After much deliberation and multiple meetings with industry leaders, speakers, educators, operators, and technicians, we have firmly established the top 10 spa trends for 2009!
Drum roll please...
- Bang for the Buck - People are not not spending money, they will just be more selective of where they spend it. So, this year the key word in spa is VALUE.
- Eco and conscious - Green is a movement and spas are in the prime position to demonstrate, teach, and provide a green refuge. Look for spas to offer locally harvested ingredients in their treatments. Spas turn green in their cleaning supplies and finally start utilizing all of the gadgets in their booking system to minimize paper!
- Spa - Vacations - Your local day spa or resort spa could be the location of your next get away. With budget conscious travelers, staying in town and spending a day at your favorite local place will be all the rage this year.
- Teaching Spa - Look for spas to offer education and training into wellness and health. Watch for spas to partner with educational institutes to cater to a wider pool of health conscious people looking for tips and knowledge in health and wellness.
- Art of Touch - The emphasis is on connection this year. People are craving connection and quality time to relax. People will choose basic spa treatments that are tried and true so that their experience in the room can be familiar and relaxing.
- Multiple Treatments - On the go people need more two in one treatments. Look for treatments to cater to face and body at the same time. Time strapped people need multi tasking treatments.
- Amp up the service skills - This goes for front desk to service provider. Anticipating the needs and wants of the spa guest will create WOW moments that will pull guests back for more. Spas prepare by amping up their customer service training.
- Feel Good Marketing - Financially savvy spas will start getting involved in the community through sponsorships and volunteering. This low cost and highly effective strategy will reconnect spas to their community and market them at the same time!
- Green Packaging - Spas will look for ways to minimize waste. Product lines who offer refill programs and no outer packaging are attractive to spas. Spas may introduce reusable spa bags for retail that offer a discount to customers bringing them back in to fill them up with retail.
- Spa Culture - People are creatures of habit. Groups and special events want to create ritual. Spas will make it easier for them by offering easy and affordable packages that that create memories and turn into annual or monthly events. The Spa Culture will provide a great gathering excuse and some well deserved pampering and relaxation!
