Nearly six out of 10 indoor tanning facility owners think more clients will be looking for indoor tanning as an escape from other problems related to the 2009 economic slump, according to a SmartTan.com poll conducted in early January.

According to the poll, 57 percent think more tanning clients will be looking for that escape this year, while only 31 percent believe that won’t be the case and 12 percent thought there would be no change from previous years. The results are not scientific.

“The concept of indoor tanning as an escape from your day has been part of the tanning community’s draw for years,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “For a salon to offer that environment most effectively you have to understand all of what goes into what we call ‘The Tanning Experience.’ Your store needs to be more than clean: It has to be pleasant and inviting to all the senses.”

Beyond physical appearance, the store should smell good and should feel and sound relaxing and inviting. Many stores are going to spa-like environments. Smart Tan training materials emphasize what we call “The Tanning Experience” and how your employees can best provide this kind of a setting. For more information contact Smart Tan at 800-652-3269 or Smart Tan-Canada at 866-795-3755.