Retail biggest boost to December sales, research finds

Retail is the main driver of December success for salons, according to the latest figures from Phorest Salon Software.

The cloud-based salon software company reviewed data from more than 6000 salons across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Finland, Germany and the US, with average figures revealing that these businesses generate more than 10% of their annual income in December alone.

While services bring in an additional 13% in revenue throughout December, it is retail sales that provide the considerable uptick in the festive month. Phorest found that salons make an additional 107% in total retail revenue in December compared to the rest of the year.

A 28% boost in the number of products sold brings in 27% more product revenue, while a 450% jump in gift card sales brings 508% more gift card revenue than the rest of the year.

Reflecting on the findings, Phorest CEO Ronan Perceval comments: “It's no wonder managers, stylists, therapists and everyone else who makes a salon run like clockwork are completely exhausted by the time New Year rolls around, cramming 12% more completed services into the busy month compared to the rest of the year, with 9% more clients walking through their doors.

“If you really want to take advantage of the December rush, you need to market your retail and gift card promotions to your customers throughout December, both in-salon and via your email and SMS marketing campaigns.”