Finding the Perfect Location for Your Tanning Salon: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Kristin Jackson

Opening a tanning salon is an exciting journey, but one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right location. The success of your business can be significantly influenced by where you set up shop. The location will impact everything from foot traffic to operating costs to the kind of clientele you attract. To help you get started on the right foot, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect location for your tanning salon.

1. Understand Your Target Market

Before you even begin looking at properties, take time to identify who your ideal customers are. Understanding your target market will guide your location search. Some questions to ask yourself:

Who are your ideal customers? Are they professionals looking for a quick tan after work? College students? Moms running errands? Each group may be found in different types of neighborhoods.
What is their income level? This will help determine what neighborhoods or cities can support the prices you plan to charge for tanning services.
How far are customers willing to travel? Customers are more likely to visit if your salon is conveniently located. Generally, people prefer salons within a 5-10 minute drive.

Pro Tip: Look for a location that’s close to other businesses your ideal customers frequent—like gyms, beauty salons, cafes, or yoga studios. Clustering near complementary services can boost foot traffic.

2. Evaluate the Competition

Checking out the competition in your desired area is critical. You don't want to open your tanning salon in a location that’s saturated with other salons offering the same services.

Scope out other salons: How many tanning salons are already in the neighborhood? Are they full-service or specialty salons?
Identify gaps in service: If there are competitors, what can you offer that they don’t? For example, better customer service, longer hours, or additional services like spray tans, red light therapy, or wellness treatments.

Pro Tip: Competition isn’t always a bad thing. If a nearby salon is doing well, it may indicate there’s a demand for tanning services in that area. Your goal is to figure out how you can differentiate your salon to stand out.

3. Consider Visibility and Foot Traffic

Foot traffic is crucial for any brick-and-mortar business, especially for a tanning salon. The easier it is for people to see your salon and walk in, the better.

Street Visibility: Is the location easily visible from the street or highway? A high-traffic area, like a busy shopping center, can give your salon more exposure.
Parking: Is there convenient parking nearby? Customers are less likely to visit if they have to hunt for a parking spot.
Walk-in Traffic: Locations near malls, grocery stores, or popular fitness centers can benefit from walk-in traffic.

Pro Tip: Corner units or spaces with large windows can offer better visibility, especially if you plan to invest in attractive signage and window displays.

4. Examine Demographics and Local Trends

Location selection should be data-driven. Understanding the demographics of a neighborhood or city can give you a clearer idea of the types of customers who will visit your salon.

Research Demographics: What’s the population density of the area? Look at factors like age, gender, and income levels. Are there enough people in your target demographic to support your business?
Growth Potential: Are people moving into the area, or is the population shrinking? Areas with growing populations could mean more potential customers down the road.

Pro Tip: Local chambers of commerce, city planners, or real estate agents can provide demographic information and data on local trends to help you make an informed decision.

5. Assess Rent, Costs, and Lease Terms

The cost of the location plays a significant role in determining your overall profitability. Make sure the rent and other expenses are manageable.

Budget Smartly: Don’t choose a location just because it’s in a prime spot if the rent is too high for your business model to support. Evaluate the ROI based on the projected revenue for the area.
Lease Length: Be cautious about committing to long-term leases when you’re first starting. Look for flexibility or short-term options, especially if you're testing the waters with a new business.
Consider Utilities: Don’t forget about utilities and additional operating costs. High-end areas might have higher utility costs that could affect your bottom line.

Pro Tip: Compare rents in various neighborhoods, and don't be afraid to negotiate with property owners for better lease terms or rent reductions.

6. Look for Room to Grow

You’re likely opening your salon with a specific vision in mind, but over time, you may want to expand. Ensure the location has room for future growth.

Square Footage: Does the space allow you to add additional tanning beds, spray tan rooms, or wellness services like red light therapy or body sculpting in the future?
Flexibility: If you plan to add new services, will you have the flexibility to redesign the space or rearrange rooms as needed?

Pro Tip: Consider whether the space has storage, separate rooms for different services, and enough waiting area for clients during peak hours.

7. Check Zoning Laws and Regulations

Don’t forget to check zoning laws and regulations for the area you're considering. Different cities have rules about where certain businesses can operate, and you don’t want to sign a lease only to find out you can't legally open your salon.

Zoning Compliance: Make sure your potential location is zoned for a tanning salon or personal care business.
Health and Safety Codes: You’ll need to adhere to health and safety codes, so be sure to check whether your chosen space meets all the necessary requirements.

Pro Tip: Before signing a lease, talk to the city’s planning and zoning department to make sure there are no roadblocks in the location you’re considering.

8. Leverage Local Community Connections

In today’s age, having a physical location isn't just about the building – it’s about being part of a community. Look for opportunities to connect with other local businesses and customers.

Local Partnerships: Consider opening your salon in areas where you can build partnerships with other businesses like beauty salons, fitness centers, or boutiques.
Networking Opportunities: Being in a well-connected area can give you opportunities to join business associations or community events that help promote your salon.

Pro Tip: Attend community events or network with nearby business owners to understand the local culture and opportunities for cross-promotion.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Succeed Greatly

Selecting the right location for your tanning salon isn’t just about finding a place to set up tanning beds—it’s about finding a community where your business can thrive. With careful research, a deep understanding of your target market, and a commitment to making data-driven decisions, you can find the perfect spot that helps your salon stand out from the competition and attract loyal customers for years to come.

Ready to start your search? Use these tips to ensure you make an informed choice, and get ready to build a successful tanning business in the perfect location!