10 tips for successful salon retail

Salon Retail

We’ve collated our 10 top tips to elevate your retail game and maximise your earnings per treatment, all while ensuring the best possible experience for your clients.

Retailing doesn't have to mean a hard sell, and if you get it right your recommendations can make your expertise and services even more valuable to your clients, while enhancing your treatment results inbetween appointments.

20.08.25

Our top 10 tried and tested salon retail tips

1) Understand Your Clients' Needs: Take the time to truly understand your clients' beauty goals, preferences, and concerns. By having a deep understanding of their unique needs, you can recommend products and solutions that are tailored specifically to them, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. This is where a consultation led treatment experience really comes in to it's own.

2) Educate & Demonstrate: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to retailing beauty products. Stay updated with the latest trends, ingredients, and techniques, and share this knowledge with your clients - we all know the rise of the 'skinfluencer' means our clients are more switched on than ever. Offer demonstrations and  tutorials to showcase the benefits and proper usage of products. Educating your clients builds trust and just continues to add to your position as an expert, increasing the likelihood of product purchases.

3) Curate a Stellar Product Selection: Selecting the right range of products is essential for effective retailing. Carefully curate a collection that aligns with your clients' needs and complements your services. Prioritise quality, efficacy, and reputable brands that reflect your professional standards. Consider offering exclusive or hard-to-find products that your clients can't easily access elsewhere. 

4) Create Engaging Displays: Visual merchandising is a powerful tool for attracting attention and driving sales. If you’ve got a fixed salon location, design eye-catching displays that highlight featured products or promotions. Utilise props, testers, and attractive signage to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery. Regularly refresh your displays to maintain interest and excitement. 

5) Personalise Recommendations: Treat each client as an individual by providing personalised product recommendations. Utilise your knowledge of their specific needs and preferences to suggest targeted solutions. Keep track of their purchase history and make thoughtful suggestions based on their previous choices. Personalisation enhances the shopping experience and encourages repeat business.

6) Offer Samples & Trials: Allow clients to experience products firsthand by offering samples or trials. This gives them the opportunity to test products at home and assess their suitability before committing to a purchase. Offering samples also helps introduce new products and generate excitement around them.

7) Incentivise Purchases: Implement loyalty programs, reward systems, or referral incentives to motivate clients to make retail purchases. Offer discounts, exclusive promotions, or special gifts with purchase to create a sense of value and appreciation. This not only boosts sales but also encourages clients to spread positive word-of-mouth about your business. Our buy more, save more offers are a great way to reduce your initial outlay on retail lines, so that you can create your own promotional mechanics without losing out.

8) Enhance Your Online Presence: In today's digital age, it's crucial to have a strong online presence. Maintain and regularly update your social media platforms with informative and visually appealing content. Utilise these platforms to showcase your retail offerings, share client testimonials, and provide beauty tips and advice. 

9) Train Your Team: If you've got a team, ensure they are well-trained and knowledgeable about the products you retail. Encourage ongoing education and provide them with the tools and resources they need to confidently recommend and sell products – if you haven’t tried it, how can you sell it? Consistency in product knowledge and customer service skills across your team will inspire trust and contribute to a seamless retail experience. Most brands offer free resources to support with product education, you just need to ask. Why not explore the free learning resources available on our NouAcademy from our partner brands.

10) Seek Feedback & Adapt: Regularly seek feedback from your clients regarding their retail experience. Listen to their suggestions and concerns and adapt your retailing strategies accordingly. By continuously evolving and improving, you can exceed client expectations and maintain a competitive edge.

We know every salon is different, but by following and adapting these tried and tested tips to your specific circumstances and client base you can truly enhance your retail success (without having to give it the hard sell!) and provide your clients with an even more exceptional experience. Win, win!

shop retail

Share