Five things salons can learn from online giants

Online shopping is worth a staggering £154 billion, and the UK is the biggest online shopping nation, up a quarter in the past two years.

And while many salons see online shopping as their competitor when it comes to product purchases in the salon, there are things that stylists can take from these online giants and apply into their business. Retail consultant Emil McMahon, who presented his retail insights at the latest Goldwell HUB event, looks at what salons can learn from some of our favourite online stores. 

1 Amazon often recommend other products associated with the one you are buying. In the salon, recommend products and tools that will work with a shampoo such as a conditioner, a comb to use and a heated styling tool.

2 Look Fantastic tell you what people are buying right now. Tell your clients what their peers are buying in the salon and what people are using right now. People wants to be in fashion and have the same as everyone else.

3 ASOS tells you how to get the total look. Speak to clients about your products, then post pictures and how to’s on Facebook to encourage them to purchase them from you next time they visit the salon.

4 Boots sells a huge array of travel-size products for as little as £1.50. Take inspiration and sell sample sizes for a minimum price. This will let clients try products out or take them on holiday and still care for their hair with professional products.

5 Many high-street brands use celebrities to endorse their products. In the salon, your stylists are your celebrities. Your clients pay to come and see them and hear what they have to say, so ensure they are talking about what they use on their hair.

Image: Rex Features