Every other year, SpaRetailer returns to a feature we consider essential — Power Women. This isn’t about singling out one group at the expense of another; it’s about recognizing leadership that strengthens the whole industry.
The hot tub industry thrives on problem-solvers, innovators and community-builders — and nowhere is that more evident than in this year’s Power Women. From family legacies to surprising pivots, they share a common thread: a commitment to people. Their stories reflect resilience, reinvention and the belief that there is room for anyone willing to learn, grow and lead with integrity.
It may be scaling your business, navigating market uncertainties or being thrust into a leadership role.
Whatever the catalyst, many spa retailers eventually realize they can’t — and shouldn’t — do everything alone. At that point, they begin exploring coaches, peer groups or professional communities that offer the experience, perspective and accountability for personal and professional growth.
Sauna sales are up like never before, with roughly 1.5 million U.S. households now owning saunas and adoption growing at about 5% annually as more consumers invest in at-home wellness. Residential saunas accounted for nearly 60% of market share in 2024, and North American sauna revenue topped $255 million in the same year, according to industry research.
When Alice Cunningham walked away from a prestigious federal career in the mid-1970s to start a hot tub business, her father cried. She had a month of vacation, excellent benefits and a senior role administering job training programs for tens of thousands of people nationwide. She was, by every conventional measure, doing exactly what she was supposed to do.
Hot, cold or cold, hot — whichever order you choose, combined hot tub-cold plunge units are giving homeowners an easier way to experience contrast therapy without separate systems.
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.
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:
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.
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?
Women of Water (WOW) was developed to amplify voices, support career advancement and ensure the next generation of industry leaders reflects the diversity of our communities and clients. Through education, mentorship and peer-to-peer networking, the initiative is empowering women and encouraging them to stay in the industry, assume leadership roles and build confidence.
Jackie Glover, Credit manager, MAAX Spas