Business trends
Insider BEAUTY
Our exclusive monthly benchmarking stats for each sector of the market
TU CLOTHING
August presented a mixed picture for salon businesses, with treatment demand proving more resilient than retail. 43% of salons experienced stronger treatment business than in August 2025, while 38% maintained last year’s performance and 19% saw a decline. Average treatment room occupancy stood at 66%, suggesting appointment books remained relatively healthy despite the holiday period.
Attracting new clients remains a challenge. Standing out from local competitors emerged as the biggest pressure, cited by 34% of businesses, while 27% pointed to converting enquiries and social media followers into bookings. The cost of marketing and advertising followed at 22%, with 17% struggling most with reaching the right people online. Retention may be proving difficult too, with 57% finding it harder to turn new clients into regulars than they did a year ago.
Month in numbers
How did treatment business in August 2026 compare with August 2025?
How did retail business in August 2026 compare with August 2025?
66% average treatment room occupancy in August
On the spot
What’s your biggest challenge in attracting new clients?
1. Standing out from local competitors (34%)
2. Turning enquiries and social media followers into bookings (27%)
3. The cost of marketing and advertising (22%)
4. Reaching the right people online (17%)
57% say it’s harder to turn new clients into regulars than a year ago
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