The future of solariums - what awaits us in the near future?
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The situation related to the coronavirus epidemic is significantly disrupting the operations of many businesses and service providers, including tanning salons. Owners, employees, and even customers are wondering what the future holds and how the tanning industry will operate in the coming months. We decided to gather all the official information and announcements and use them to answer the most frequently asked questions about tanning salons during the coronavirus epidemic.
When will solariums be open again?
A post about the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has appeared on government websites. According to the information provided, the so-called "new normal" will be implemented in several stages to ensure the greatest possible safety for citizens. The first stage, which will take effect on April 20, 2020, will include, among other things, the opening of forests, the possibility of recreational travel, and changes to the number of people allowed in stores or places of worship at one time. The second stage will change, among other things, the guidelines for opening DIY stores on weekends, hotels, and certain cultural institutions. The next stage will modify regulations regarding the operation of, among other things, hairdressing salons, beauty salons, restaurants, and sporting events. Only in the final stage, along with massage parlors, gyms, and fitness clubs, will tanning salons be allowed to open. When exactly? No expert can predict this, because the dates for each of the aforementioned stages will be determined on an ongoing basis. The pace of lifting restrictions will depend on the increase in the number of cases, the efficiency of the healthcare system, and the implementation of sanitary guidelines. (Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus/nowa-normalnosc-etapy )
How will the operation of solariums change?
Assuming an optimistic scenario of the imminent introduction of subsequent stages of the new normal, it can be assumed that the currently established safety guidelines will also have to be followed in tanning salons. This includes maintaining an appropriate distance between individuals in the facility, covering the mouth and nose with protective masks, and strictly adhering to sanitary regulations, including disinfection. As stated on government websites, these guidelines may be modified depending on how the situation develops. Therefore, if the situation improves significantly by the time stage four is launched, then these guidelines may also be modified. We can only wait for official announcements and adhere to the recommendations presented therein. There is no doubt, however, that much greater emphasis will be placed on maintaining high sanitary standards in tanning salons. In practice, this will require owners, managers, and staff to be even more committed than before to regularly disinfecting not only tanning equipment but also other elements in the salon. Given this situation, tanning salon owners have certainly become more aware of the choice of cleaning and disinfecting products. The Biocidal Products Database and the criteria established by the relevant authorities responsible for safeguarding the health and safety of citizens are key reference points. It is also recommended that cash payments be replaced with payment cards whenever possible.
Is this the end of the tanning industry?
Although the coronavirus epidemic is having a significant impact on the Polish economy, let's try to look at this situation from a slightly more optimistic perspective. Yes, the immediate consequences of the crisis may include rising unemployment and financial losses, but will tanning salons themselves cease to exist? Considering how popular this service remains and how deeply embedded it is in our economic landscape, it seems impossible to put an end to it. Just like the current situation, a return to normalcy will require a great deal of patience from everyone involved in tanning salons and related businesses, but—to quote the song—"spring will come anyway." This line can be interpreted in the context of the tanning industry as a postponement of the so-called season. If we were to imagine life after the pandemic and quarantine end, we would imagine streets full of people, crowds in cafes, clubs, restaurants, and parks. We all yearn for a return to normality, in every dimension. This means that customers who have used tanning salons will want to return to them to maintain their attractive appearance, as they did before. We also know that the operation of tanning salons is closely linked to the tourism industry, which will also look unconventional this year, although an important step will be the opening of hotels in the second stage.
What to do now?
It won't be too surprising if we recommend patience and staying up-to-date with current announcements. But it's also worth using the quarantine period to pursue activities you may not have had time for before, such as maintaining regular contact with clients via email or social media. This is also a good time to have equipment serviced and repaired, as well as to explore the offers of tanning salon suppliers. Perhaps it's worth considering a plan to expand your tanning services, for example, with spray tanning, or familiarizing yourself with the appointment booking system? Furthermore, based on current recommendations, you should prepare the facility and ensure staff are trained in maintaining sanitary standards. Make sure the salon has all the necessary notices and equipment, such as disinfectants.
We firmly believe that despite all the difficulties, we will manage and that, as a tanning industry, we will soon return to our former glory. We assure you of our support and readiness to provide professional advice whenever you need it.
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