What Shoppers Won't Give Up - [read]
There's no question that consumer spending has slowed to a crawl. The Consumer Confidence Index in July was down 5.5% from the previous month, and we're actually squirreling away more cash than we have in the last 16 years. In May 2009, the U.S. personal saving rate reached 6.9%, the highest it's been since 1993. But that doesn't mean you or your neighbors have stopped shopping. Indeed, discretionary spending is alive and well. Yet what we're spending that extra income on today is vastly different than what we were buying a year ago. - forbes.com

Shopping Predictions for the 2009 Holiday Season - [read]
In what could be a mixed bag or simple case of not knowing what to expect, while one third of shoppers say they will spend less this holiday season, retailers expect things to begin to improve and plan to ensure shoppers have a good selection and lots of holiday cheer – beginning right now during the summer. A recent survey by the retail trade publication RIS News showed only one in six retailers believe this holiday season will be worse than last, but more than 85% said "weak customer demand" will be their biggest challenge. - usatoday.com

Have you started thinking about your plan for holiday? Our holiday offerings are in stock now and we have a great selection that fits every budget. Call your Consultant or Customer Care to find out more.

Prevent Defections: Why Loyalty and Cuts Go Hand-in-Hand - [read]
Many employees of small businesses are grateful to have a job, even as salaries are frozen or cut and they're asked to take on more responsibility. Company owners shouldn't take those good attitudes for granted -- they need to show workers some loyalty so staffers don't jump ship when the economy gets stronger. - boston.com

Wedding Season in Fall, Who Knew? - [read]
Everyone knows that June is the most popular month for weddings, but did you know that the next most popular months are August, September, and October? Is your salon ready for the Fall Wedding Rush? Serving bridal parties is easier than it sounds and by taking a few simple steps your salon can be known as the area’s premier salon for bridal parties, which ultimately means increased profits for you. Do you need more ideas for booking those lucrative bridal parties? - nailsmag.com

Check out Salon Services exclusive 12 Months of Marketing for ideas on how to create your own Bridal Fair right in your own salon along with other local wedding planners, florists, caterers, and other wedding service providers. Contact your Consultant or visit your nearest Showroom to obtain your copy of 12 Months of Marketing for Salon and Spa.

Prepare yourself for the beauty needs of the Fall Wedding Rush with inspired formal hairdressing and makeup application classes at Salon Services:

AG Metamorphosis Red Carpet Styling - Everett, September 14 [download flyer]
Eufora Presents: Classic Coiffures - Renton, September 28 [download flyer]
Youngblood Presents: Day Into Night - Olympia, September 14 [download flyer]
Youngblood Presents: Professional Makeup Artistry - Portland, September 21 [download flyer]
Youngblood Presents: Professional Makeup Artistry -Medford, September 28 [download flyer]
Youngblood Presents: Professional Makeup Artistry - Renton, October 12 [download flyer]
Youngblood Presents: Professional Makeup Artistry - Salt Lake City, October 19 [download flyer]

Why Lowering Prices Will Cost You More - [read]
With both consumers and companies cutting back on spending, some of your competitor’s may be cutting prices to win more business. So what should you do? Should you try to match their reduced prices or perhaps even go lower? Regardless of economic conditions, never under-value your product or service. If you aren’t willing to charge what you are worth, then how can you expect your customers to place much value on your product or service either? - openforum.org

Secret Sales and Private Offers Boost Luxury Sales - [read]
Whispered discounts and discreet price negotiations between customers and sales staff in the aisles of upscale chains – a time-worn strategy typically reserved for a store’s best customers, it has become more democratized as the recession drags on and retailers struggle to turn browsers into buyers. “When you’re selling anything in luxury,” said David A. Schick, a managing director and retailing analyst with Stifel Nicolaus, “you’re selling exclusivity.” Another advantage of secret sales is that they require little or no advertising, so stores can privately cut deals with customers and publicly maintain that they do not discount their brands. - nytimes.com

The 'How-To' on Twitter, MySpace and YouTube

How Twittering is changing the way small business does business in Seattle. [read] - seattlepi.com

The Young and the Wireless: How one salon added MySpace to their marketing plan to create referrals and build business. [read] - modernsalon.com

YouTube 101 for Small Business: YouTube is the number two most trafficked website on the Web for a reason: it’s fun and useful, and as you will find out, not just for kids and non business people. But the first thing you have to figure out as a small business person is the possibilities that YouTube can give to you. [read] - smallbiztrends.com

“Leaders manage change. Managers control process."
- Anon.