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Positive signs for industry
Date Added: 2009-06-15
This past week has been crazy at Salon Business Online. Three words spring to mind – trends, trends, trends. In case you missed it - I updated you all last week on all the new style advice from major hairdressing names such as Jo Hansford, then I rushed down to the Central Saint Martin’s BA show to bring you all the gossip from the runway and then I hopped on a plane to America to check out what was going on across the pond. Phew!!
Even though I was only in America for a week, and much of that time was spent doing bridesmaid duties for my friend’s wedding, I have to say that I noticed an awful lot about the hair and beauty industry over in the US. Firstly, from speaking to friends and acquaintances, I can see that the hair and beauty market is a growing market. Like many of the news stories (featured on this website) suggest, the so-called 'lipstick effect' is in full force. This basically means that women like to give themselves little beauty treats and pick-me-ups to make me feel better in times of economic hardship.
Secondly, a wide range of professional products are becoming available in major stores. The first day I took a trip to Wal-mart I noticed that brands such as TIGI and Matrix were on sale. Also, If you go into any Mall, no matter how big or small (and believe me I visited several) there is a hair store selling all the gorgeous professional brands that we know and love, and I think its great that they seem to be doing a thriving trade despite competition from the major supermarket chains.
I also spent a good hour or so thumbing through the abundance of consumer hair magazines at New Orleans airport and thought what a positive symbol this was for the industry - the fact that there are a huge range of titles, clearly shows there is an audience for them.
Now that I am back in the UK things are still as crazy and manic as ever. Tonight it is a major night in my industry calender – The Sapphires Awards. I am so excited. Don’t worry as I will be bringing you all the winners, gossip, videos and images from the event. Watch this space….
