In a recent SmartTan.com poll, the majority of respondents said the indoor tanning business they own or work for has one location.

Fifty-nine percent said they have one location, and 29 percent said their business operates 2-4 salons. Three percent each said they have 5-10 and 11-20 locations, and 6 percent said they have more than 20 locations.

While these numbers may not be a precise representation of the actual salon landscape, it gives us a good enough picture to confirm that the market is still dominated by independent, locally owned salons. Large salon chains have grown in recent years by expanding into new markets and converting independents into franchisees, but it’s apparent that there is plenty of room for small businesses to thrive in the indoor tanning marketplace.

These independents may not have the behind-the-scenes personnel or marketing budgets of the big chains, but they continue to succeed through a combination of unique branding, excellent customer service, up-to-date equipment, and commitment to professionalism through training.