Spring Into Growth!

Is the arrival of spring inspiring you to think of ways to grow your business, as well as flowers? Below are some tips and ideas that will take hard work, sweat, and maybe some tears – but significantly less digging in the ground!

1. Brand It! One of the best tips for a small retailer in the beauty, cosmetics, salon, or spa verticals to get more easily recognized is to work on branding the company on a larger scale. People may know you after they have had a service provided and spread your reputation by word of mouth, but make sure they leave with a good visual of your logo and/or slogan. Brand recognition travels just as far as word of mouth.
2. Market It! Once you have an established brand, you have to ensure you stay “front of mind” at all times – make sure your website it up to date and has solid SEO behind it, and send out weekly or monthly emails with relevant content to your audience. Don’t overdo it, but make sure you touch your audience enough so your brand is recognized.
3. Package It! Everyone knows the best “impulse” sell is at the cash register. Even if your small boutique focuses on hair, nail, or spa services, always be sure to have items at the register for purchase – and make sure those purchases leave with the customer in a well-branded bag or box! Our talented team can help design your packaging today!

If you want to find out more ways of branding your beauty boutique, salon, or spa, contact us for more information. In this season of renewal and growth, now is the best time to update, upgrade, or refresh your packaging!

Salons & Spas: Keep 'Em Coming Back!

Clients are the most important aspect of every business. When customers are satisfied, they are 70 percent more likely to tell others about your business. Research has shown that loyal customers spend more money on the business than the average customer. As you can see, customer loyalty is important. Here are some ways that salons & spas can keep their customers coming back.

1. Create a Loyalty Program – Considering most businesses already have loyalty programs, you need to think of one that clients will love. Maybe a loyalty program that includes a free manicure, discounts, or even a spa treatment for two after a specific number of points or referrals. Put yourself in the customer's shoes and ask yourself, “what rewards would show that I’m valued?”
2. Listen – Some customers will be happy with their service, while some won't. Be sure to listen and use this feedback to your advantage. Apologize and fix the issue if you can, or offer a complimentary service to smooth over the dissatisfaction until the issue is resolved. Also, being at a spa and salon, people love to talk. It gives them a chance to unwind and let things out. Make your customers feel welcome and comfortable by communicating with them. If customers feel ignored, they won't come back. If you treat your loyal customers like a good friend, they'll return.
3. Create a Monthly Newsletter – In order to remind your customers that you're still around while they are away, send them a monthly newsletter. Use this newsletter to announce special offers, coupons, new products, customer surveys, etc. Ongoing communication with customers shows them that you value their contribution to your business.
4. Encourage Re-booking – After providing the customer with his/her service, offer to re-book the next visit. A busy client might not remember to book ahead unless you ask!
5. Stand-Out – With over 19,000 spas and salons in the U.S. today, competition is high. One way to stand apart is to offer competitive prices. Another is to offer exclusive products that are only available at your salon or spa. However, one of the best ways to stand out is to offer professional services for people with hard to handle hair and skin textures. If you can provide excellent service to people who have a hard time receiving it, you are almost guaranteed a loyal customer.

Make sure when customers leave your salon with goodies, they take them in branded packaging. Contact us to discuss new, exciting products today!

Help Every Visitor Fall in Love with Your Business This Valentine’s Day!

The Valentine's Day gifting season is fast approaching, and with it, myriad publications offering tips admonishing consumers to spend less to love more. While cost-conscious customers should not be ignored, the fact remains that "Americans spent almost $150 per person for Valentine's Day gifts" in 2015. By making Valentine's Day special for everyone who sets foot inside your store, you can make prospective customers fall in love with the idea of shopping for Valentine's Day gifts! 
Below are three ways any business can put visitors in the mood for shopping:

1. Gift with Purchase: Rather than offering a token item, businesses can enjoy substantial conversion rates by offering a truly giftable item with a high perceived value to clients who make specific purchases. A spa, for example, might offer a gift certificate for a complimentary manicure with the purchase of a more expensive facial treatment. By allowing customers to treat themselves as well as walk away with some Valentine's Day shopping done, businesses can tap into consumers' desires to save time and money.
2. Market Gifts to a Variety of Recipients: It's no secret that many people see Valentine's Day as an occasion to lay it on thick with romantic treats and tasty sweets for a significant other. However, there are those that may not have a spouse or significant other to share the day with. By marketing certain pre-selected gifts to these recipients, businesses can enjoy profits from customers who may not have a sweetheart to shop for, but are looking for items for their close friends, family members, children, neighbors, etc. Additionally, if the seed is planted, even those consumers who are shopping for a Valentine's Day gift for a spouse may be encouraged to purchase even more gifts for other people as well.
3.  Host an Event: Holding an event on or near Valentine's Day can serve as an out-of-the-box marketing opportunity. A jewelry store might offer a workshop aimed at "Finding the Right Engagement Ring for Your Proposal" and offer champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as their standard expert advice, and perhaps an added discount for attendees who purchase a ring that day. A specialty cooking supplies shop, on the other hand, might charge a fee for an evening of couples cooking lessons that comes with a gift basket of everything needed to make the meal at home.

The ideas are endless but the time frame is short! To talk more about any of these ideas or how to make the gift packaging at any business worth celebrating on any holiday, please contact us.

How to Turn Your Salon into a Spa!

A successful salon is one that is constantly seeking new ways to improve their services, decor, and profits. Turning your salon into a spa can produce a significant return on your investment if executed correctly. If you are willing to invest the time and money to expand your business, consider the following suggestions to make a smooth, rewarding transition.

• BUDGET: Take a careful look at your finances to decide if you have the money to expand your services, and if so, how much can you afford to invest in your renovation and the salaries for additional employees? If you have an accountant, ask him or her to help you decide on a budget that will not endanger your company's current well-being, and if needed, plan the transition in phases!
• PLANNING: The first step is deciding what spa-like services you would like to offer in the future. Would you like a massage room for customers? How about a nail salon? Another option is offering facials and make-up services for customers. What feedback have you received you’re your customers? You should also take in to account whether your current facilities have the available room to house the spa or whether an addition will have to be made to the building, or new space found. The funding budgeted for this expansion can help you decide whether to go with one of these alternatives or all of them.
  
• DESIGN: If you are creative and can envision how to redesign your salon to incorporate the new services being offered, you can save money by planning the redesign yourself. Otherwise, you will need to engage the services of an interior designer or construction company. The next step is to contact 2-3 reputable contractors to obtain bids or estimates on the remodel and decide how much of an overhaul you can afford to make.
• STAFFING: Once the work is being done to convert your salon into a salon and spa combination, you can then focus on staffing. Just having a license for aesthetics, nails, or massage does not necessarily mean that the applicant is a good fit for your new addition. Since the main purpose of a spa is to offer relaxing, luxurious amenities, you will be requiring employees whose qualifications and personalities harmonize with your business goal.
• ADVERTISING: As the date comes close for the grand opening of your new establishment, the big question is how to make the public aware of the beautiful new spa and its services. Begin by planning a festive grand re-opening to give people in the community the opportunity to tour the new salon/spa combination. Have postcards printed with details of the changes you've made that will serve as invitations. Advertise in the local newspaper. Use social media to your advantage by sharing the event with customers, family, and friends. Finally, consider creating a new logo for your salon/spa to use for advertising purposes.
• THE EXTRAS: With the addition of a spa, you will probably be selling new merchandise such as nail polish, makeup, and skin products. Nothing says "luxury" like beautiful packaging to send the spa goods home in. Personalizing it with your new logo will add a special touch. Stock matching tissue paper, ribbon, and wrapping paper to gift wrap for customers buying for a special occasion.

Adding spa services to your hair salon can be a big jump. Doing your homework by planning carefully and adding those extra little touches of glamour can take your business to a new level. Contact us for help with your packaging needs to ensure that your patrons leave the spa feeling pampered and content.

Secret Retail Weapon? Set the Mood!

Your brand is your baby and the tone you set in your store – from the layout to the lighting to the color scheme – embodies what means the most to you. But do you have this same control over how your store feels to customers? What are the subtle nuances—the ambience—that can make customers want to linger—or lunge for the door?

A lot of it has to do with music! You probably already know that music has a marked effect on a customer’s shopping and purchasing decisions. If you’ve ever noticed how the ambiance can suddenly shift in your store when that perfect, magical song comes to an end, then you’ve already seen how music has tremendous control over the human mood. But you might not be aware of studies that have been conducted in this area, which can help you pinpoint exactly which elements of music have the best retail-friendly effects on your customers.

The European Journal of Scientific Research found the following in their study titled “Effect of Background Music on Consumer’s Behavior:”

1.      Mood. Through tempo and volume, music can affect a customer’s mood – which can be positive or negative – leading customers to stay in the store longer and potentially buy more, or leave sooner.  

2.      Perception of Time. Music can also affect a customer’s perception of time, causing them to stay in the store longer – although this may not necessarily increase the probability of a sale.

3.      Perception of Merchandise Worth. Certain types of music can, through an association with an elite segment of society, create a perception of enhanced product worth, which could result in a sale.

Specifically:

·         Studies regarding the loudness of music have shown that customers left more quickly from supermarkets where loud music was being played, but that this did not necessarily affect sales

·         Studies in tempo have indicated a relationship between slower-tempo music and a lower traffic flow—yet a paradoxical increase in sales

·         Studies also indicate that while they’re listening to music, customers have a more realistic perception of passing time—meaning they could end up lingering in your store because they don’t have that nagging feeling that they’ve been in there longer than they really have.

So the big question is, with something as subjective as music, how to best create a playlist that will keep customers shopping long enough to appreciate everything your store has to offer! The answer might be a bit more scientific than simply plugging in your sales clerk’s favorite band. Music might well be just as important an aspect of merchandising as fixtures, lighting, and attractive window displays!

The Male Market

Father’s Day is just around the corner.  Its time to start promoting your goods and services catered to the male market.  Beyond this celebration, the male demographic is a huge opportunity to grow your business.  According to marketresearch.com, the men grooming market is likely to hit $84 billion dollars this year. Yes, that is billion with a “b”!  Here are tips to reach the male audience and get a piece of the market share.

Products and Services
The industry is booming with male focused grooming products. Select one or two lines that fit your target client.  Now that you have the right products, you need to create the services to meet the male clients need. Men liked to be pampered but with a masculine feel. Think shorter treatment times and result orientated services. Offer men’s cuts, color, manicures, body services and more. Add a special section to your existing menu or create a new male focused menu. Guys feel more confident choosing the right service in this format.

The Look
Walk your location and review your marketing materials through the eyes of your male client.  Are you swimming in a sea of pink that might make some men run the other way?  Take on a more masculine or unisex look if you are marketing to both audiences. You could also offer a male focused treatment area.  Don’t forget your retail packaging.  Offer retail bags in black, gold, or silver bags which a guy would be proud to carry out of the location.

It’s Raining Men

Now you have the products, services and look – how do you get the men to join the party? Your female clientele can be the answer. Offer package deals with wives or girlfriends --- think couples spa days for a romantic gift, Father's Day specials, or Men Only Holiday Deals. The next step is to advertise where your target customer is at. Think of local sporting events in the programs, on the radio, at gyms, restaurants, or community events. Once you get the men in the doors, encourage them to come back with loyalty programs, rebooking special offers, and free samples.

From Dad’s to Grads, now is the time to start growing your male clientele. Once the men take advantage of these celebration offers, secure them as regular customers by offering quality products, adding value to their experience, and making them look fabulous! 

Your 6 Week Mother’s Day Sales Plan

Mother’s Day is a spring celebration that can jump start your annual sales.  Now is the time to create your selling strategy to take advantage of this opportunity.

Products
Gift cards, luxurious body services and professional product sets make Moms feel pampered. Determine what products and services your business wants to offer. Get items on order and service menus prepared. 

Packaging

The right packaging will help you sell more. Create ready-to-go retail product gift sets with vinyl or cello bags.  Include the gift card packaging to create that instant gift your clients will love to give to mom.

Promotion

Just because you built it, doesn’t mean they will come.  Clients need to be aware of your offers via

postcards, emails, social media, and word of mouth advertising. Talk your business up as “the” Mother’s Day gifting resource.

We make it easy to ring up more sales with a promotional calendar to maximize your Mother’s Day sales.  Download your own FREE 6 Week Promotional Calendar – Click here!

Preparation is the key to success. A bit of forethought and a plan will have you loving your Mother’s Day sales this year!

Moving Left Over Holiday Inventory

Soon the gifts will be unwrapped and the last of the decorations put away. As you start plotting out your goals for next year, you might be wondering what to do with that left over holiday inventory. Let's create a plan to move it!

Attack from all Angles
Put your retail products in more than one area. Having one shelf next the checkout area is not going to cut it.  You need to make retail a leading cast member in your business.  Create multiple areas to engage customers.  Use signage in service areas, waiting areas, or even restrooms. Prop smaller products at your stylists' stations. The goal is to make your customers see your retail and envision you as a product source.

Power of 9's
The big box stores have been using this trick for ages. Reprice items using 9's. Examples are 14.99 or 9.99. This subconsciously makes the brain see the lower price point and equates receiving a deal.

Bargain Bins
Have truckloads of travel sizes, cosmetics, or smaller products hanging around?  Create bargain bins or displays.  It doesn't have to look cheesy if done correctly. The point is to create a group of products you want to blow out. Slash the prices, do a two for one, or 5 for $15 bucks. Get creative with your promo but make it easy and attention grabbing.  Everyone loves a good deal and people will go diving in your bins to save!

Repacks
Create product sets in ready to go bags.  Grouping products together increases their perceived value. Add in a gift with purchase like a reusable tote or vinyl travel bag to entice buying behavior.  Purchase cosmetic or travel bags. Pack with your inventory that hasn't moved. Give it a group price point (remember the 9's) and promote them in high traffic areas.  Unbeatable deals...never this low again...perfect gym bag accessory.... get creative with your tag lines and watch these products walk out the door!

Out with the old and in with the new. Employ these tips to move left over items.  Santa may just hang around a bit longer as you ring up additional seasonal sales!

Makeover Time - For your Business!

The power of the before and after pictures can be amazing. Your clients know the power of looking good by the services your talented staff provide. You can apply that same magic to your business location. Many of us suffer from tunnel vision of the the next thing on our to-do list and forget that our location is making a impression on our clients every time they walk in the door. Its time for a mini-makeover that you and your staff can complete in a few days. Your clients will be amazed which creates excitement and sales!

The Makeover How To:

Step 1. Take a few pictures of your reception areas, work stations, retail areas and all around your location. Pay careful attention to the "V-Zone". This is the area where clients first enter and get an instant impression. Stand in your front door, outstretch your arms into a V shape in front of you and hence you will see the V-Zone.

Step 2: Print and post these pictures up on a bulletin board. Call a team meeting with your staff and discuss what you see. Make a list of areas for improvement.

Step 3: Next do a walk through of your location with your staff. Discuss what you see making notes of pros and cons.

Step 4: Review the collective lists of areas of improvement. Decided the most important by creating your Top 10 list. From there divvy up the tasks and go forth and attack each area.

Step 5: After all the updates are made, take new pictures. Hang these next to the previous pictures and see the before and after makeover magic!

What To Look For:

If you get stuck at what areas you should be looking to improved, here are some easy areas to zero in on.

Clutter - Is your reception area cramped or have too many messages hitting the customer? Make it clean so they can set purses and sign credit card slips easily. Have a few up sell features such as gift card displays or a acrylic sign with your latest promotion or event. This allows customers to focus on these items and not get distracted by stuff.

Decor - Is your store screaming the 80's with old wall colors or outdated fixtures or displays? Spruce up the color to natural tones or go bold on a few feature walls. Maybe some new shelves are needed for retail product. A new floor mat or a new waiting chairs could make it look new.

Retail - Do your retail areas grab attention and say buy me? Freshening up your retail displays every 4-6 weeks makes it look new to a customer easy time they visit. Keep products organize, uses signage, and try me areas clearly indicated.

Missed Opportunities - Are you missing opportunities to promote your services or highlight whats new? Small signage at styling stations could discretely help you promote various items and give a stylist the in to mention it during a service. How about a small sign on your restroom counters. Keep it simple but capitalize on all of your space.

Flow - Walk the store as your client does. Is their odd traffic flow pattern that cause traffic jams or bottlenecks? Potentially relocating a retail area or your front counter could help streamline the flow around the store.

Add some quick makeover magic to your location. Take some before and after photos and share with us. It doesn't have to cost a lot to look fabulous so make your business shine today!