TouchAmerica, one of the leading U.S. based manufacturers of spa/salon furniture and equipment, is pleased to share insights from their inaugural Advisory Board meeting. The TouchAmerica Advisory Board, which consists of top spa operators and developers, envisions creative solutions for spas, as well as lodging and residential spaces with a wellness component.
The Advisory Board identified the following trends as crucial to the development of future spa and salon equipment:
1. Taking Spa Outside of the Spa. According to Trends in the Hotel Spa Industry by PKF Consulting USA, hotels and resorts guests are looking for spa and wellness experiences outside the four walls of the spa. Hotels in the future will take advantage of this desire and drive revenue elsewhere in the hotel by creating unique experiences centered around wellness. “Our architectural firm is working on more wellness experiences outside the spa,” says Robert Henry, architect and owner of Robert D. Henry Architects. “This includes residences where the owners wants to replicate the spas they experience on their travels. We are also seeing a need for spa equipment and furniture that converts ‘dead’ space into revenue-producing space.”
2. Space-Savers. With the current trend that spa equipment must do “more with less,” certain tables, chairs, carts, and even retail displays should be compact and portable. “I frequently run into space limitations when I am developing new projects,” says Alison Howland, principal of consultancies Spa Success and Well World Group and board member. “When designing spa equipment for the future, manufacturers consider how pieces can be more condensed and portable.”
3. Mobile Check-in. The check-in experience at spas is also evolving as iPads and smart phones are replacing the large reception desk. Spas are now offering self-serve options like check-in kiosks or more intimate greetings from agents walking around with headsets offering casual sit-downs. “The last two years we have been designing space with no front desks,” says Leon Alexander, CEO and president of Eurisko Design. “You come in and the front desk podiums are at the back, so you are entering a retail environment. Successful spas must ‘monetize’ every square foot of the spa, and need retail displays and spa and salon furniture that supports revenue generation.”
4. Aging Population. Between 2012 and 2050, the US will experience considerable growth in its older population. “Spa equipment and furniture needs to be able to be adapted for the aging population,” says Eva Jensch, principal of Spa Concepts International. “With the growing baby boomer generation retiring, there is a huge opportunity in senior communities.”
In 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to nearly double. “I’m finding a lot of lift-assist tables are being ordered,” says Cheryl Hartsough, account representative for The Industry Source. “The Breathe Zero Gravity Lounge from TouchAmerica is also ideal for relieving the aches and pains.”