Business trends
Insider SPA
ACCESSORIZE
August remained relatively resilient for the spa sector, although performance softened from July’s results. Over half (56%) of spas recorded better treatment business this August than in the same month last year, while 27% maintained 2025’s levels and 17% experienced a decline. Average treatment room occupancy was 63%, suggesting demand for spa and wellness experiences remained healthy during the holiday period.
Staff shortages emerged as the biggest current pressure for 35% of spas, while 29% cited increasingly complex client needs and expectations. High treatment volumes followed at 23%, with administrative and operational workload the primary concern for 13%.
Encouragingly, two-thirds (66%) have made changes to support therapist wellbeing or help prevent burnout during the past 12 months.
Looking ahead, memberships were named the biggest growth opportunity by 32%, followed by treatments and experiences at 30%. Wellness programmes were selected by 26%, while 12% said retail held the most opportunity.
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?
63% average treatment room occupancy in August 2026
66% have made changes to support therapist wellbeing or prevent burnout in the past 12 months
On the spot
What is currently putting the most pressure on your spa team?
1. Staff shortages (35%)
2. Increasingly complex client needs and expectations (29%)
3. High treatment volumes (23%)
4. Admin and operational workload (13%)
Which area is the biggest opportunity for revenue growth in the next 12 months?
1. Memberships and repeat visits (32%)
2. Treatments and experiences (30%)
3. Wellness services and programmes (26%)
4. Retail (12%)