Sales are rising as the festive period approaches.
By Ben Grounds, Richard Jude, Catherine Maude & Lara Seychell
Beauty therapy fans and spa-goers are flocking to receive pre-Christmas treatments across South West London.
Britain now has a health and beauty industry worth more than £15billion, which includes more than 13,000 salons.
Tania White, beauty therapist at Revive, in Brighton Road, Surbiton, has seen an upward trend in sales in local beauty treatment.
“We have slowly been getting busier all the way up to the end of September,” she said.
“So we’ve noticed that interest in the beauty industry has built up since the recession has got better.
“There is so much that you can do yourself – cheaply – which did cost us quite a bit, but people are attracted to that personal touch, and that’s why they’re coming back.”
Given the industry’s revival, many spa clinics are trying to attract customers with promotional offers that are too good to refuse as Christmas approaches.
Trends show an increase in purchases as the festive period approaches, and local businesses are taking advantage of this with festive offers.
Ms White believes Revive offers a combination treatment that makes their salon stand out on the High Street.
“We are doing two special deals,” Miss White said. “We are doing an hour facial and a half an hour massage, or an hour facial with a manicure – both for £50, at a saving of £20.
“The deal is a winner. You can’t get better that a deal which includes a back treatment and facial,” she said.
Similarly, Farhana Malik, manager of Pearl Beauty Clinic, in Mitcham Road, Tooting, has heralded the new beauty boom.
“It looks a lot more promising this year. People are a bit more positive in spending than they were last year,” she said.
The value society places on beauty has been the subject of debate over the last few days, after Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington broke down when comparing her body image to model Amy Willerton.
The swimmer spoke out about her fellow contestant on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
“She’s stick thin, she’s got big boobs, she’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“We’re promoting being that way. Why not just be a normal girl?”
Photo courtesy of FoundryParkInn, with thanks.
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