Health and fitness industry strong in recession
Tue 08 September 2009
Renee Skelly, Bachelor of Journalism
Consumers may have cut spending on travel and dining, but it seems the price of beauty has not reflected the tough economic times.
While the hospitality industry reported slower than usual trade during the past financial year, the health and beauty industry on the Sunshine Coast was yet to feel the effects of the economic downturn.
It’s All About You Beauty in Caloundra owner and beauty therapist Barbara Dick said her clients’ spending habits had remained the same, and she had not lost any business due to the economic situation.
“I can honestly say without even looking at my figures that it hasn’t really affected me,” Ms Dick said.
“I haven’t lost any clients.”
Ms Dick also said she had noticed that instead of purchasing packages, clients were purchasing individual sessions, which actually worked out more expensive but were less of an initial outlay.
Another area of self-image maintenance that had remained steady despite the economic slowdown was the fitness industry.
Sippy Downs One Life Health & Fitness Club manager Chris Blake reported that enrolments had remained strong, even throughout winter.
Mr Blake said the health and beauty industry was one of three sectors of the economy considered safest during a recession, the other two being the entertainment industry and gambling.
“Seventy per cent of our members are female, and this could be due to the fact that we have a large ladies-only area in the club,” Mr Blake said.
Sippy Downs featured a large family demographic, and Mr Blake said the crèche sessions that the gym ran six days a week offered flexibility for mothers who needed child care while they used the facilities.
Others in the beauty industry felt that any drop in business may have had more to do with the inclement weather the Sunshine Coast had been experiencing than the financial crisis.
Mark’s Mooloolaba Hair owner Mark Wilkins said he had not felt the effects of a recession yet.
“The general feeling among customers is that nothing’s changed,” Mr Wilkins said.
“Things are down, but it’s a quiet time of the year.”
Mr Wilkins said he had maintained his clientele, but often heard them saying they had stopped going out on the weekend because they simply could not afford it anymore.
“People just aren’t as frivolous as they used to be, but they want to look the part,” Mr Wilkins said.
“If your hair’s a mess, you have to go and have your hair done.”
Mr Blake agreed, and said he believed people would prioritise themselves.
Essentially, even if it meant not travelling or dining out, looking one’s best remained important to many people.
“During these times they focus on taking care of themselves,” Mr Blake said.
“People realise the importance of looking after themselves so they can be here for their families in the future.”
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Submitted Comments
Well written and informative. Keep up the good work Renee
Lorraine Vugler
Very informative, funny to see some this never change. You cannot put a price on natural beauty, excellent piece of writing!
JB