Looking Fit: upfront

Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Risk In Women

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Women who get lots of vitamin D are less likely to develop breast cancer, suggests a pair of studies presented April 11 at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. The research results add to the already strong evidence that the “sunshine vitamin” helps prevent many types of cancer.

According to one study, high levels of vitamin D translated into a 50-percent lower risk of breast cancer. Even modestly higher levels of the vitamin resulted in a 10-percent less risk of acquiring the disease,which would translate to 20,000 fewer cases a year if it were true of all American women.

The second study, by Canadian researchers, found that women who spent time outdoors or had a high dietary intake of vitamin D—especially as teens—were 25-percent to 45-percent less likely to develop breast cancer than women with lower intake of the nutrient.

“Exposure to vitamin D at the time breasts are developing, particularly around adolescence, might be important,” says Julia Knight, a researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

ETS, Lumiport Team Up

INDIANAPOLIS—ETS, Inc. has entered into an exclusive arrangement with Lumiport, the originator of the DermaStyle™ Skin Rejuvenator. ETS will be the exclusive distributor of the DermaStyle™ in the tanning industry and will launch an exciting marketing campaign in the near future.

The revolutionary DermaStyle is the first at-home skin-therapy device that uses patent pending CHROMA 2™ light technology, the company says. DermaStyle is the only fully portable skincare light on the market allowing one to use the light anywhere or anytime. Just 10 minutes a day can help skin become blemish free, states the company.

In a continued effort to update and improve product and bring new and exciting innovations to the marketplace, ETS sees the inclusion of the Lumiport DermaStyle™ Skin Rejuvenator in its lineup as movement in the right direction to answer customer’s tanning and skincare needs.

For more information, call (888) 920-5160 or visit www.etstan.com.

Designer Skin Puts The Sizzle In Sista

TEMPE, Ariz.—Designer Skin recently introduced its new Sista Sizzle message board that provides answers to common lotion questions and recommends the right lotion for a salon’s needs. The blazing board is the newest information inferno and assists salon operators with all their burning questions.

If you’ve got something to say, Sista Sizzle is listening. Submit questions, comments and obtain more information at www.designerskin.com.

Sign Up For LOOKING FIT’s e-newsletter

PHOENIX—Want to stay current on all the industry news and get valuable marketing tips and business solutions delivered right to your computer? Sign up for 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 free e-newsletter every month.

ITA’s First Leadership Council This Month

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The 2006 Indoor Tanning Association will hold its first Leadership Council June 20-23 at the Green Valley Ranch and Spa in Las Vegas. The gathering is for ITA members only and will feature educational sessions and speed networking, entertainment, and many opportunities to conduct business. An Industry Hall of Fame Reception will kick-off the program on Tuesday night.

“We are excited that the leaders of our industry, including suppliers and salon owners, will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one and strengthen their relationships. This event differs from the Tanning World Expo in that this is a gathering primarily of key players in our industry,” says John Overstreet, executive director of ITA.

“This is something new and we anticipate that it is going to be an outstanding event.” Attendees can look forward to a fun and informative week. The Green Valley Ranch is a stunning resort, spa and casino located just minutes from the strip. The conference schedule will have both formal and informal networking opportunities with ample free time in between. Education sessions will focus on timely, pertinent topics useful to salon owners and suppliers alike.

Online registration opened April 7.The cost of attendance is $300 for salon owners and $150 for each additional registrant from the same company.

“The 2006 ITA Leadership Council is a first-of-a-kind event for our industry, and I am proud the ITA is hosting a conference where key industry players will converge to learn, network and have fun,” says ITA President Dan Humiston. “No other event offers such an array of qualified, essential networking opportunities.”

For more information on registration, call (202) 973-8635 or e-mail ITALeadershipCouncil@courtesyassoc.com.

2007 Top 250 Surveys Available In This Issue

PHOENIX—LOOKING FIT® is taking submissions for the 2007 Top 250 Salons. The list will be published in a special Feb. 15 2007 issue of LOOKING FIT® magazine.

To be considered, salons must fill out a comprehensive survey about their businesses and return it to LOOKING FIT® no later than Nov. 3, 2006. Operators of multiple salons must fill out a separate entry for each location. Salons are considered individually to allow for a broad spectrum of factors, including the level of business in light of the size and type of salon. Staff also will review surveys for new salon innovations.

Turn to page 42 for the survey or access it online at www.lookingfit.com. Simply print it, fill it out, mail it back or fax back to (480) 281-6026. For more information about the Top 250 Salons listing, contact Janet McCombs at (480) 990-1101, ext. 1603, or e-mail her at jmccombs@vpico.com.

CTS Named A Sportarredo Distributor

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—CTS, Complete Tanning Source has been named as a distributor of Sportarredo tanning equipment and the exclusive distributor for Michigan and Indiana.

This partnership offers salon owners amazing service and products as CTS couples its 16 years of tanning experience with Sportarredo’s 25-year history as a leading tanning equipment manufacturer. Sportarredo’s highly innovative, world-class equipment designs embrace the latest advancements in UV-technology and photometric engineering, providing the highest quality equipment.

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” says Frank Hutton, CTS vice president. “The development of this supplier partnership enables CTS to provide proven high-pressure tanning equipment to our valued salon partners.” CTS and Sportarredo are members of the Indoor Tanning Association and are ISO 9001 Certified, the international standard for excellence and quality assurance.

For more information, call (800) 528-5463.

Wolff System: Take Me Out To The Ballpark

KENNESAW, Ga.—Wolff System continues its consumer advertising campaign that now includes Major League Baseball. The new campaign is a continuation of earlier efforts that have encompassed NASCAR racing and college football bowl games. The Wolff System campaign is designed to increase traffic at the salon level by encouraging consumers to visit their local professional tanning salon.

“Many people who go to sporting events enjoy the outdoors,” says Michael Stepp, president of Wolff System. “So why keep a beautiful tan only during the summer when you can have the perfect tan year round?”

For more information, call (800) 95-WOLFF.

Flojos Redesigns Web Site

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.—Flojos now offers a redesigned Web site where retailers can register to view new products not available to the general public, place orders and check prices and inventory.

For more information, visit www.flojos.com

Eye Pro Offers Free Online Training

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Eye Pro, Inc., maker of disposable WINK-EASE® and VIEWkeepers!® eyewear and renowned educator on eye damage, now offers live training via Web conferencing. Salon owners and staff can learn the same information taught at dozens of distributor symposiums and certifications worldwide, from the comfort of their salons.

All that is needed to join in the training is a computer with Internet access and a separate phone line to hear and view the Eye Pro presentation. Trainings are held at various times listed on the Web site (go to www.eyepro.net and just click on “Free online training”).

In addition to FDA laws regarding eyewear, an Eye Pro education specialist teaches salon operators 20 ways to sell eyewear and what damage UV overexposure causes to vision. Tuning into the presentation also means free goodies just for attending.

“Four of our salon staff were able to attend the Eye Pro Webinar right at our salon counter,” says Jeannie from Sunbelievable! Salon in Folsom, Calif. “It was great to learn all about eye damage from not wearing goggles without having to leave the salon.” Each session will last no longer than 30 minutes; morning and afternoon times will be available.

For more information, call (800) 726-8322, or visit www.eyepro.net.

Palm Beach Tan Executive Earns Franchise Certification

FARMER’S BRANCH, Texas—Steve Berkman, vice president of franchise services at Palm Beach Tan, recently was designated as a certified franchise executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives after completing a comprehensive course of study on franchise management.

The institute is the academic arm of the International Franchise Association’s Education Foundation. IFA is the world’s largest trade organization representing the franchising sector.

Prior to joining Palm Beach Tan, Inc. in 2000, Berkman fostered more than 20 years of retail development and franchise experience including positions as director of franchise operations for Blockbuster Video, director of franchise development for CiCi’s Pizza and as vice president franchise operations for Pearle Vision.

Nearly 400 candidates currently are enrolled in the CFE program, which provides candidates with expanded knowledge, industry recognition, peer-level networking and professional standing.

To earn the CFE designation, candidates must complete a rigorous course of study, which includes attending institute-sponsored educational seminars and workshops. The program is designed for motivated, experienced franchising professionals to enhance their grasp of franchising fundamentals and complexities.

JA Continues Fight Against Breast Cancer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—John Abaté™ International donated more than 800 packettes of UV Repair™ for participants in the 8th Annual Hike For Hope. The event, which raised approximately $120,000, took place March 5 in the Indian Canyons of Palm Springs, Calif.

Sponsored by the Desert Women’s Council, the fundraiser has raised more than $1 million over eight years. Proceeds support women’s cancer research at the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute in Duarte, Calif.

“We are thankful to John Abaté for its continued support of our efforts to raise money for women’s cancer research, treatment, and education at City of Hope,” says Debbie Long, spokesperson for City of Hope.

“We are committed to working with City of Hope to eradicate breast cancer,” says John Abaté, company founder and CEO.

“Dad, Carolyn and I are very sensitive to our clients and their customers, who are mostly females, so it is important that we remain in the vanguard of the fight against breast cancer,” adds Frank Abaté, company vice president.

Mystic Tan Premieres On MTV’s “The Real World: Key West”

FARMER’S BRANCH, Texas—The cast of MTV’s “The Real World: Key West” is experiencing what it’s like to start a Mystic Tan salon from the ground up. Mystic Tan also is experiencing what it’s like to have a 75-percent increase in Web site hits and a spike in product sales due to the recent national publicity.

“Product sales have substantially increased since the show’s debut,” says Darryl Leavitt, Mystic Tan’s director of marketing. “Our e-store launched in January, and timing couldn’t have been better. We’re so excited to be able to introduce Mystic Tan to new consumers and also drive traffic to our Authentic Partner salons.”

“The Real World” is MTV’s long-running series and was the highest-rated series on basic cable among the 18- to 24-year-old demographic in 2005. Ricky Croft, Mystic Tan’s vice president of product development, is serving as the MTV’s company liaison. During the season he will help guide the cast through the process of starting up the salon by teaching about Mystic Tan booths, products and apparel.

“We are thrilled to be working with a leading force in the tanning industry,” says Fabian Andre, vice president of business development, Bunim-Murray Productions, producer of the reality series. “Not only does this collaboration speak well to the show’s viewer-ship, but thanks to Mystic Tan, the cast is learning a life lesson in building a business from the ground level.”

“The Real World: Key West” premiered on Feb. 28 and airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST and PDT and 9 p.m. CST.

For more information, visit Mystic Tan at http://www.mystictan.com/ or MTV’s “The Real World: Key West” at www.mtv.com/onair/realworld/.

OPI Gets Top Billing at Sundance Film Festival

LOS ANGELES—OPI Nail Lacquer and its team of nail technicians kicked off the Sundance Film Festival by offering pampering nailcare to attendees. With celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Lucy Liu, Jessica Biel and Winona Ryder in Park City, Utah, OPI was on hand to provide manicures and treatments.

“It’s a privilege to be here among Hollywood’s finest,” said Robbie Schaeffer, OPI nail technician. “With so many celebs in one place, this is an exciting opportunity for OPI.”

Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer (a sweet candy pink) and Sweet Heart (the softest pale pink) from the SoftShades by OPI selection of sheer and light shades were among the most-requested colors. Lincoln Park After Dark (where midnight meets purple) from the Chicago Collection was another favorite.

Editors from magazines such as People, US Weekly, and Movieline’s Hollywood Life also got in on the buzz, complete with star treatment and manicures.

Australian Gold Updates Web Site

INDIANAPOLIS—Australian Gold released its new Web site loaded with the most-current industry information. The new, easy-to-navigate site was developed to provide visitors with everything from training location and times to videos to in-depth product information. The site also features new links such as Sydney’s Print Shop. Existing links also feature significant face-lifts.

For more information, visit www.australiangold.com.

Log On To The Bizz Blog

PHOENIX—Judie Bizzozero, group editorial director for LOOKING FIT® magazine, is hosting The Bizz Blog to share opinions, debate the issues and foster communication in the community. LOOKING FIT is the FIRST industry magazine to bring this exciting communication vehicle right to your computer.

To see what the buzz is about and keep a pulse on hot current issues, visit www.lookingfit.com daily!

URI Named Heraeus 2005 Worldwide Distributor

BROOK PARK, Ohio—Ultraviolet Resources International was recognized as the leading worldwide distributor for German-based tanning lamp specialist Heraeus.

Lyle Rhodes and Juergen Lowitzki, sales manager and key account manager, respectively for Heraeus/Original Hanau SunCare, presented the award to Dave Myers, owner of URI.

“All of the staff here at URI feel enormously proud that a company like Heraeus, the highest-quality producer of HID tanning lamps in the world, has chosen to bestow upon us the award for the 2005 Worldwide Distributor of the Year,” Myers says. “It is a pleasure to be honored by such a world-class market leader and to accept the professional recognition that goes along with this award. We look forward to capitalizing on this recognition and gaining even more momentum in the months and years to come, working together with all the dedicated professionals in the sales and engineering departments at Heraeus.”

For more information, call (800) 247-3251 or visit www.original-hanau-suncare.com/us.

Salon Support Announces New Web Site

FORT WORTH, Texas—Salon Support has a new Web site designed to provide valuable information to the salon owner and to help promote the Salon Support family experience.

The site, accessible at www.salonsupport.com, provides current specials to give salons a competitive advantage; up-to-date listings of new and reconditioned beds; product images and descriptions of lotions; photos and profiles of Salon Support sales representatives; and proven marketing tools to make salons more profitable.

The first 100 salons to join the company’s E-Club will be entered to win a free lotion counter display.

For more information, call (800) 670-7546.

Creative Nail Design Promotes Women’s Heart Health

VISTA, Calif.—Creative Nail Design is participating in The Heart Truth campaign, a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The campaign will educate that heart disease is the No.1 killer of women in the United States where one out of three women dies of heart disease. By contrast, one in 30 women dies of breast cancer. The Red Dress, the centerpiece of The Heart Truth, is a red alert that inspires women to take action to protect their heart health. Most American women are not aware that heart disease is the greatest health problem facing women today; nor do they realize that this threat may be dramatically reduced by making informed lifestyle choices, even when their family history includes heart disease.

“The most current research indicates that a woman may reduce her risk of heart disease by up to 82 percent through voluntary behavior, such as giving up cigarettes, exercising, and choosing foods with heart-health in mind,” says Creative Nail Design’s cofounder Jan Arnold. “That’s really good news.”

For more information, visit www.creativenaildesign.com.

JA Promotes Spring Break 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—John Abaté International ™ took advantage of Spring Break to introduce customers to new and longtime favorite products in Boca Raton, Fla., Cancun, Mexico and Miami Beach. All three locations were on the list of the top destinations for spring breakers.

JA’s Richard Rubin assisted the owners and the managers of Tanrific Tanning Studio in Boca Raton and No Lines Tanning in South Beach to conduct samplings of JA products in March and April.JA spotlighted its new Forever Summer™ product, as well as a variety of its other all-natural tanning emulsions and skincare products. In Cancun, workers of Quick Tan distributed UV Repair packettes on the beach and at the salon’s three locations.

Growth & Development

California Tan Sunless™ (Los Angeles) continues to grow in the exclusive luxury spa division. Retailers have taken note of the superior tanning results that are achieved by using California Tan Sunless’ innovative CustomBronzer™ and advanced sunless tanning products, all of which have entered the market in the past year and a half. Steiner Leisure Limited, a worldwide provider of spa services, is the most recent to team up with the brand, now offering the products and services in eight of their top resort destinations. Steiner Leisure will begin offering the California Tan Sunless™ CustomBronzing Sunless Spray Treatment and product line in the following locations: Elemis Spa @ Aladdin, Las Vegas; Paris Spa by Mandara, Las Vegas; Mandara Spa @ Portofino Bay Loews Hotel, Orlando, Fla.; Mandara Spa @ Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas; Mandara Spa, Palm Beach, Aruba; Mandara Spa @ The Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico; Mandara Spa @ Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu and Mandara Spa @ Marriott Resort, Maui, Hawaii. (800) SUNCARE

South Island Products, Inc. (Oakdale, Pa.) has purchased the Chief-Tan spray tanning product line from Coastal Body Wrap, Inc. South Island Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of distinctive skincare products located just outside Pittsburgh. (412) 427-8006

Future Industries (Stratford, Conn.) was the recipient of two American Inhouse Design Awards from Graphic Design USA magazine. Based on the theme “Recognizing the Creative Within,” the competition recognizes in-house designers and teams within corporations, media companies, non-profits, educational and government institutions. Future’s 2006 Product Catalog and the 2005 Marketing Kits were chosen to receive the awards from nearly 3,500 entries—of which less than one-third were chosen. Future Industries’ Marketing Coordinator Denise Stabler entered the pieces into the contest and was thrilled to have received the honor. The winning pieces will be featured in the July 2006 issue. (800) 346-3136

John Abaté International (Scottsdale, Ariz.) announces new telephone and fax numbers. The Scottsdale toll-free number is (888) 399-5752; the direct number is (480) 315-8984; the fax is (480) 315-8986. The Latin American office in Miami Beach toll-free number is now (866) 370-0820; the direct number is (305) 674-0599. (888) 399-5752

SonnenBräune’s (Ringgold, Ga.) annual Warehouse Sale is now open to salon owners nationwide. The much-anticipated event is held annually and includes all makes and models of SonnenBräune beds including a huge inventory of used trade-ins. The sale will continue while current in-stock supplies last. Customers can come to SonnenBräune’s warehouse in Ringgold to shop, purchase and pick up or call one of their sales associates for factory-direct phone orders. (800) 829-6533

Innovative Lease Service, Inc. (Carlsbad, Calif.) has moved to a larger location in order to accommodate tremendous growth from its new in-house funding lines. The company now has a total of 12 reps servicing many different industries. It also added four new sales persons and two support staff to handle the increased volume. ISL’s new address is 5931 Priestly Drive, Suite 205, Carlsbad, Calif. 92008.The phone numbers remain the same. (800) 438-1470

1st Choice Commercial Funding, Inc. has merged with Lake Union Leasing LLC and now offers better lease rates, flexible credit decisions, start-up programs and faster approvals. (800) 767-9296

Sparkle Plenty Accents, Inc. (Baltimore, Md.) is now Sparkle Plenty Designs, Inc., located in Philadelphia, Pa. The company was acquired by Andrew and Lee Sequeira, who also run the retail online boutique GoodtoBeYou.com. For more information, visit the company’s newly redesigned Web site at www.sparkle-plenty.com. (800) 952-0446

People On The Move

Drawing upon his experience as Mystic Tan’s (Farmer’s Branch,Texas) liaison in helping the cast of “The Real World: Key West” start and operate a Mystic Tan salon, Ricky Croft, vice president of product development, acts as the head blogger for www.realworldtanning.com.

Mystic Tan launched the consumer blog to capitalize on the tremendous exposure and viewer interest generated by its involvement in “The Real World” and create awareness about Mystic Tan products, services and partner salons. (877) 668-8826

Chase Products Co. (Broadview, Ill.), manufacturer of Salon Solatte™ sunless products announces the appointment of Earle Wanzer to the position of director of sales on the East Coast. Wanzer is responsible for all field sales and marketing activities in the Eastern Time Zone states, including Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. He is active in business trade associations and serves on several non-profit boards. He will maintain offices in Greensboro, N.C. and at the Chase headquarters in Broadview. (800) CHASECO

Four Seasons Sales & Service Inc.(Paris, Tenn.) announces another addition to the “Brewster the Rooster’s Employee of the Month Award” that was implemented by CEO Chuck Robinson. Congratulations to Pat Mahon who was April’s winner. Employees receiving the award exemplify a commitment to excellence by reflecting a team spirit and a positive attitude. These employees demonstrate a loyal commitment to salon owners and Four Seasons as they continue to go beyond the call of duty to assist fellow co-workers and salon clientele. (800) 325-2769

Voltarc Technologies, Inc. (Waterbury, Conn.) has named Andrew B. Anello its new national sales and market manager for tanning products. (203) 575-3485

Designer Skin (Tempe, Ariz.) welcomes Tiffiny Wright as its newest addition to the customer service department. Wright will play a critical role in its day-to-day operations and will deal directly with salons regarding grand openings, salon rebates and salon promotional packages. She brings a wealth of experience that includes eight years in customer service and tanning salon management. She is also is a certified salon trainer. (877) 756-3337, ext. 110