SAKS FRANCHISEES AND KEY SUPPLIERS HIT BARCELONA FOR CONFERENCE
With months of planning by Saks HQ staff, in June a discerning mix of Saks franchisees, HQ people and leading big-brand suppliers were treated to an action-packed four-day event in Barcelona.
Why Saks4Barcelona? Quirky art and architecture, Catalan food, vibrant street life and chic boutiques are just what the doctor ordered for super-busy franchisees taking time out from hectic salon lives.
The Hotel Catalonia Eixample in the city’s historic centre, right next to Plaza Cataluna was the perfect base for this year’s shindig. And the rooftop pool was the place to be for converging between excursions and into the very early hours!
This year’s two day challenge asked teams to assume the role of working in the marketing department of the Barcelona Tourist Board, tasked with producing a short film for the city aiming to forge close emotional ties with tourists by talking to hearts not purses.
Huge congratulations to the winning team led by Ceri Silk (Beauty Development Manager) with Harriet Dudridge (Elemis), Tina Ockerby-Rook (Saks Apprenticeships), Danny Jarega (Saks Cheadle), Payam Pourkarimi (Saks Heston), Michelle Shergill (Saks West Bridgford) and Liz Simpson (Saks Beauty Tees Barrage).
In true Saks style there was plenty of time for sunbathing (with Factor 50 from Saks’ Barcelona-based skincare supplier Skeyndor), catching up with fellow-franchisees and bonding with suppliers who thoroughly enjoyed themselves too. Spot prizes were also handed out to celebrate any unexpected incidents of cinematic greatness.
Barry Jaraga, Head of Business Development at Saks, says: “We’re ALL about community at Saks and since our first franchisee conference back in the early nineties this event has developed into a key date on the calendar – it’s great to see each other away from the day job.
Barry continues: “Don’t get me wrong, there’s always a big quirky challenge and the competitive nature of our franchisees comes right out, often with hilarious results. Over the years we’ve been to diverse locations including Istanbul, Marrakesh and Granada to name a few. Our Saks HQ team does an amazing job organising every aspect, every time.”
