Scott ClarkOwner, The Spa and Sauna Co.5 locations in Nevada and California The pandemic was firmly on our radar in early February when a vendor trip to Cambodia and Vietnam was canceled a week before we were supposed to leave. Of course, at that time the events that have transpired were not really grasped. In…
The panic started to seep in the last days of February. Warnings about the coronavirus grew, and early signs from countries like China and Italy foretold of a deadly and little-understood disease. North Americans waited to see if it would cross the pond and when. In early March, cases started popping up in Seattle, California…
Though it has long been a popular marketing phrase in the industry, “vacation at home” has suddenly become reality. The industry could never have anticipated what the average hot tub showroom would look like in 2020: Empty, or nearly so, due to the abundance of spa sales, with lead times well into 2021. Family Leisure…
Photography by Ryan Feister After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Ohio State University, Bob Davis took to the range as a traveling rancher. The self-proclaimed cowboy hung up his spurs in 1982 to get married, settle down in Bedford, Virginia, and work for a pool company. After two years working for individuals he…
The October issue is always our Outdoor Living edition, but this year it’s our pandemic issue. I know, this is the only information any of you are interested in right now. Same. I have been in the hot tub industry since 2008, right as the recession really hit. Certainly the industry’s challenges this year are…
“While hot tub sales are up currently, the supply chain is beginning to have issues. Massive lead times will likely have a slightly negative or neutral effect on next year’s sales.” Matt Hopkins, Job-Rite Pools & Spas, Akron, Ohio People lost their summer vacations but not their money. Stuck at home, they did the next…
Coast Spas in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, earlier this year released the new Purfikt Infinity Edge Spa. Touting the aesthetic as sleek, minimalist and tasteful, Patricia Diamente, president and CEO of Coast Spas, says that while some overseas spa manufacturers have moved toward minimalist designs, the North American spa market was still lacking in this…
Spas of Portland has been out of swim spas since June, including display models, but owner Brian Wasik says his Portland, Oregon, store is still selling one to two swim spas a week. At his Spas of Montana locations in Missoula and Helena, swim spas are on display — but they’re just waiting to be…
Do you miss seeing customers in person? Though businesses everywhere are seeing fewer customers face-to-face, there are still ways to stay in touch and offer personalized spa service thanks to technology. Hosting virtual spa training events is one way to stay connected. Spa retailers are using webinars and one-on-one training to help customers get the…
With the prospect of an actual tropical getaway becoming evermore elusive, pandemic-weary consumers want to create a backyard resembling paradise. Spa retailers can offer accessories that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, such as rock speakers and high-quality planters. Planters Outdoor planters have come a long way from clay pots. Consumers are looking to display…
If you’re a spa retailer, this pandemic has been oddly good for business. Many of you are extra busy thanks to people being stuck at home, wanting to upgrade their lives in a healthy way. On the downside, you’re running low on hot tubs, chemicals and accessories. Your shelves and floor space may look empty…
In the world of social distancing, curbside pickup has been key to keeping the doors open for many spa retailers. For Hans Kissmann, owner of Georgian Hot Tubs in Barrie, Ontario, adjusting his hours of operation and adding curbside options allowed him to continue services where others could not. The company sent newsletters to existing…