Hand & Stone Rides Wave of Massage Industry Growth

Massage and facial spa franchise experiences surge in sales, membership base

There can be no doubt that the past year has been one of the most stressful for American families. That may be why as Americans pull themselves out of the trenches of a battered economy and many industries remain flat in growth, the massage industry is consistently attracting more customers. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a massage and facial spa chain that has aggressively expanded during the past year, has benefited from the industry surge with growth in sales, its membership base and geographical footprint.

Since Jan. 1, sales at Hand & Stone spas open for 24 or more months have been up 36 percent, with its membership base growing by 27 percent. By expanding its service lines to facials in 2010 in addition to massage, the spa chain’s product sales and facial services have increased by 41 percent so far in 2011. First-time customer traffic has increased by 40 percent over the past year, demonstrating that the concept is attracting first-time spa goers.

“What we’re seeing is a rapid growth in our business,” said Todd Leff, president and chief executive of Hand & Stone. “Not only are experienced spa goers looking for affordable massage and facial services for the health and wellness benefits, but more people who have never tried massage are now visiting spas. Our mission of making spa services more convenient and more affordable for the middle market has struck a chord with consumers.”

Aside from attracting additional customers, Hand & Stone is quickly growing its footprint through franchising. Opening 12 new locations in 2010, the chain has added nine spas so far this year and will open 20 more before 2012. By opening a massage and facial spa through franchising, executives and managers who have lost their jobs or have been underemployed throughout the downturn are having success as first-time business owners.

“Our franchisees are mothers, fathers, former corporate executives, people who were laid off during the recession — they’re people with varied backgrounds and experiences,” Leff said. “But what brings them together is a desire to have something for their own in an industry that improves consumers’ health and wellness. With the growth we’re seeing for this business model — growth that is expected to continue — people from all walks are seeing that this is a wise business decision.”

Hand and Stone featured on 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic blog

Hand & Stone was recently featured in a blog post on the 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic blog, titled “Dealing With The Sun: A Few Mid-Summer Skin Care Tips.” The article discusses how people are more likely to be out in the sun as the temperatures continue to climb, and since they’re spending more time outdoors, they should be mindful of the effects of exposing their skin to harmful UV rays. The sunscreen tips included keeping skin hydrated, applying sunscreen and an after-exposure anti-oxidant. Click here to view the full article!

Dealing With The Sun: A Few Mid-Summer Skin Care Tips

I recently had the chance to ask Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa a few questions about coping with the intense mid-summer sun on skin. I love hearing other people's perspective (especially when they pretty much have the same priorities as me: protecting and soothing the skin), and I always hear about new products.

Do you recommend clients do anything other than just sunscreen to prepare for time in the sun?

Yes, over 90% of the population’s skin is dehydrated year round, so particularly in the summer we encourage an increased amount of hydration to keep the skin from looking dull and dry as a result of the summer’s heat coupled with the exposure to the environment more in the summer, i.e. sun and wind. The best known hydrator in cosmetic technology is hyaluronic acid. This miracle hydrator can increase the skin’s hydration levels immensely and maintain the moisture throughout the day, preventing dehydration. Most companies have such a small amount of hyaluronic acid in their moisturizers that it doesn’t provide the best results. ClarityRx 100% Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a pharmaceutical-grade hydrating serum that is ideal for all skin types and all ages. Just a drop will do to maintain a youthful, dewey looking skin.

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Hand and Stone featured in Old Northeast-Downtown St. Pete Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article in the Old Northeast-Downtown St. Pete Patch, titled “5 Summertime Tips for Protecting Your Skin.” The article discusses how people are more likely to be out in the sun as the temperatures continue to climb, and since they’re spending more time outdoors they should be mindful of the effects of exposing their skin to harmful UV rays. Mark King, owner of Hand & Stone in St. Petersburg, Fla., shared the top five tips to take care of your skin this summer. The tips included exfoliating, staying hydrated, using sunscreen, applying cooling gels after a sunburn and repairing damage through regular facials. Click here to view the full article!

5 Summertime Tips for Protecting Your Skin

ST. PETERSBURG - As temperatures rise and St. Petersburg residents prepare to spend hours in the sun, exposing their skin to harmful UV rays, it’s crucial to be mindful of how to minimize the effects of prolonged sun exposure.

Not only can the sun cause painful sunburns, rashes or even cancer, it is also the top cause for signs of aging.

(Read More)

5 Summer Skin Care Tips from Hand & Stone

Hand & Stone was recently featured in a blog post on A Girl’s Gotta Spa beauty blog, titled “5 Summer Skin Care Tips from Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.” The article discusses how people are more likely to be out in the sun as the temperatures continue to climb, and since they’re spending more time outdoors, they should be mindful of the effects of exposing their skin to harmful UV rays. The tips included exfoliating, staying hydrated, using sunscreen, applying cooling gels after a sunburn and repairing damage through regular facials. Click here to view the post!

5 Summer Skin Care Tips from Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

By: Shannon Nelson

As temperatures rise and millions of people prepare to spend hours in

the sun, exposing their skin to harmful UV rays, it’s crucial to be

mindful of how to minimize the effects of prolonged sun exposure.

Not only can the sun cause painful sunburns, rashes or even skin cancer, it is also the top cause for signs of aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun and about 65 percent of melanoma cases are attributed to UV radiation.

Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage, facial and waxing services to the masses, has developed the top five tips for people when thinking about their skin this summer..

(Read More)