering a career in the beauty or spa industry – spas around the country are finding ways to keep the foot baths and the massage tables occupied. Most are even flourishing and hiring more than ever.
Consider San Francisco’s spa industry. According to one online reference site, SpaFinder, there is one spa for every 5,100 San Francisco residents (this compares to about one spa for every 15,300 New York City residents). How does a business in this competitive environment stay afloat?
Here are a few ideas from some San Francisco spa directors:
1. Most importantly, get creative! Find ways to differentiate your spa from the competition and to keep your clients coming back.
2. Try out new ideas for payment programs or membership drives.
3. Attract eco-savvy customers by offering green facilities and spa practices, or break into another untapped market of potential spa-lovers.
4. Design customizable service packages. The InterContinental San Francisco I-Spa offers its customers a personalized membership program (similar to those offered at a gym).
What do you think about the current economy and its effect on spas and other health and beauty businesses? Do you have other ideas for how the beauty industry can weather the storm?
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Tags: Beauty School General, cosmetology, cosmetology school, esthetician training, New York City spas, R&R, recession, San Francisco spas, skin care specialist, Spa, spa industry, spa service packages, spa therapy, spa vacation, spas
March 16th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
It’s nice to hear that some spas are actually flourishing. I work as an esthetician at a very popular day spa in California and we’re feeling the pinch quite a bit! The corporate people in charge need to start implementing some better ideas to keep the clients coming in. Currently, they are pushing us therapists to sell, sell, sell! Client return rates are plummeting and they are requiring us to go to mandatory meetings to get us to fix the problem. I think there are much bigger ideas that they need to start implementing. Thanks for this blog, as it gives some good ideas. I think I will share them with the corporate folk along with some ideas of my own. I hope things will turn around soon, but for now I’m concentrating on building my own business on line. My spa pay checks keep dwindling and I personally can’t count on my day job right now.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
I’ve also heard of salons and spas offering rewards programs, so return clients can earn points or dollars based on the amount they spend, which can be applied toward future services/treatments.