If you hadn't noticed, I've been a bit scant in my blog postings of late. Why? Travel mostly with a lot of work wedged into and between the various trips. Since I last wrote I've been at trainings and conferences in Wisconsin, Atlanta, Toronto, coastal NC, and most recently, attended ISPA outside of Washington, DC. I've taught at some and attended others but have learned a ton about what is going on the spa and massage world. I can barely even decide where to start.
First and foremost though, I wanted to share a few trends for retail and services that I hope will help you determine how and what to market and offer in your business in 2011. Here are two of the highlights from the retail side: Accessories are hot! From hats to headbands and bracelets to berets, those little extra touches that can spice up an old wardrobe for only a buck or two are huge.
Even when cash is tight, people want to look their best. Accessories are a cost-effective way for people to feel good about the way they look - and for your spa to cash in on this trend. Companies like Michael Stars (the one in the booth pictured) had some great offerings for spas and salons to choose from. Talk to your customers to see if this type of product is something they'd like to have available in your retail area.
Eco-friendly and products for a cause are in demand. Consumers of today don't mind paying a little more for products that support causes they believe in, particularly if those products are made in a sustainable, green or eco-friendly way. One company I ran across at ISPA that donates to causes they care about is Project Iris Clothing. They donate a percentage of each sale to help relieve world hunger. From their website: "There is a lot more to Project Iris than the stunning graphics and amazing fabric that we’re proud to manufacture in the U.S.A.: Project Iris is Style with Substance! Project Iris is committed to helping others and has partnered with the World Food Program, the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. A portion of each Project Iris sale is used to provide nutritious meals to mothers and their young children in the developing world."
Their t-shirts are gorgeous as well! Sure to be a draw to people looking to spend money on products that make a difference in the world as well as those that just want to wear something beautiful and unique! They're gonna have some super deals available on 11/29/10 (Cyber Monday) so be sure to mark the date and rtheir website on your calendar!
Get your marketing on track fast with this very limited BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL! 45 minute marketing/business coaching phone sessions (with email follow up) for just $79! Good for appointments on 11/26 only. Just 4 spots left (12PM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM EST. Claim yours today by emailing Felicia at Felicia@spalutions.com. My social media and marketing plan audio courses are also on special through November 30th.Check out all the specials by clicking here. Happy Thanksgiving!
