Janet's journal seasonal changes

The change of seasons always leaves me looking for something new. I’ve restrained myself and will not completely change the salon treatment menu, but will revitalise its seasonal specials in a number of ways. Find out how you can do the same. One quick and easy way to add seasonal services is to offer home-made remedies alongside your existing treatments or as stand-alone treatments. You have no doubt had clients returning from extended holidays who have not looked after their skin as well as they should. I think the best way to remedy this is with a natural body scrub. A simple recipe is to mix almond oil, sea salt and a few drops of rosemary essential oil into a paste and scrub from top to toe. I always complete this thorough, refreshing exfoliation with a gentle body massage. The almond oil gives it a luxurious feel and leaves the skin looking fabulous. After a shower, your client is ready for another treatment or to face the world again. You could brand this in a number of ways – as a post-summer revitalising body scrub or a sea-salt-and- rosemary luxury body scrub – it is up to your imagination and ingenuity. What is important is to educate your staff about it and get them cross-selling your new seasonal specials and promotions. Themes like a good idea The seasonal promotions you organise yourself do not have to conflict with ones your suppliers are offering. As I often say, work with your suppliers and tap into their promotional ideas, literature and point-of-sale information to help boost your business profitability. Don’t despair if your supplier doesn’t have anything planned for this time of the year. You can build a promotion unique to your salon around a theme such as pumpkins for Halloween – decorating the salon accordingly. You could even organise a Halloween-themed party week. I would not expect my clients to dress up, but they could come in for drinks and finishing touches before heading out to parties. This date on the calendar is becoming more popular each year, so you shouldn’t ignore an opportunity to engage with your clients and promote offers and exclusive discounts. If you feel Halloween doesn’t fit with your salon business, then ditch the witches and go for pumpkins on their own or a harvest festival theme, which could tie in with ingredients in your skincare lines. Did you know that pumpkin has one of the highest contents of beta carotene and thus, the most anti-oxidants of all vegetables? You still have time to organise events on a big or small scale – it just takes a little creativity, thought, and some planning. Get your staff on board and share the organisational load, as well as the party. Janet Ginnings has a salon in London’s Mayfair and a celebrity clientele