Retailing has always been an important component of the spa business. But revenues don’t always equal profit, and it may be time to look for some margin leverage. If you consider that a retail sale with typical branded products needs to contribute to overhead in the same way that a service sale does, by the time you pay for the product, overhead, and sales commission, there is very little left in the way of profits. Perhaps it’s time to explore...

We hear it all the time, “Spas have to retail!” But even when we understand the imperatives behind the statement, which include margin opportunity, increased sales per square foot, and higher ticket prices, many spas don’t always know how to retail. Just putting up a few shelves with products on it, as is the case in 90 percent of spas, doesn’t necessarily count as retailing. Retailing professionals have developed a laser focus on the science behind moving products out of...

The word “uniform” can conjure up images of police officers, firefighters, or military personnel, not necessarily an appearance that is consistent with the relaxation and escape represented by a spa visit. But if we take the word at its base definition, “uniform” means “consistent,” “equivalent,” and “homogenous,” which definitely do have a place in the spa industry. As consumers patronize more spas and look at service providers as trained professionals in personal care, the guest expectation regarding provider appearance has...

Flowers aren’t the only thing that blooms in the spring. Your spa can also flourish. American Spa columnist Lisa Starr recently provided some tips for helping you grow your business on her GramercyOne blog . Check it out here…. I’ve just returned from visiting Kiev, Ukraine, for a wellness and spa conference. While in Kiev, I stopped by a high-end...

These days, you need to realize revenue from every available source, maximizing both service and retail potential. Many articles have been written about how to retail more products, improve the average ticket, and drive repeat business. But you may be missing an income opportunity that exists right under your nose concerning two products used in most spas every day—treatment robes and sandals. Both are an integral part of the spa experience, and yet few spas put any thought or energy...

American Spa columnist Lisa Star, recently shared some tips for success in 2012 on her GramercyOne blog . Get the scoop here, and put your spa on the path to success in 2012 and beyond. For further guidance on this concept, join GramercyOne on January 18 at 1 p.m. EST for a monthly free webinar, which will help you to...

American Spa columnist Lisa Starr recently blogged about the outlook for holiday sales on GramercyOne's fabulous blog. She had some spectacular points and gathered very valuable research, so we're re-posting her blog here. Be sure to follow her GramercyOne blog for more great articles like the one below: Black Friday acquired its name because it was traditionally the day in...

Once again, it’s time for holiday promotion planning. It’s been an up-and-down year for the economy, and while the National Retail Federation predicts that total retail sales for 2011 will increase 4 percent over 2010, it will be difficult to predict exactly what to expect for the 2011 holiday season. One thing that’s certain is that we still need to remind consumers to come into our facilities to purchase gift cards, services, and products. Many spas put together a few...