Pulse February / March 2023 | Page 34

MEMBER PERSPECTIVES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 make do with what you have , learn to ration things where you may not have had to previously .”
At Chateau Elan , Rebecca recalls having to do without some backbar supplies — those products used in-house during treatments and procedures —“ but retail-wise , we were able to fill in the gaps ” by substituting similar product lines or trading overstock for needed retail products . Throughout the shortfall period , the spa prioritized client experience : “ We struggled for sure with supply chain issues and inflation , but we worked hard to try to keep this from impacting our guests .”
Alessandra believes The Spa at Lago Mar benefited from its relationship with nearby suppliers . “ Our vendors are locals ,” she says . “ We are working with suppliers in our backyard to facilitate smooth transactions . Sometimes we need to adapt and change some products due to supply shortages . The results are always satisfactory .” With any change in product availability , Alessandra ’ s spa always keeps guest satisfaction in mind : “ We want to make sure we keep the quality the same , adding value to our treatments and loyalty discounts .”
At Carneros Resort and Spa in California ’ s Napa Valley , Alison says while shortages forced a few temporary product replacements that were not ideal , the goal was simple throughout the pandemic : “ At the end of the day , you have to maintain your business and keep your staff and customers happy .”
WHAT ’ S UP WITH INFLATION ? Ask 100 economists to predict the outlook for 2023 and you will likely receive 100 different responses . At least some consensus exists , however , that most of the world experienced a wave of inflation after the resumption of business activities post-pandemic , and rising costs are more likely than not to persist . For spas , the real question is how inflation could affect business .
“ Inflation is on the rise ,” Alessandra finds , “ and it ’ s normal for people to adjust their spending behavior in times like these . Thankfully — for us — our spa patrons consider wellness more essential than ever .” While prices are rising , the Spa at Lago Mar posts discounted spa packages and specials to its website regularly and incorporates complimentary add-on treatments and product discounts to exceed guest expectations and encourage return visits .
With wholesale acquisition costs rising for retail and

“ At the end of the day , you have to maintain your business and keep your staff and customers happy .”

— ALISON ABBOTT , Carneros Resort and Spa
The supply chain has many steps where slowdowns may occur , from processing of raw materials to production worker shortages to delivery interruptions .
32 PULSE n FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023