Is Salon Retail Worth The Bother?

Anyone who reads  posts on this blog will know exactly what my answer to the question ‘is salon retail worth the bother?’ will be, it is an emphatic YES. Sometimes I think it’s a battle that lots of salons don’t want to get into, but then I receive messages from business owners, both salon and product manufacturers that make me stay focussed and help, in whatever way I can to make salons win the [retail] war.

This happened today when a social media client, a salon owner I have known for many years called first thing to let me know that they had decided to invest in a new style and finish range for their salon. The salon in question is very focussed on retail as part of the service that is offered to every client, every visit; and they do very well with product recommendations that are not available in the mass market channels that have affected lots of salons retail business over the last couple of years.

It was music to my ears, firstly because it shows that YES salon retail is worth the bother, secondly because the range that will be arriving in the salon soon offers a point of difference from lots of different aspects, clients love to see something new, it creates curiosity, the team get to play with products that re-energise and excite them, and the possibility to increase retail sales grows organically because clients will listen to their hairdresser (the expert) and make decisions whilst sat in the chair as opposed to heading down to the local chemist to pick it up at a discounted price.

Of course, all brands, well 99.99% of them are available via Amazon and other online stores, but when brands use online platforms but sell their goods at the same RRP as salons, that takes away one level of pressure for the salon stylists. Companies also sell their wares on their own websites and that’s okay as well as it is usually at there same RRP as the salon sells it for. This doesn’t stop customers shopping through these channels, but it does help the stylist when talking about the brands as it doesn’t undercut them.

Accepting the online presence is a must do as it isn’t going anywhere, but accepting brands that have presence in mass market channels that continually have special offers and free gifts is something that salons can fight back against, simply by choosing the ranges they stock based on the availability of them. (I have just checked the mass market channel website, discounts and free gifts available right now).

In today’s hair care world there are numerous product houses that are actively helping salons maintain their retail proposition. These companies have outstanding ranges that meet every single need of every client, and are usually significantly less expensive than the ranges that sit on salon shelves gathering dust.

Is salon retail worth the bother? ABSOLUTELY, there are ranges available that can significantly increase salon sales, which in turn increases the bottom line.

If you want to know more about brands that I believe can help your business become more successful, get in touch.

#ProForPro #SalonRetail #BotherBecauseYouShould #WinTheRetailWar