Over the last decade or so, the world has become a much smaller place. A number of exceptionally amazing advances with technology, the internet, cell phones and other forms of communication along with significantly cheaper air travel have all played a role in enabling us to become much closer together, regardless of where we may happen to be in the world. And there are undoubtedly many significant advantages to this being so. On a personal level, families and friends spread around the globe are able to enjoy regular contact with one and other without it costing the earth. And from a business perspective, it’s also been a phenomenal advantage for business development, not least for the sharing of ideas, trends and networks.
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The flip-side to our smaller world – and, as always, there is a flip-side to all positives – is that it’s not just the human race that can take advantage of these developments. The current epidemic illness known as COVID-19 caused by a coronavirus is a concerning example of just how easy it is nowadays for an illness or disease to spread throughout our much smaller world. But with COVID-19 as a very real example, we all can or certainly should be committed in our everyday lives to help ensure that the impact of any illness such as COVID-19 is kept to an absolute minimum.
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All professional tanning salon operators will, of course, run a clean and hygienic salon – it’s almost as if it’s in our DNA. We are all very aware of the contamination potential in a tanning salon with its warm and humid environment and lots of exposed skin – a perfect breeding ground for germs and spreading of viruses. So, I was particularly delighted to see the reaction of many UK salon operators taking the initiative to up their games even further with regard to salon cleanliness, as a positive and proactive response to the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Customer confidence can only grow in an environment where cleanliness is a stand-out feature.
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Some simple yet effective steps have been taken to minimise risk of viral contamination. These include the introduction of readily available medical-grade hand sanitizer with notices at reception desks and cubicles requesting all guests to use the sanitiser when entering and leaving the salon (with almost 100% participation reported). Staff have been briefed to take extra care when cleaning and instructed to use a medical sanitizer spray when wiping down all surfaces, handles, door knobs and catches as well as countertops, lotion bottles – anything that humans come into contact with throughout the salon.
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Of course, these measures require a small additional expense for the medical-grade sanitiser and notices for the reception and cubicle areas, but the returns on this investment will undoubtedly exceed any expenses incurred. Customer confidence can only grow in an environment where cleanliness is a stand-out feature. Additional awareness and visible action to minimise risk of spreading bugs and viruses that are becoming an increasingly high-profile thought on people’s minds is a smart business move in ensuring continued salon visits. And even if these thoughts are not at the forefront for your guests, I don’t believe anyone would stop using a salon because of its exceptionally high hygiene standards, so it’s essentially an all-round win for you as the operator, your staff and your guests.
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On a serious note, I very much hope that in between the time of my writing this and you reading it in print, we will have seen this epidemic placed under control and certainly not had its status raised to a pandemic.
