Recharging Your Business: Turning Slowdowns into Growth Seasons

By Kristin Jackson

Every salon experiences the natural ebb and flow of business. Fall and winter often bring a dip in foot traffic as clients settle back into routines after summer. But here’s the good news: these “slower” seasons can actually become your most powerful times to regroup, refresh, and recharge your salon for long-term success.

The difference comes down to perspective. Instead of seeing slowdowns as a setback, smart salon owners use them as a strategic reset button. Here’s how:

1. Refresh Your Displays & Retail Areas

Clients may not be tanning as frequently in the cooler months, but they’re still spending—especially on skincare, self-care, and gifts.

✨ Pro Tip:

Create themed displays around seasonal skincare needs: “Hydrate for the Holidays” or “Winter Glow Essentials.”
Pair tanning lotions with body butters or gift sets for easy add-on purchases.
Use props like fall leaves, pumpkins, or cozy textures to grab attention and give your retail area a seasonal pop.

Why it works: People love simple, curated solutions. A seasonal display saves clients time and inspires impulse purchases.

2. Bundle Smarter, Sell More

Bundling is one of the fastest ways to boost your per-ticket sales while giving clients added value.

✨ Pro Tip:

Pair a tanning package with a seasonal moisturizer (example: “10 Sessions + Limited Edition Hempz Pumpkin Latte Lotion”).
Offer a “Self-Care Sunday” bundle: 1 red-light session, 1 spray tan, and a skincare product for at-home glow (or if you're in Chiefs Kingdom like us, it makes a great Red & Gold special perfect for Sunday Football).
Add gifting bundles for the holiday season—perfect for clients who need quick presents for friends.

Why it works: Clients feel like they’re getting a deal, while you increase the average sale and move more inventory.

3. Invest in Staff Training & Motivation

The slower season is the perfect time to sharpen your team’s skills. Staff who can confidently recommend products, upsell packages, and deliver top-notch service will set you apart when the busy season returns.

✨ Pro Tip:

Run quick “role-play sessions” where staff practice upselling bundles or promoting new products.
Offer incentives for top sales during the slowdown (ex: a bonus for selling the most retail add-ons).
Bring in vendor partners or use online training to keep your team up-to-date on product knowledge.
Bring your staff to the UV, Sunless, and Wellness Summit (www.heartlandtanexpo.com)

Why it works: Motivated, knowledgeable staff drive sales and create loyal clients. Think of training now as planting seeds for future growth.

4. Focus on Marketing Momentum

Don’t let slower foot traffic trick you into slowing your marketing. Fall and winter are when salons that stay visible win big in spring.

✨ Pro Tip:

Promote seasonal products and bundles on social media with cozy, lifestyle imagery.
Run email campaigns with holiday gift ideas—perfect for time-strapped shoppers.
Use downtime to batch-create content (videos, tutorials, behind-the-scenes) that you can roll out all season long.

Why it works: Staying top-of-mind keeps clients engaged and ensures your salon is the first place they think of when they’re ready to buy.

5. Recharge YOUR Business Vision

Finally, use this season to step back and look at the bigger picture:

Are your services aligned with where the wellness industry is heading?
Do you need to update your pricing or packages before the new year?
What events, expos, or trainings can you attend to stay ahead of the competition? (uh, hem- did we mention the UV, Sunless, and Wellness Summit?)

Why it works: Slower months give you breathing room to make decisions that will pay off when business ramps back up.

Ready to Take Action?

The best ideas are the ones you execute. To make it easier, we’ve created a FREE Fall Display Planning Guide to help you design eye-catching, profitable retail displays that boost sales.

👉 [Download your Fall Display Planning Guide here]

Use the season not as a setback—but as your secret weapon to recharge, refocus, and set your salon up for its strongest year yet.