Skin Care News

Adding Services for Increased Spa Traffic

Posted on August 5, 2009 with No Comments

Increasing revenue and traffic for spas and MedSpas can be done several ways.  One, open new locations, increase marketing efforts, or adding new services or products.

For many spas, opening new stores or locations may be part of a long-range growth plan, yet may not be suitable while operating in a down economy when spa treatments are viewed as either a luxury or discretionary.

Marketing efforts can be categorized as advertising or direct sales.  Advertising can come in many forms.  Direct mail, email campaigns, joint marketin efforts with related products or services, TV or radio.  Many spas I have seen are flying banners outside their locations (local laws permitting), putting up billboards, and putting advertisements or discount inserts in papers, local news, press releases, or handing out discount or “specials” to customers and guests coming through the spa.

Increasing marketing efforts or expanding services is your best ROI when the economy has slowed.  Massage Therapy, Botox or anti-wrinkle procedures, facials, and vein therapy can be supplemented with several ideas.

Another opportunity is making available additional services or products inside the store. 

Selling in-expensive consumable products can help boost sales, improve traffic, and get consumers coming back.  Spider vein creams can be excellent ancillary products following sclerotherapy or laser therapy.  For pregnant women or those who have had children, a preventive or repairing stretch mark cream can help aid recovery and prevent scarring.  And while injections can help smooth wrinkles and puff lips, anti wrinkle creams and serums help neck wrinkles, crow’s feet, and puffiness or dark circles under the eyes.

These products are designed to supplement and enhance procedures and improve weekly or monthly revenue.  Choosing products that are expensive with luxurious packaging and “rock star” name brands may work against you.  While they may certainly enhance the image of your spa (and to many that is important), high-priced skin care products have been shown to be great initial purchases, but lack the consumable “punch” needed for return purchases.

Anti Aging Conference: 9-12 September 2009 - San Jose, CA

Posted on July 6, 2009 with 17 Comments

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine has announced its fall Congress and Exposition in San Jose, CA on September 9-12, 2009. 

It is a 4 day event and they have over 75 speakers slated for presentations together with workshops on In-Office procedures.  Several focus areas include hormone replacement therapy, aesthetic venous treatments (spider vein treatments), detox and weight management, stem cell research updates, as well as fundamental and advanced topics on managing your “Anti-Aging” practice - medical, spa or medspa - a critical topic in today’s challenging economic environment.

They are currently accepting enrollment into the conference (http://www.worldhealth.net/) and it is not too late for reserving the best spots as exhibitors.  If you are a manufacturer of anti-aging skin care products, equipment, cosmetic or plastic surgery aids, advertising, or other anti-aging systems, you want to make sure you are in attendance.  Spa and  med spa owners and managers as well as  clinicians will be on-hand.

Here are some very interesting facts to know if you are in the industry or considering it:

Fast Facts on The Anti-Aging Marketplace

• The consumer public has voted with their wallets overwhelmingly in favor of the anti-aging healthcare model. The anti-aging marketplace is one that is demographics-driven: people around the world are getting older. As a result the anti-aging marketplace is projected to reach $41.94 billion by 2006, expanding at an average annual rate (AAGR) of 8% [Business Communications Company, 2002].

• The anti-aging market is expected to grow to $41.94 billion in 2006, reflecting an average annual rate (AAGR) of 9% [“Drugs and Cosmetics for Aging Boomers,” Business Communications Company, Inc., 2002]

• The market with the highest projected AAGR is hormone replacement therapy, at 16.5% [“Drugs and Cosmetics for Aging Boomers,” Business Communications Company, Inc., 2002]

• Global nutraceuticals market grew from $38.2 billion in 1999, to reach $46.7 billion in 2002; by 2007, global nutraceutical sales are projected to reach $74.7 billion [reported by NutraIngredients.com, “Nutraceuticals sales to hit $75 billion”] In he nutraceuticals market stands at $17.1 billion [“NBJ Releases New Report on Maturing US Supplement Industry,” Nutrition Business Journal, September 2002.]

• Sixty percent (60%) of Americans age 65+ are pursuing anti-aging interventions — including hormone replacement therapies and dietary supplementation [MSNBC Jan. 28, 2002.]

• Dietary supplement sales in 2000 were $17 billion. [Nutrition Business Journal, Nov. 2001.]

• Thirty-three percent (33%) of adults take supplements on the specific advice of their doctor. [Harris Interactive survey, 2001.]

Anti-Aging Conference

IECSC New York Conference - April 26-28, 2009

Posted on April 14, 2009 with 4 Comments

If you’re in the spa or MedSpa business, you need to consider attending the New York Show - April 26-28, 2009.  IECSC (International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference) has four shows scheduled this year.   They are regionally located to cut down on travel costs - NY, Las Vegas, Illinois and Florida.   Each conference has education tracks set aside for specific interest - Medical Aesthetics, Spa Business and numerous workshops and educational programs.

There are expected to be over 200 exhibitors and lots of info for dealing with the weakened economy, expanding services and improving sq/ft ROI.  Costs range from $70 for a single workshop to $500 for a 3-day pass to all programs.   Go to  http://www.iecsc.com/ny/ for more information.  General admission to the floor is free.  There is a very nifty interactive PDF with schedules, details, and registration information.