“Wow! It is soooo busy in the salons!” Not my words, but those of my team reporting feedback from customers – when they can’t reach them! These are indeed fantastic words to hear – although perhaps not so much when salon operators are so busy they struggle to find time to place their product orders; but then again, that is always easily resolved.
Thankfully, the momentum generated for our industry in 2022 shows absolutely no sign of abating, indeed quite the opposite. The season once again started early this year. We are also seeing media reports with some encouraging signs regarding improved footfall on the local high streets (shopping areas) and this can only be additional good news for salon owners.
With the precursor that I welcome it with open arms, it is a somewhat bizarre situation that even though we find ourselves in the midst of a cost of living crisis with interest rates and the rate of inflation at their highest for many, many years, certain sectors – and amongst them the business of indoor tanning – are doing remarkably well.
Whether it is for the King’s coronation, a much deserved holiday or simply “why not?”, there can be no doubt … it definitely is time to tan!
Another interesting sector that appears to be bucking the trend is that of luxury goods. Not so long ago, available retail spaces on the high street were genuinely struggling to find new tenants. However, in a perhaps unexpected turn of events given the current economic climate, a luxury group owner recently agreed to a lease for a six-story property on London’s chic Bond Street, that is believed to have set a record rent for the UK, easily surpassing the previous record set in 2016. So, here we have a fabulous combination of indoor tanning and luxury goods obviously appealing to the much-desired wellbeing sense of looking good and feeling good.
There will be a further reason for many to embrace the wave of wellbeing as we approach the first British coronation of a new monarch for 70 years. King Charles III will have been crowned by the time you read this article, but at the time of writing we are already beginning to see the media’s attention ramp up for the occasion and so, as if by osmosis, will the public’s excitement. Given that the King’s coronation will be such an historical event, the UK in general and London, in particular, is buzzing with tourists. And financial analysts are also predicting it will very likely bestow a much-needed boost to the UK’s economy.
Quite frankly, timing of the coronation will be perfect for indoor tanners as they start their pre-holiday tanning a little earlier than usual to be looking their best at their chosen activities to celebrate the coronation. We can certainly expect a huge swathe of the population to be out and about enjoying the coronation and the additional public holiday gifted for the occasion. And, as such, we will all have our fingers crossed for some outdoor sunshine on this occasion, as well.
It looks as though professional salon operators will hardly have time to take a breath this year before the holiday season really kicks in. This is when salon owners who have planned well will benefit from their investment in new equipment and/or well-maintained and serviced tanning beds, sitting alongside a host of new lotions to keep their cash registers pinging.
Everyone loves a reason to celebrate and whether it is for the King’s coronation, a much deserved holiday or simply “why not?”, there can be no doubt … it definitely is time to tan!
