BUSINESS TRENDS
INSIDER SPA
GEORGE AT ASDA
Figures from July show a spa sector maintaining strong performance, balancing client expectations with business sustainability and having thoughtful debates around pricing and recruitment, positioning the industry to keep delivering exceptional guest experiences while protecting its long-term value.
Staff recruitment practices sparked strong opinions, particularly around unpaid trials. The most common view (41%) is that trial shifts are only acceptable if limited to one-to-two hours, while 35% feel they should always be paid. Just 10% consider them a fair part of recruitment, and 14% avoid trial shifts entirely.
Pricing strategies are also under the spotlight, with almost half (48%) of spa leaders believing peak-time appointments should carry a higher price tag. When it comes to discounts, 53% say they should be reserved for off-peak slots or rewarding loyalty.
On the spot
How do you feel about offering unpaid trials for potential staff?
1. Only acceptable if its 1–2 hours (41%)
2. Exploitative and should be paid (35%)
3. I’ve never used trial shifts (14%)
4. Fair, it’s part of recruitment (10%)
48% think clients should be charged extra for peak-time appointments
Do you think spa treatments should ever be discounted?
1. Only for off-peak times or loyalty (53%)
2. Rarely, it devalues the service (29%)
3. Never, quality should never go on sale (10%)
4. Yes, regularly – it attracts new clients (8%)
Month in numbers
How did treatment business in July 2025 compare with July 2024?
How did retail business in July 2025 compare with July 2024?
60% average treatment room occupancy in July