Kao salon division announces salon industry recovery initiative

Kao Salon Division, the parent brand to professional hair brands Oribe, KMS and Goldwell has announced the Kao Salon Industry Recovery Initiative, which is focused on helping salons recover and rebuild as they emerge from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis. “Our priority during this crisis has been to galvanise our efforts around the full and complete recovery of the industry as a whole, with special focus our partners and stylists,” says Cory Couts, global president of Kao Salon Division. He continues, "We know the needs and concerns of the salon community are very specific. That’s why we designed this initiative to not only to commit global resources, but local, real solutions for their recovery. We believe in the power of the collective and know that by meeting this incredibly powerful community where they are, and joining them on their journey, together we will grow, rise and create the future.” The initiative consists of three key pillars of support campaigns to address the unique challenges facing the industry and its professionals as they think about the logistics of when they look to reopen. The initiative’s trio of programs is designed to provide pro with tangible, localised resources to ensure their businesses are not only restored, but thriving in the months ahead.

When are the three pillars?

The components of The Kao Salon Industry Recovery Initiative include:

STRONGER TOGETHER

Founded on the belief that no one person or organisation alone holds the key to success, but that by truly coming together the industry will rise and flourish, #StrongerTogether represents Kao Salon’s financial support and unwavering partnership. Through this program Kao Salon has committed to: • Suspend invoices until local government salon closure orders are lifted • Sponsor free-to-industry opportunities to receive business recovery insight and information • Provide tangible support for local salon organisations to support activities that benefit both stylists and their salons • Donate product to charitable organisations for key medical personnel and those in need • Work with local trade media to present information on supporting government programs and their details and timelines • Work with salon customers to arrive at a support plan for success upon reopening • Create a sponsored consumer digital campaign to inspire a “#WorthTheWait” consumer movement that presents a call-to-action for clients to patiently wait for their stylists instead of taking at-home measures https://www.instagram.com/p/B_CaFTPIuCu/

CREATIVITY NEVER STOPS

#CreativityNeverStops has been created to allow stylists to immediately nurture and hone their skills via: • Access to digital and online education programs that offer relief and inspiration to stylists confined to their homes • The transformation of the annual Goldwell Creative Awards into an entirely virtual experience, adjusting entry dates to expand participation

KAO SALON FAMILY

#KaoSalonFamily has begun to: • Deliver hyper-relevant messages of hope and positivity through the Kao Salon network • Provide communication routes for stylists and salons to communicate their concerns and questions • Offer community and connection by directly inviting stylists and salons to connect with the organisation through ongoing, virtual points of contact “We are working in partnership with salon owners, stylists and industry bodies to develop recovery plans and strategies that represent the voice of our salons and reflect government guidelines. We want salons ready to reopen fully booked with clients from day one, with plans in place to take them back to full recovery as quickly as possible” says Julie Winchester, general manager of Kao Salon Division, UK. “We think that by helping them to focus on recovery now will allow them to establish the foundation for which they can achieve the utmost success upon reopening.”