A new-look interior at francesco group's weeping cross salon
Published
10th Oct 2011
by rachael
The need for more space had become paramount at Francesco Group's Weeping Cross branch when busy periods at the salon meant a tight squeeze for clients and staff alike.
So, when the chemist shop next door became vacant, owners Frank and Philippa Dellicompagni grabbed the opportunity to expand.
The salon underwent a major refit in just three weeks to create a fresh, contemporary and spacious look, with a new colour bar at the heart of the salon creating a focal point.
Says Frank: "This is definitely an evolved Francesco Group look. We will certainly look to take elements and forms of the new style across the group."
Top tips- Lots of planning. Start to plan 12 months before beginning the project.
- Involve the whole team in the project.
- Give plenty of attention to small details.
- While the salon is closed, use the opportunity to invest in training. We did six days' staff training and I wish we'd done more.
- Pre-plan your marketing strategy for a 12-month period from opening.
In Brief...What was the main aim for the project?
To create more space and an environment that met and exceeded the growing expectations of our clients and provide a creative work environment for the team.
What caused the biggest headache?
Our biggest issue was changing our electric from single phase to three in time so we had enough capacity to run all the equipment. The electricity suppliers kept changing the dates - it was a nightmare.
What is the most interesting feature of the salon?
The colour bar is the focus of the salon with everything facing towards it, like an open kitchen in the middle of a restaurant.
What was the best bargain buy of the salon?
The air conditioning/heating. It is fitted into the ceiling and acts as climare control, warm or cool. There are no drafts anymore.
Is there anything that you wouldn't choose again?
The dishwasher to clean the colour bowls is too smal and I should have bought a commercial one.
Fact File
Name: Francesco Group
Address: 45 Bodmin Avenue, Weeping Cross, Stafford
Owners: Frank and Philippa Dellicompagni
Size: 1,313 sq ft
Staff: 19
Styling stations: 17
Financing: Self, bank loan and Wella Professionals
Design: Monteith Scott and Frank Dellicompagni
Furniture: Aston & Fincher
Features: Bespoke sections with side equipment units, LED lighting and in-built screens, backwash and reception screens, nail bar, water softener system and centralised colour bar.
Name: Francesco Group
Address: 45 Bodmin Avenue, Weeping Cross, Stafford
Owners: Frank and Philippa Dellicompagni
Size: 1,313 sq ft
Staff: 19
Styling stations: 17
Financing: Self, bank loan and Wella Professionals
Design: Monteith Scott and Frank Dellicompagni
Furniture: Aston & Fincher
Features: Bespoke sections with side equipment units, LED lighting and in-built screens, backwash and reception screens, nail bar, water softener system and centralised colour bar.
