Member Article

THE GATES NIBBLES ON SUCCESS OF FOOT SPA

BUSINESS is booming for The Gates Shopping Centre’s recent tenant – Bon Appe Feet - following the growing fish pedicure phenomenon.

The Durham shopping centre welcomed the Garra Rufa fish spa last year, which has far exceeded its footfall expectations with a 20% increase in custom within the last 12 months.

Since its launch spa owner Steven Whiteman, 34, and his partner Louise McKenzie have created a loyal customer base with shoppers returning for treatments every couple of weeks and, due to demand, have also launched a traditional beauty service with a menu of new treatments including pedicures, manicures, nail extensions and Gelish nails.

The company is also currently recruiting for its fourth new member of staff to keep up with demand.

The Gates Shopping Centre general manger Inge Johnson said: “The success of Bon Appe Feet is no surprise with recent figures indicating an increasing number of British women visiting beauty salons as a regular treat. These women spend 50% more during their visits then they did a decade ago*, with a total of £5.2billion spent on treatments**, allowing nail bars and spas to remain buoyant throughout the recession.

“We are pleased that the spa has done well at The Gates as we aim to ensure we create the right surroundings for any entrepreneurial and independent business to generate success.”

Bon Appe Feet owner Steven said: “After working for British Gas for almost 13 years I thought it was time for a change and had the entrepreneurial urge to become my own boss. With Louise’s extensive experience in the spa and beauty industry and the increasing popularity for beauty salons, the spa business seemed like an obvious choice for us.

“When we came across the unit in The Gates Shopping Centre it seemed like an opportunity not to be missed for us to open our own business, and we haven’t looked back since.

“The Gates has provided the perfect environment for our beauty salon to flourish due to its location, reasonable rates, high footfall, friendly customers and limited number of beauty spa competitors within the centre.”

The couple have big plans for the business in the next six months: “We’re planning on hiring a fourth member of staff to help with our growing number of customers and we’re also looking into offering more treatments such as nail foils and jewels,” added Steven.

Bon Appe Feet can be found in The Gates Shopping Centre in Durham City Centre.

ENDS

Media contact: Gemma Graham, OPR tel: 0191 232 569

* According to research from Mintel, as detailed in The Guardian 25 August 2010 http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/25/british-spending-survey-luxuries

** According to research firm SRI International, as detailed in January 2012 edition of Director Magazine http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2012/01_January/spa_65_05.html

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Gates .