When you are fortunate to have been immersed in an industry as long as I have been involved with the tanning business (unbelievably almost 30 years now), there’s not really a lot that one doesn’t get to see, hear or experience in one guise or another. This is more often than not for the good; but inevitably, there have been occasions when there was a lesson to be learned, which I believe we have collectively done as appropriate. This is, of course, how an industry evolves and progresses.[gap height=”15″]
It’s Ergoline’s 30th birthday this year and, without doubt, milestones such as these give cause for celebration and reflection. It’s also 20 years since the UK’s indoor tanning association was set up, and 15 years since the inception of the European Sunlight Association; so how has the market evolved during this time and what, if anything, do we still need to do to ensure the ongoing professionalism of this fantastic industry of which we are all a part?[gap height=”15″]
Despite all of the efforts of our many detractors, the baseline fact emphatically remains that maybe now more than ever, people love to tan. As an industry overall, there can be absolutely no doubt we have developed leaps and bounds in terms of our professionalism. We have introduced education and training, self-regulation for best practice, significant investment in R&D to deliver the ultimate tanning experiences and the opportunity for hundreds of thousands, if not millions worldwide, to set up and run their own businesses creating widespread employment, generation of significant tax revenue and above all, delivering a freedom of choice for people on how they would prefer to tan.[gap height=”15″]
When I look at a typical tanning salon today, it bears very little resemblance to one of 20+ years ago. The equipment, for starters, has evolved beyond recognition and the discerning tanning salon guest will now seek out tanning systems that provide an “experience” as well as performance in tanning. Another “must have” for the discerning indoor tanner, is for the salon to be in tip-top shape from top to bottom. From cleanliness and good hygiene protocols, through to well-maintained tanning beds, an appropriate choice of lotions and other retail options and of course, friendly and knowledgeable staff. [gap height=”15″]
Current trends indicate a shift in niche marketing within salons. We now have more salons specifically targeting men, for example, and we are seeing a growth in the return of tanning beds to many former traditional environments including beauty salons, health clubs and gyms. [gap height=”15″]
So, what will the coming decades bring and what will determine the trends? Strongly supported and well-organised industry bodies are, in my opinion, a must going forward. With far greater collaboration across the pond between our respective industry bodies, we are already in great shape to work together as we continue in our efforts to challenge and rebut the myths in which our detractors heavily invest.[gap height=”15″]
We need to stay focused on ensuring the continued education of our customers about responsible tanning and how best to achieve that. Hopefully, the natural evolution will see poor salon operators become a thing of the past. There simply isn’t, indeed cannot, be a place for them in our industry going forward – and we can all do our bit to ensure this natural progression.[gap height=”15″]
But one element of our industry that we should never lose sight of is that we are just so lucky to be in a business that helps make people look and feel great about themselves. For me, that has always been a bonus and it’s certainly one aspect of our industry I don’t ever see changing![gap height=”15″]
Hopefully, the natural evolution will see poor salon operators become a thing of the past.[gap height=”15″]
