Location: Conway & Little Rock, AR Co-Owners: Drew Spurgers & Kevin Phelps Number of Stores: 2 Staff: 10 Other Services: Sunless Tans, Teeth-Whitening, My Lipo Light, Skincare Best Selling Lotions: #tanlife, DC Glow, Caribbean Cool Most Popular Packages: College Student “Bear Your Buns” (the large university in town has a bear as their mascot); monthly unlimited spray-tans
The program creates a win-win scenario for all as everyone, including salon customers, can take advantage of great specials on many of the industry’s best-selling products.
To highlight the program and its members, Devoted Creations and IST Magazine created a platform for them to share their stories and enjoy some well-deserved time in the national “spotlight.”
This month, Devoted Creations Five Star Diamond Spotlight shines on Exotic Tans of Conway, Arkansas, owned by Drew Spurgers and Kevin Phelps. I chatted with Drew about his thoughts on the business, and he shared some of their experiences on the road to success.
IST: When did you open your first salon and what was your motivation to do so?
Drew: Five years ago, this season. I had no idea what I was getting into – I thought it would be a fun project and it has been!
IST: What do your customers like the most about Exotic Tans?
Drew: Definitely our staff. They’re friendly and not “snooty” or uppity. We build relationships with our customers.
Drew: Our wonderful and loyal customers, for sure!
Drew: Let’s start with our dedicated and professional staff. They focus on ensuring that all of our customers enjoy the Exotic Tans experience from the moment they walk in the door. They genuinely value each customer and go out of their way to meet all their needs. Finally, we devote a lot of time and effort to educating our staff to make sure they know what they’re talking about.
IST: What are some of your best-selling lotion products, and what do customers like most about them?
Drew: DC #tanlife sells really well, because of the shea butter base and FreshTek™ ingredient (odor inhibitor). It’s so moisturizing, everyone loves the scent, and it doesn’t leave them smelling like they just got out of a tanning bed!
Drew: We offer four levels – Level 2 is our most popular.
Drew: Our Free Tan Weekend always works well. It gets new people in the door to try our services and we usually sign a good deal of new members.
Drew: We’re getting ready to add “sugaring” services – a waxing alternative for hair removal – to our sunless-only salon.
Jerry Deveney is the President of SunForce Marketing, Inc. He has been actively involved in the tanning, spa, wellness and fitness industries for more than 30 years. His company provides business analysis and consulting services in the areas of sales, marketing and operations. Jerry has worked in almost every industry sector including salon management, equipment manufacturing and distribution, new product development, regulatory affairs, and sales & marketing.
Copyright 2020 ist Magazine