Question of the Month: How Do You Beat the Economic Heat?

Not only has warm-weather season arrived, but a challenging economic environment also prevails. The current climate makes it more difficult to attract and retain clients for toe-bearing pedicures, waxing and eyelash perming services, and summer spa social parties. Here's what some day spa owners are doing to steer clear of a cooling seasonal sales period.

Which summer beauty services and/or promos draw clients in?

"We recently held a 'Makeup and Margaritas' event where we served drinks and food, and demonstrated our makeup services." —Michelle Jarecki, spa manager, Simply Nature Day Spa, Toluca Lake, California.

"Brows, brows, brows. Most women don't realize the potential of brows in improving their appearance and framing their face. Once we've done a guest's brows, she is wowed and hooked." —Valory Reed, spa director, Spa Gaucin, Dana Point, California.

"We do eyelash perming, which has been lucrative. People get addicted to it. It's not unique, but not many spas offer it." —Stephanie Behan, owner, Oliver West Apothecary and Day Spa, Sayville, New York.

"We've got a big makeup promotion. It's called Girls' Day Out, where we offer complimentary makeovers, champagne, and teach clients how to apply makeup." —Tammy Schneider, owner, Zi Spa & Salon, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

"Our most popular services continue to be pedicures and manicures—and for good reason. Our spa has been developed to encourage socialization. Our open concept lounge flows seamlessly into our manicure/pedicure areas, which allows our clients to experience the spa and not the wall in the pedicure room." —Tamarra Hay, co-owner, OASIS Spa and Lounge, Ontario, Canada.

"We've noticed an increase in requests for lash and brow tinting. Going into summer, women wear less makeup, travel more frequently, and this gives an effective and simple kick to any beauty regimen." —Courtney Palmer, spa director, Thibiant Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, California.

Coming in August: "What exotic facial service do you offer that's unique to your spa?" Let us know what's going on at your spa, and your answer may appear in our next newsletter. Submit your responses to DAYSPA executive editor Rhonda J. Wilson at rwilson@creativeage.com.

Eyes on Summer Style