Journal: richard ward hair & metrospa
HOLDING OUR OWN AS THE
CREDIT CRUNCH HITS
Hellen Ward is managing director of Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa and wife of celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward. The salon is in its 15th year and in 2005 moved to new premises in London's Sloane Square, where Hellen re-branded the beauty area as Metrospa. The four full-time therapists and two manicurists offer the salons new DCL and Keraskin Esthetics treatments, as well as Aromatherapy Associates, OPI and St Tropez
I'm relieved our new London Mayor is to abolish the £25 congestion charge and consult over the extended Western Extension zone. Since they extended the zone to include our area in February 2007, business has undoubtedly suffered. Many of our clients live out of central London, and not being able to drive into town for a day's shopping and pampering led them to consider deserting us for more local services.
We are just holding our own and beating last year's figures in beauty, but manicuring is down (partly owing to some maternity leave), which further demonstrates the economic downturn. Clients seem unwilling to compromise when it comes to hair and beauty treatments, but the 'little extras' seem to be on a tighter budgetary control.
READ MORE...We have launched two new skincare ranges, which seem to be performing well. There has been heavy investment time-wise for the girls to be trained in the new ranges consecutively, but they've really enjoyed getting new knowledge and trying out different techniques.
It's against our company policy (and my business ethics) to discount products or services, so we've launched with some 'added value' promotions. If clients book a course of five facials, they receive a sixth free. We're also offering a complimentary hand treatment and eye treatment to anybody who books a facial within a limited period.
Summer is always a booming time for any salon with a large waxing turnover, but I find myself becoming increasingly protective over any potential legal issues. Our disclaimer forms are getting heavier and even more water-tight as, like most salons, we are trading in an increasingly litigious society. Perhaps more than ever we need the safeguard and assurances from manufactures to 'hold our hands' and help lead us through this potential minefield. Training is key, and I'll be refreshing our consultation techniques to make sure we all feel confident to handle whatever and whoever comes our way.
