2025 Retail Stars
2025 Retail Stars
Bachmann’s Pools, Spas and Saunas
When Fred Bachmann’s store won the Locksin-Thompson Dealer of the Year Award at the annual Watkins Wellness conference, he was stunned. The honor recognizes dealers who have shown excellence, leadership and pretty darn good sales.
Great Bay Spa & Sauna
When the founders of Great Bay Spas & Sauna approached Jamie Burson in late 2019 about buying the company, he was caught off guard. He’d been with the New England retailer since he was 20, working his way up from the warehouse to sales and management, and had always dreamed of owning the business. But when the opportunity came, it suddenly felt real.
Fiesta Pools & Spas
When Fiesta Pools & Spas opened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1956, backyard pools were still a novelty, and the hot tub industry as we know it hadn’t even been born. Nearly 70 years later, the company has become a community fixture — a legacy Travis Hogan stepped into when he purchased Fiesta in 2004 at just 28 years old.
Cada Pools and Spas
Family has always been at the heart of Cada Pools and Spas. For brothers Tom and Brian Cada, carrying forward the business their father started has been as much about honoring tradition as it has been about adapting to change — and now the next generation is finding its place.
The History of Swim Spas, Part 2
When most in the industry think of swim spas, they picture the acrylic, portable units that took off in the early 2000s. But alongside that story — sometimes intersecting, sometimes running parallel — is another: the rise of swim machines.
Pop-up Payoff
The holiday season isn’t just for decking the halls — for savvy spa retailers, it’s a chance to meet customers where they are (literally) and convert cold weather into hot sales.
Savvy Storage Solutions
A sparkling hot tub tucked into a meticulously manicured backyard can look like the perfect retreat — until the reality of soggy towels, scattered chemicals and a tossed-aside cover turns the sanctuary into cluttered chaos.
Learn, Grow, Advance
“The pool and hot tub industry is evolving with the introduction of new technologies and innovations, while increased competition for qualified talent threatens operations and growth,” says Sabeena Hickman, president and CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. “Professional development and continuing education are the only way forward to thrive in this highly competitive environment.”
Jacuzzi: Reinventing Relaxation
For 70 years, Jacuzzi has pioneered hot tub design, bringing health and relaxation to millions. Now, its new J5 Collection sets a next-level standard in backyard luxury. Erica Moir, senior vice president for product design, marketing and engineering innovation at Jacuzzi in Chino, California, says this new line of hot tubs will bring an elevated experience like nothing in the industry.
Filter Fix
For many hot tub owners, cleaning filters feels frustrating, time-consuming and easy to put off. The task is not high on their weekend to-do list. Some buyers even tune out during the sales pitch — hearing only “low maintenance … every three months” — and assume if a filter looks clean, it is.
Selling in the Slump
Whether the slow season lasts a few weeks or several months, retailers need to adjust their marketing strategies.
To navigate quieter months, experts and retailers alike shared what’s worked for them.