Pulse March / April 2015 | Page 40

THE SPA-GOER UP CLOSE (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36) Retail Habits When it comes to purchasing habits, female spa-goers often want products that address specific problems. “Women seek specific regimens which target problem areas. Phytomer retail products are grouped so that a female guest can ‘self guide’ herself through a specific skin concern, thanks to our retail shelf talkers,” Casper says. While she recommends using a simple and multi-use approach when selling to men, Casper also recognizes that, many times, women purchase skincare products for the men in their lives. “So, sometimes, a feminine voice is still appropriate when promoting male skincare products,” she says. Hewitt has observed that men typically are less likely to experiment with after-treatment products, but are more open to sample products available to them in spa locker rooms. “They see the spa as a place to experiment with hair gels, shaving creams and other products,” he says. Bachinsky, on the other hand, wants to dispel the myth that men don’t buy products based on esoteric values, such as color or fragrance. “Men, if not even more so, are as sensitive and aware of scent, color, product design and names of their skin-care products as women customers,” he says. While men might at times be a tougher sell, Bachinsky thinks they tend to become re X]