Mala McAlpin The US spa industry has now officially experienced its eighth year of record-breaking growth. The results of the International Spa Association Foundation’s annual Big Five study was revealed last month at the ISPA media event in New York last month, showing a total revenue increase of 4.3 percent in 2018, raising the industry’s revenue from $17 billion to $17.5 billion annually.
“The data continues to show a healthy and robust spa industry resulting in a wealth of reputable career opportunities for those looking to find a stable work environment,” says Lynne McNees, ISPA president.”This study celebrates eight consecutive years of revenue growth with total spa industry revenue exceeding $17 billion in 2017.”
The study was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and focused on the total revenue, number of spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit, and number of employees. Key findings included:
– $17 billion in 2017, up from from $16.8 billion at end of 2016, increasing to $17.5 billion by end of 2017 (4.3 percent increase)
– Total spa visits rose from 184 billion in 2016 to 187 billion in 2017 (1.6 percent increase)
– The number of spa locations increased from 21,260 in 2016 to 21,770 in 2017
– Revenue per visit rose from $91.3 in 2016 to $93.7 in 2017 (2.7 percent increase)
– Number of employees increased from 365,200 in 2017 to 372,100 in 2018 (1.9 percent increase)
“What is most striking this year is that every one of the key metrics has reached all-time record levels,” says Colin McIlheney, global research director, PwC. “Perhaps the one that catches the eye is that there were more than 500 new spas open for business right across the United States in 2017. This is rapid growth by any standard and is evidence of an industry in robust health.”
While there may not be comparable recent statistics for the Australian market, the spa and wellness industry is undeniably booming, worth over $3.7 trillion worldwide and is only continuing to grow. As a testament to the industry growth here at home, Roy Morgan’s Australian Wellness Index reports a substantial increase across seven key health areas from 2007 to 2015.
So how can we keep up with the exploding wellness movement? Here are a few ideas to get your spa or clinic started:
- Host a wellness class, workshop or event at your spa or clinic
- Incorporate all-natural fragrances into your facilities
- Serve multi-action health/wellness teas to clients, ie. digestive, restorative, concentration, sleep aid, etc.
- Participate in World Wellness Weekend
- Infuse your water with berries or citrus
- Have fresh fruit available for clients to enjoy
- Offer healthy snack choices
- Incorporate inner health and wellness supplements into your treatments or retail
- Incorporate aromatherapy where possible to positively influence clients’ moods
- Investigate the latest clean, organic, adaptogenic or Ayurvedic skincare trends to see if they might make a good fit for your brand
- Incorporate some holistic or traditional rituals into your retail or services – crystals, facial rollers or Gua Shas, Palo Santo, etc.
