BUSINESS TRENDS
INSIDER BEAUTY
Our exclusive monthly benchmarking stats for each sector of the market
RIVER ISLAND
July was a strong month for many salons, with 52% reporting higher treatment revenue than the same period last year, and a further 31% holding steady. Treatment room occupancy averaged a healthy 68%, showing consistent demand throughout the month.
When it comes to recruitment practices, opinions on unpaid trial shifts varied. Over a third of salon owners have never used them, while 27% feel they are only acceptable if kept to one-to-two hours. Around one in five believe trial shifts are a fair part of recruitment, whereas 17% see them as exploitative and favour paying for any work done. Pricing strategies also sparked debate, with 23% believing clients should pay more for peak-time appointments, an approach that can help manage flow and reward off-peak visits.
On the spot
How do you feel about offering unpaid trials for staff?
1. I’ve never used trial shifts (35%)
2. Only acceptable if they’re 1-2 hours (27%)
3. Fair, it’s part of recruitment (21%)
4. Exploitative and should be paid (17%)
23% think clients should be charged more for peak-time appointments
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?
68 % average treatment room occupancy in July
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