House of Tan

It looks like 2013 will be the start of the first big wave of consolidation in our industry. With Palm Beach stepping up their game and now Sun Tan City getting aggressive, I think will we see an explosion of the franchises in America.

If you are going to be in Nashville; Rick (STC) has said that he will be revealing what his salons average a year. I think the number will blow most of you away. I also think it will make operators really re-think what is possible with proper structure and support, and cause some to question if it is time to align with a franchise and convert or at least improve their own infrastructure.

The industry will enter a new period soon and you have to wonder if you are ready for it. Those that question the EFT concept will need to take a new look at the bigger picture and may decide to convert to the program as most gyms did a few years back. Those that question the concept of ‘do what is right for the customer at all cost’ will have to face new challenges.

The wave is coming… Are you ready?

What is your strategy? Do you have a strategy?

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kookyguy

Naw...Dana and Hottie Body are still going to take over the tanning world.

House of Tan

They did have great looking salons :)

Proof that great build outs and top notch equipment does not always equall success in this industry.

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movieking

Anyone can build a great salon and fill it with top of the line equipment. What most don't understand is that is only one piece of the puzzle. That great build-out and equipment selection doesn't mean much if you don't have rest of the pieces or don't know what to do with them.

sbt501

I think this has been going on for the last 3 years. I have seen 16 stores close and 6 others bought out by a sinlge owner. In the last 18 months a chain has come in and opened 6 stores all high end ergoline equipment and it's not STC or Palm Beach Tan.

House of Tan

I think so far we have seen ripples. Next year some of these chains might grow by 100-200 stores.

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kookyguy

Why next year?

Black Sun

Rick has opened the first STC in GA, about 70 miles north of Atlanta.

There is a privately owned chain here (Atlanta) of about 15 salons called "Sun City Tan". They have been in business, with that name, for about 20 years..recently upgrade to all new Ergoline equipment.

I am waiting for Rick to move into Atlanta, sure it will come someday...and will be interesting to see who wins the clash of name similarities.

Steve Underhill

This is so true. Every year about this time we ask the question. are you going into yet another season doing the same thing you have been doing hoping for a different result.

It is so important to admit that what you are doing is not working. You must do a hard evaluation of your salons structure and business model and make the appropriate changes. Change takes time to implement and you should not wait until it is too late. The time is now. Please don't be another casualty of poor structure and execution.

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Stephen Underhill
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mickie

First was Tan co then STC in my little town of 10,000 ppl. Seen others salons close but im still giving them a run for their money!!!! Not the best year but hoping that next year will bring some changes once election is over and Indiana has better weather