Dear Readers,
Of course, the weather seems like an obvious topic of conversation; frankly those of us who have been beaten up by Old Man Winter are tired of talking about it! I guess we can be happy for the ski resorts and snow removal companies… and also happy that so many people can’t get through a brutal winter without some frequent UV therapy!
You’d think that living with all the horrific weather this winter, time would be moving very slowly – it sure doesn’t seem like it to me. In my February letter, I mentioned getting reports from salons where January sales had dropped from their 2013 numbers in both service and product sales. I believe that the weather had a significant effect on the tanning business here in the Northeast and other parts of the country. As I write this letter, the report from my salon chain’s general manager indicates that for the first two weeks in February, tanners, service and product sales are catching up to 2013, and I predict that 2014 will be a better year for my salons. I hope all of you are experiencing the same optimism, and that your monthly ist Magazine has helped you be better businesspeople. You can count on us to continue offering you tools to help you succeed. Check out Ribby’s Cover Story, “Sales Psychology,” which will be continued in future issues, and features knowledge contributed by three industry veterans. We’re always grateful for the participation of others who are invested in our industry’s success. If there’s a topic you want to see covered in our publication, please let us know.
A few years ago, ist Magazine heard the call for a better, more relevant and valuable salon operator training program, and I’m happy to inform our loyal readers that during this expo season alone, Sun is Life® Salon Operator Training & Certification has educated hundreds of salon owners from coast to coast, eager to begin offering a professional trade in their facilities, which bodes well for tanning’s future. More salon operators have realized that to improve the image of our business in our communities, they must promote a message that projects professionalism and a commitment to providing people with moderate UV exposure. Having had a chance to sit down with Tony Brown, University of Michigan Adjunct Professor and Director of Sun is Life Training and Certification, he has advised me that salon owners across the country are moving away from making health claims about tanning services and choosing to communicate the Sun is Life message. We believe that the SIL message is the key to our success. It’s so easy to use our program – there are plenty of testimonials from tanning pros who have realized the value of a program that promotes salon operation with a focus on the look good/feel good concept… not making health claims that only bring negative publicity to our businesses. I’m thankful to our forward-thinking partners/sponsors for helping IST bring you Sun is Life. If you didn’t get a chance to get trained at a trade event this season, visit sunislife.com any time to get on board and help drive our industry forward.
Our loyal readers say they enjoy the “Industry Close-up” each month. In this issue, we focus on tan biz veteran and departing Indoor Tanning Association president, Rob Quinn, who remains a dedicated industry advocate. John Ribner offers an exclusive look at Rob’s journey to the industry, his family life and his plans to help protect tanning’s future.
I feel like this is my predictable final note; every robust industry has a strong organization. Be assured that the ITA has restructured and is re-energized to support our businesses. The ITA represents all industry sectors – from international equipment manufacturers to small-town salon operators. The ITA Board is dedicated to our industry’s survival and it’s more important than ever that you support their efforts. We’re in this together and ist Magazine is leading the way, along with the key players who believe in our message. Did you get the memo?
