Northeast Tanning Expo A Success
TRUMBULL, Conn.—More than 500 salon professionals attended the 2007 Northeast Tanning Expo, Jan. 21 at the Trumbull Marriott in Connecticut.
Attendees were able to see the latest products from industry manufacturers including Australian Gold/Swedish Beauty, California Tan, Designer Skin, Fiji Blend, Supre, Performance Brands, Devoted Creations, ITA, International Smart Tan and more. Several business classes on how to be more successful in today’s changing marketplace also were held, and approximately 120 salon professionals attended the certification training taught by Future Industries’ instructors Reni Vargo and Louis DiGioia.
“This exposition exceeded my expectations regarding both the number and the quality of attendees,” says Karen Bentlage, president of Future Industries. “It was obvious this group had come to learn. Our manufacturers’ representatives were fantastic; they not only were tireless but also very helpful to my staff and all the owners.”
Attendees were treated to free lotions and raffle prizes. Frank Haskel of First Impression Salon in Fall River, Mass. was the grand prize winner of two roundtrip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States. A 50/50 Raffle also was held with half of the proceeds going toward the UV Foundation. Michele Riso of Bright Side Tanning Salon was the lucky winner of $509. She was generous enough to split the prize with Bright Side employees who accompanied her to the expo.
Plans for next year’s event are underway. For more information, call (800) 346-3136 or visit the expo Web site at www.netanningexpo.com.
Changes At Cosmedico Light, Inc.
York brings a wealth of talent and experience to Cosmedico. He worked for OSRAM Sylvania, Inc. for more than 33 years in various positions of increasing responsibility including sales, marketing, plant management and general management. His strong background in organizational management, sales and marketing will contribute significantly to shaping Cosmedico’s future. For the last eight years at OSRAM Sylvania he was senior manager for UV sales where he became familiar with the indoor tanning industry and many of its players. While he is new to the Cosmedico family, both Cosmedico and many of the people in the industry already know him well.
CEO Jerry Frank will be devote more time to strategic issues including key customer development, product innovation and vendor relationships. He will continue to serve on the boards of directors of the Indoor Tanning Association and the UV Foundation.
For more information, call (781) 331-0949.
NTTI Spring Fling Special
PHOENIX—The National Tanning Training Institute is offering a Spring Fling Special to help certify all your employees online. NTTI is offering a special 5-Pack of Basic Certification for a reduced price of $164.95. That’s a savings of $130.
Visit www.tanningtraining.com/march07 or call (800) 529-1101 to take advantage of this offer.
Palm Beach Tan Acquires Desert Sun Tanning Salons
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas—Palm Beach Tan, Inc. announced its Jan. 5 acquisition of the Desert Sun Tanning Salons franchise system. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Maple Valley, Wash., Desert Sun has 55 franchised locations generating more than $20 million of system-wide revenues throughout the Northwest. An additional 30 salons are currently in development. Desert Sun will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Palm Beach Tan and operate under the Desert Sun brand.
“Desert Sun is a great fit,” says Brooks Reed, CEO of Farmers Branch, Texas-based Palm Beach Tan. “It is a well-known concept on the West Coast, which is a targeted area of growth for us. We want to grow throughout Washington, California, Oregon and Arizona and look forward to continuing the momentum created by Desert Sun’s team. The merging of these two brands creates a national indoor tanning company.”
Desert Sun was owned and operated by Maximo Ansola III. He will stay involved with the company becoming its largest franchisee and have a consulting role with the new ownership.
Palm Beach Tan plans to grow the Desert Sun subsidiary through franchising with projections to add 120 additional locations by 2010. Bareq Peshtaz, the former president of Desert Sun, is now vice president of franchise sales. Palm Beach Tan established a new franchise sales and support office in Maple Valley; however, the company will remain headquartered in Texas.
PARIS, Tenn.—Four Seasons Sales & Service’s marketing and consultation department offers solutions to all tanning questions via its FS University. Accessible at www.fstanning.com, FS University provides important information to individuals thinking about opening a tanning salon, established business owners looking for proven ways to increase their bottom lines, or existing salon owners looking to take their salon to the next level.
For more information, call (800) 325-2769.
Uvalux, Canadian Sun Join Forces
WOODSTOCK, Ontario, Canada— Uvalux International, Inc., Canada’s largest indoor tanning distributor, has joined forces with Canadian Sun, an Ontario-based tanning distributor to bring exciting products and value to the Canadian indoor tanning market.
Uvalux President Niklas Van Haeren says the addition of Canadian Sun and its representation of multi-product brands will offer its existing customer base even more product choices.
“Australian Gold is the No. 1 brand of tanning lotion in the country and will still be our primary focus,” he says. “However, some customers for various business or competitive reasons might prefer a broader range of products. With the addition of Canadian Sun we can offer our customers a complete choice of product.”
Sales and distribution of all Canadian Sun products will be transferred to the ultra-modern Uvalux facility in Woodstock. Canadian Sun President Anthony Di Marco says that as a smaller niche distributor the company has been able to develop outstanding relationships with its client base.
“The partnership with Uvalux only will add to that element,” he says. “Uvalux brings so many more resources to the table that were previously unavailable. Its commitment to education and growth of the industry is unparalleled. It is my hope that our current customers will take full advantage of these extra options to enhance and make their businesses more profitable.”
The new Uvalux/Canadian Sun offers products from Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty, Caribbean Gold, Supre, California Tan, Designer Skin and Fiji Blend.
For more information, call (800) 661-6292.
Tanning Bill Introduced In North Dakota
BISMARK, N.D.—HB1154 was introduced in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly Jan. 4 by Rep. George J. Keiser (R) and Sen. Ralph L. Kilzer (R). The bill would create and enact Chapter 23-39 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to regulation of tanning facilities and provide a penalty for violations.
The proposed legislation would institute several statewide tanning salon restrictions and would prohibit minors under age 16 from tanning indoors. It also would require facilities to prominently post a warning sign in each area where a tanning device is used about the risks of failure to use eye protection, the dangers related to overexposure, and abnormal skin sensitively to tanning devices caused by certain foods, cosmetics and medications.
HB1154 also would require customers be given sanitized and securely fitting protective eyewear; require signage stating the date on which each fluorescent tube was last replaced; make it unlawful for an owner or employee of a tanning facility to claim, or distribute materials that claim, that using a tanning device is free of risk; require a trained operator be present during operating hours who is able to inform customers about, and assist customers in, the proper use of tanning devices; require that each tanning bed be properly sanitized after each use; require a customer be shown how to use such physical aids as handrails and markings on the floor to determine the proper distance from the tanning device; require timing devices be accurate; and require each tanning device be equipped with a mechanism that allows the customer to turn it off.
Customers would be required to sign a statement acknowledging they have read and understand certain notices and warning signs and agree to use protective eyewear. Such statements are to be retained by the tanning facility for the lesser of three years or until the customer signs a new statement.
For more information, visit www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/60-2007/bill-text/HATO0100.pdf.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Twilight Teeth announces its ownership of the Utility Patent 7,160,111 for the use of a mouthpiece in conjunction with UV light to whiten teeth.
After four years, Twilight Teeth is able to offer licensing or pursue any patent infringement within the United States, and very shortly, in Europe, the company says.
“This is a very powerful and useful tool to support and promote Twilight Teeth,” a company spokesman says. “We finally have the power to remove knockoffs from the market, insuring that the salon owner will have the original.”
Mystic Tan Offers Competitive Trade-In Program
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas—Mystic Tan announces its new competitive trade-in program that runs through April 31. The company will take trade-ins on any sunless tanning booth and apply a $5,000 credit toward the purchase of a MyMyst 2500 or Innovation 5000/4000 Series booth. According to the company, a high volume of trade-in requests prompted this program, which will allow competitive booth owners to join the Mystic Tan team.
For more information, call (877) 668-8826.
2007-2008 Fact Book Coming This Month
PHOENIX—LOOKING FIT’s 2007-2008 Tanning Fact Book will be available March 15. This nearly 300-page reference tool is a comprehensive source book for the indoor tanning industry. The Fact Book provides answers to all tanning questions and examines key areas vital to a salon’s continued success. Broken into chapters, the information ranges from salon operations and procedures to lamp compatibility and regulatory issues. An updated Buyer’s Guide & Directory is included within the book.
To obtain a 2007-2008 Fact Book, call (480) 990-1101, ext. 1285 or visit www.lookingfit.com.
ProSun Offers Start-Up Kit
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— ProSun International LLC now offers digital documentation detailing how to start a salon with ProSun tanning equipment. The information is provided via CD or at http://prosun.com/startup/. The CD can be requested by calling (800) 874-2776.
Sign Up For The LOOKING FIT® e-newsletter
PHOENIX—Are you current on all the top industry news and getting valuable marketing tips and business solutions? Sign up to get LOOKING FIT’s monthly e-newsletter. Log on to www.lookingfit.com and fill out the “Sign Up For Free e-News” section to receive the monthly e-newsletter. This free tool will arrive in via e-mail every month.
Designer Skin Is Just A “Click” Away
TEMPE, Ariz.—Designer Skin has updated its Web site to provide salons with everything needed at the click of a mouse. The site, www.designerskin.com, is fun, flashy, informational and educational. Users can access the Salon Log In Center for Designer Skin images for co-op advertising, visit the product portion to view each of the Designer Skin brands and product collections, and check out the calendar of events to see when a Designer Skin representative will be at a distributor-hosted seminar. Call (877) 756-3337 to obtain a salon username and password to access the Salon Log In Center and more information.
MARIETTA, Ga.—Stay Tan, Inc. offers its 2007 catalog filled with tanning products from all the major manufacturers including ETS tanning equipment, Wolff lamps and VersaSpa.
For more information, call (800) STAYTAN or visit www.staytan.com.
Skinscience Launches Online Marketing Tool
TORONTO, Ontario—skinscience has launched a password-protected online ordering tool for salons to create customized marketing collateral. Salons now can get the company’s coveted T-shirts, sexy product posters, bedside cards and coupons. Salons can upload their logo and personalize every item to meet their needs. Selections will be professionally printed by skinscience’s printing house and shipped directly to salons in a matter of days.
For more information, call (888) 881-2244.
COLOGNE, Germany— SOLARIA, the No. 1 international trade fair for tanning products and equipment in Europe, will be held Nov. 1-3. Approximately 170 companies from 18 countries including the “Who’s Who” of the industrial sector are expected to participate in this year’s event. The show is expected to attract some 8,000 visitors from 53 countries.
Held every other year, SOLARIA is the world’s most important platform for the tanning industry. It’s where supply meets demand, where innovations are presented and trends are born. Therefore, it is a must-see event for all those who aim to be successful in the tanning sector.
For more information, visit www.solaria-cologne.com.
Biddiscombe Adds Deep Hawaii Line To Online Store
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Biddiscombe International has added its Deep Hawaii line to its new buy direct from the manufacturer policy. Salon owners can take advantage of the newly launched professionals-only Web store www.biddiscombe.com for easy 24/7 ordering of products or in-house customer service help during daily business hours.
For more information, call (800) 258-3313.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— ProSun International LLC releases its new 2007 catalog that features a new look and feel for ProSun equipment. The catalog contains large pictures and detailed information for each model.
For more information, call (800) 874-2776 or visit www.prosun.com.
Atlantic Tan Distributors Offers Online Shopping
HARRISBURG, N.C.—Atlantic Tan Distributors recently unveiled its new Web site accessible at www.atlantictan.com. The site features a convenient online shopping section highlighting all the products in Atlantic Tan’s 2007 print catalog. All discounts or credits will be processed by its sales department prior to shipping an order. Credit cards will not be charged until orders ship, at which time customers will be e-mailed a tracking number.
For more information, call (800) 831-7649.
Tan, Inc. Offers Salon Instant Rebate Program
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.—Tan Incorporated offers its Salon Instant Product Rebate Program through June 2007. Product lines included in the rebate program include Brown Sugar, Tan ASZ U, Columbian Hemp Select and the new European Gold.
The company also offers a DVD designed to train and educate salon operators on the various products. The DVD can be used in salon waiting rooms to educate salon customers. Also new for 2007 are educational posters and customer handouts. Tan Incorporated counter display units are free with each order; T-shirts may be purchased by salon operators.
For more information, call (888) 567-5630.
LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo.—Heartland Tanning, America’s Best Tan, announces the availability of its 2007 equipment catalog. Highlights include the new 5400 and 6400 Ovation tanning beds—level three tanning at level two prices. Also included is the new Acclaim high-pressure unit that has been reduced in length to fit most rooms.
For more information, call (800) 554-8368 or visit www.Heartlandtan.com.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Aviva Labs
(Waltham, Mass.) has named Summaglo its sole Australian distributor. Located outside of Perth, Australia, the company provides salons and spas with turnkey distribution of the Aviva Labs’ line of sunless solutions, equipment and retail sunless tanning products. Summaglo also offers extensive training and support at its own educational facility and at salons and spas.(888) 692-8482
Sportarredo USA (Arlington, Texas) recently hosted a train-the-trainer seminar at its Texas facility. “Sportarredo believes in professionalism in the tanning industry and its one of our missions to contribute in educating people in our industry,” says CEO Gianluca Dianese.
(866) 899-4TAN
Hans-Juergen Kreitz, CEO of JK North America (Jonesboro, Ark.), recently announced that Open Sun, a previously established distributor for JK-branded tanning equipment, has returned to JK North America as a distributor for Ergoline, Soltron and Sundash. Located in Olean, N.Y., Open Sun serves salons in Maine, New Hampshire, northern New York, western Pennsylvania and Vermont. As a world-class representative of JK for more than five years, owners Tom and Michele Hurd and the entire team of professionals at Open Sun have made exceptional contributions to the recognition and growth of JK North America’s family of companies throughout their territory.
(866) 673-6786
T.W. Tan (St. Cloud, Minn.) has updated its Web site, www.twtan.com, to include all its 2007 products. Customers can search and view lotions conveniently online; each item has an individual listing complete with description and photos. Customers also can access a SALON ONLY weekly specials section with all of the newest products, promotions and industry news announcements.
(800) 989-8267
Body Décor, Inc. (Mastic, N.Y.) unveils its new Web site, www.bodydecor.com. The site features a regularly updated listing all retail locations that carry the company’s products. The company also has a new Myspace page to promote smart tanning knowledge at www.myspace.com/bodydecorinc.com.
(866) 426-7546
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Laurie Johnson and Stephanie Brown have joined PC Marketing’s (Ridgefield, N.J.) Lamp Division. Johnson has seven years industry experience selling equipment and lamps, and Brown has six years experience in leads generation, sales administration, home unit sales and lamp sales. Mike Luther and Carter Frey join the company’s Equipment Sales Division. Luther has more than three years experience in the indoor tanning industry and an extensive background in sales, marketing and finance. He will work from the company’s California office. Frey has eight years experience in indoor tanning and brings a strong work ethic, a relentless pursuit of excellence and a total commitment to supporting PC Marketing customers.
(800) FAST-TAN
All Hours International Tanning Distributors (Nampa, Idaho) announces the promotion of Mary Stellman to director of shipping operations. A dedicated member of the All Hours team for the past five years, Stellman has been working behind the scenes keeping the warehouse stocked, making sure all orders are shipped quickly and efficiently, and filling many unique requests. (888) 468-0098 Highline Capital (Boulder, Colo.) announces the addition of Barbara Gonzalez to the company.
(877) 422-4100
T.W. TAN (St. Cloud, Minn.) recognized the sales achievements several employees in 2006 including Tom Cullen, Tina Thielman, Laurie Olene, Robert Morrison, Sean Copeland, Megann Rosha, Melissa Phinney, and Leslie Lemke. “Their continued dedication, hard work and support for T.W. TAN and their salon partners have made them a true asset,” says the company. “We look forward to another successful season with them and the rest of our staff at T.W.TAN.”
(800) 989-8267
CTS, The Tanning Experts (Farmington Hills, Mich.), continues to grow with the addition of four talented individuals to its sales team and the promotion of two sales consultants to team leaders. Amy McCord, Elissa Rim and Cacy Wade join the CTS team as sales consultants, and Keith Corey has been added as an equipment sales consultant. These industry seasoned professionals come to CTS with a combined 25 years of tanning industry experience. CTS also announces the promotions of Kory Godfryd and Michelle Frizzell to sales team leaders. Godfryd will lead the Michigan and California teams; Frizzell will lead the Tennessee and Georgia teams.
(800) 528-5463
Biddiscombe International (St. Petersburg, Fla.) announces the addition of the following personnel: Julene Slusher, director of administration; Linda Melville, manager of purchasing and research; Susan Austin, sales and marketing director-tanning; Rachel Birk, part-time customer service and accounting.
(800) 258-3313
