Selling accessories in your studio/spa

Have any of you tried selling retail other than the obvious skin care products within your spa or studio? I rent a suite within a large salon (Sola Studios). I was thinking of starting to retail products such as candles, scarves, little bits and bobs like candle holders, picture frames, jewelry, etc. I don't know if it would be worth the investment, but I have noticed a larger spa in my area is now retailing (and pushing these products on their facebook page) some candles, jewelry, soft blankets/throws, and even a few apparel items like high end sweatshirts...

What do you think?

I never thought I'd consider it.. mostly because I had an experience one time getting my hair done at a very high end salon in my city and the salon owner, after doing my hair, REALLY pushed some items on me that I had no interest in. She was trying to get me to buy some new clothes.. she had a whole little boutique of clothing in her salon filled with hideous, gawdy clothing. It was a total turnoff. I don't like pushing products on people.. so I'm not sure.

Any thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by ella kurr on January 14, 2014 at 12:01pm

I can totally see that happening and it scares me. I'm such a cautious person by nature. I'm one of those people who takes a really long time to decide over any major purchase... and sometimes even small purchases like buying a new mascara! haha. I think as I have gotten older (I'm turning 30 next month - not that that is old, but I'm getting older), the experience has made me more cautious. In my early 20s, I would go out and buy stuff, no problem.. I didn't even look around for cars. At 22, I just bought the first car that I liked and signed on the dotted line. Not anymore!

I've seen this happen to spas and other businesses where they invest a lot of money into their retail and it just SITS for months - it doesn't matter how great of a salesperson someone is, imo. Some products are just easier to sell.

Permalink Reply by Gretchen Klein on January 13, 2014 at 12:44pm

My experience has been that little interest is shown.  You have to be great at selling to move these items.  Someone may pick up a gift here or there, but it usually gathers dust and has to be marked down.  The bigger you are the more you can afford this, but you have to be careful as your profit percent can really take a hit.

Permalink Reply by ella kurr on January 14, 2014 at 12:03pm

That is exactly what I would be afraid of happening. I'm not a great salesperson because I don't like being pushy. It seems that certain products are more inclined to sell themselves and some items may seem like they would, but it can really be hit or miss.

Permalink Reply by Sandy Defilippi on January 13, 2014 at 2:16pm
Skin care should stick to skin care.
Permalink Reply by ella kurr on January 14, 2014 at 12:04pm

I can definitely see your point! I felt strangely when I got my haircut in a salon and as I went to checkout, the owner was trying to sell me her (gawdy) clothing in the boutique. lol

Permalink Reply by Lynn D Spicer on January 13, 2014 at 2:29pm

I have a vendor that has put her jewelry in my mini day spa.  I don't charge her commission yet, but when her items start going faster, I will ask her for 20%.  My clients like having her jewelry there to look at and to be available if they need a quick gift for someone.

Permalink Reply by Tracy Sinner on January 13, 2014 at 2:51pm

I actually sell earring in my studio called la Vie parisienne. It is from the original molds from Paris in the early 1900's. They are beautiful. They sell themselves so I don't need to say anything. Get a pretty earring tree and display several. It hardly takes any room. I think I would stay away from candles because they can really stink up your room and be offensive even if its a good smell. In a small area it hits you big time.

I also sell specialty items like beauty vitamins and such. I think alot of people lose their focus and then it just looks mish mashy. I use to have a retail store and it is good to make it flow and be uniform.

Permalink Reply by ella kurr on January 14, 2014 at 12:05pm

Those are all really good points. Those earrings sound beautiful!

For people who are really sensitive to smells and have adverse reactions, I can see how candles would not be a good idea. I didn't even think of that, glad you mentioned it.

Permalink Reply by Amy Sherman on January 14, 2014 at 8:07pm

I dislike regular scented candles! Glad you mentioned that!

Permalink Reply by Aundra on January 13, 2014 at 5:30pm
I sell Gold Canyon Aromatherapy candles. A product that compliments relaxation.
Permalink Reply by Heather Margaret MacDonald on January 13, 2014 at 9:54pm

I think you should be very selective about what you sell, and it should relate directly to the treatments you offer. The blankets and boutique items are everywhere now, and I think people are getting tired of them. Also, in order to make retail look enticing you've got to have plenty of stock and that costs a lot of money. Then, if no one buys it it starts to look tired, and you can't keep it or it makes your place look tired. Stick to esthetics and products that support your work. 

Permalink Reply by ella kurr on January 14, 2014 at 12:07pm

That is true - those items are available pretty much anywhere now. I want to find items that are hard to find, even online. I think you are right in that sticking to esthetics is the best route to take. The only thing I might consider is small, unique jewelry like Tracy Sinner mentioned she sells.

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