Hairdressers not having a tantrum over the recession
Hairdressers are determined to ride the recession - and then some, believes HJ's News Editor Matthew Batham.
Hairdressers, and more specifically, salon owners are a resilient bunch. Tell them there's a recession on, and most appear to buck the trend completely, whether they invest in new services, staff training or even new salons.
London-based chain hob salons has chosen now to fuel growth, for example, opting for the franchising route, with three new opening planned for next month alone.
The new branches will bring the total number in the group to 18 - 10 company-owned and eight franchise branches. One of the new franchise outlets marks the group's first venture outside of Greater London, with franchisee Danielle Hollis opening her hob venture in Leeds..
Also, apparently oblivious to, or undeterred by, the recession is the team behind Tantrum. Not 
satisfied with its status as the most upmarket salon dedicated to children (its original branch is in London's prestigious Kings Road), Tantrum is now drawing in the kiddie crowds at top toyshop Hamleys in Regent Street.
The success of Tantrums also suggest that those that have money are prepared to spend it.
While the menu includes affordable services such as bunches styling at £10 a time, the top priced Hamleys Sleepover package will set doting parents back £4,500!
It appears that if the service is right and correctly targeted, there's still money out there.
