Ghd launch petition against high-street retailers

Retail is far more than a way to increase revenue; it is an opportunity for staff to demonstrate their expert knowledge and help clients to get the best out of their hair between appointments - which in turn improves customer retention.Be it products, brushes or electrical equipment, one of the main attractions for clients is that they are purchasing salon-exclusive professional products that have been recommended to them by experts.When the same merchandise is available from mainstream retailers and supermarkets for less than the recommended retail price it poses a real threat to salons' retail business. So naturally salon owners have been disgruntled by seeing ghd straightening irons retailed for just £99 by supermarket giant Tesco.

Tracy Earnshaw, owner of Hairs and Faces salon in Accrington, Lancashire, told us: "I have just read that Tesco are selling MK4 ghd Styling Irons again £20 below recommended retail price. I would like to know how much they pay for them as, if I sold them for £99.00 I would make very little profit. Could anyone out there let me know if their distributor lets them have them cheaper or on deals, as I am increasingly feeling I am being fleeced." The My HJi forums have also been a voice-piece for salon owners disgruntled by the major retailers under-cutting the RRP and 'bill' asked: "What is going on with straightening irons? I use ghd, the trade's favorite, they are good, BUT why have I paid more to my wholesaler, than Tesco are charging?"But far from being a strategy that the company support, ghd group director Martin Penny says they are strongly opposed to being sold in major high-street retailers and insists that they have not supplied these stores. "From time to time we become aware that some high-street retailers, such as Boots, Tesco & Superdrug obtain small quantities of ghd irons which they then promote through their catalogues or online media," says Martin."ghd has never supplied these retailers with our products since this would be a total contradiction of the strategy that has led to and continues to support the outstanding success of the brand."This success has been driven by the support of salons such as yourselves and by the endorsement of your stylists who continue to be tremendous advocates for the brand."What is clear however is that due to the overwhelming popularity and demand for the ghd brand in the salon market, retailers will continue to use whatever means available to try source these products for themselves including focusing on our own salon clientele."Now ghd is preparing to fight back. They've created a petition to request that major retailers stop selling their straightening irons and are asking you for your support. "One way of sending a clear message to these retailers that we only want ghd products sold through professional channels is to sign a petition asking them to stop this practice," Martin adds. "We believe it is harming the profits of salons who have invested a considerable amount in marketing, training and education in order to promote the ghd brand. "We will shortly be sending out a letter for you to sign which we will then deliver to all the retailers involved in these practices, in the form of a petition, asking them to cease their activities."Alternatively you can sign the petition online at www.ghdhair.com/petition".The petition will go online at www.ghdhair.com/petition on Friday November 9 or alternatively you can download the petition letter now. Just print out it out and send your completed letter to:Customer services, ghd, Unit 12, Ryefield Way, Filsden, West Yorkshire, BD20 0EF. Download the petition here | Fill in the petition online