Expanding Your Business: Moving into Wellness and Spa Services

For years, tanning salons have been known as the go-to destination for achieving that perfect, golden glow through UV tanning services. Then came the rise of sunless tanning, and many salons successfully added these services to meet the demand for alternative, instant color options. Now, the industry is evolving once again, and it's time to consider the next step: expanding into wellness.

As more people seek holistic approaches to self-care and beauty, wellness treatments such as red light therapy and saunas are becoming increasingly popular. These services offer significant benefits, from skin rejuvenation to muscle relaxation, making them attractive to a broader clientele than traditional tanning services. Here’s why expanding into the wellness industry could be a game-changer for your business, and how the upcoming VIBE event can help you make this transition.

Why Expand into Wellness?

  1. Appeal to a Larger Audience By offering wellness services, you expand your customer base beyond tanning enthusiasts to include those seeking skin therapy, relaxation, and overall wellness. With the growing interest in wellness and self-care, this move can attract a broader demographic to your salon, increasing foot traffic and potential membership sign-ups.

  2. Capitalize on Popular Trends Red light therapy has been making waves in the beauty and wellness industry. Known for its skin-enhancing and anti-aging benefits, it’s a natural fit for tanning salons looking to diversify. Similarly, infrared saunas are gaining popularity for their detoxification, relaxation, and recovery benefits. Adding these services positions your salon as a wellness destination, not just a tanning studio.

  3. Enhance Customer Experience Expanding your offerings allows you to create a more comprehensive experience for your clients. Imagine a customer coming in for a tanning session, then enjoying a relaxing sauna or rejuvenating red light therapy afterward. These additional services enhance the overall experience, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  4. Increased Revenue Streams Wellness services provide new opportunities for income. Whether through pay-per-session pricing or bundled memberships, these additional services can significantly boost your bottom line. Plus, offering retail products that complement wellness treatments—such as skin care items for use after red light therapy—adds another revenue stream.

Action Steps for Expanding into Wellness

  1. Assess Your Space Look at your current salon layout and determine whether you have the space to add wellness equipment like saunas or red light therapy beds. If space is limited, consider rearranging or repurposing existing rooms to accommodate the new services.

  2. Research the Right Equipment When it comes to red light therapy and saunas, quality matters. Research reputable suppliers and ensure that the equipment you invest in is both effective and user-friendly. You’ll want to offer your clients the best possible experience to build loyalty and trust in your new services.

  3. Train Your Staff Expanding into wellness requires training your staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about the new services and can confidently explain their benefits to customers. Proper training will help your staff upsell these treatments and improve customer satisfaction.

  4. Market Your New Services Once you’ve added wellness services, it’s crucial to spread the word. Use social media, email newsletters, and in-store signage to let your customers know about the exciting new services you offer. Consider offering a promotion or special package for first-time users to drive initial interest.

  5. Attend VIBE to Learn More The Heartland Presents VIBE event, January 24-25, is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the wellness industry. At VIBE, you’ll have the chance to explore new technology, meet with equipment suppliers, and learn from industry experts on how to successfully implement wellness services into your salon. Plus, bringing your staff to VIBE can give them valuable skills and knowledge to better serve your clients and grow your business. Early bird registration ends October 31st, so don’t miss out on the discounted rate of $99! After October 31st, tickets are $149, but if you bring your staff, you’ll receive a credit for the ticket price after the event.

Time to Evolve

The tanning industry has continually evolved and now is the time to take the next step. By expanding into wellness, you position your salon as a forward-thinking, holistic destination that meets the needs of modern consumers. The benefits of red light therapy and saunas not only complement your existing services but also create new revenue opportunities and attract a broader audience.

Join us at the VIBE event to get inspired, learn more about the wellness trend, and bring back fresh ideas to grow your business. It’s time to evolve and take your salon to the next level!

By thinking ahead and embracing change, you can ensure your salon remains competitive and successful for years to come. Ready to dive into wellness? We’re here to support you every step of the way!