Operations
The SOP Update
People are drawn to the spa industry for many reasons, but standard operating procedures (SOPs) usually aren’t one of them.
“They’re difficult,” says Brandon Jones, co-owner of St. Cyr Pool & Spa in Middleton, Massachusetts. “It’s tempting to want to put SOPs on the back burner,” especially amid the everyday hustle of running a business.
Marketing
Don’t Change the Channel … or Maybe, Do!
With new marketing channels popping up constantly — from trending social platforms to podcasts and local influencers — it’s hard to know which are worth trying. Are these tools actually a good fit for hot tub businesses?
Merchandising
Freshen Up
In an era where shoppers are more likely to order online than walk into a store, creating a captivating showroom is essential. For retailers, this means the store must offer something the internet cannot. Consumers often look for fast, convenient and exciting shopping, so quick store refreshes can be a game changer.
Insiders
What’s the biggest advantage or challenge you see in taking on the sauna category?
When I attend trade shows as a buyer, I focus on being strategic with my time and decisions to make sure I bring back real value for the business:
Coaching
Break the Law
We started this article series by challenging ourselves with a question: In this $23 billion global industry, why do sales growth and career development often seem to flatline or end in burnout? Over the past year in the SpaRetailer sales training video series, we’ve focused on uncovering and removing the barriers that keep many people stuck in what Seth Godin calls “90% below average.”
