The International SPA Association (ISPA) released key parts of its 2010 U.S. Spa Industry Study yesterday. Each year, ISPA closely monitors the "Big 5" key statistics, including revenue, spa visits, locations, total employees and square footage.
"These numbers illustrate that the great recession has left virtually no industry untouched," says Colin McIlheney, global research director at PwC. "After many years of very rapid growth, all five of the key measurement statistics for the spa industry show a decline after 2008. However, many in the industry who took part in the ISPA survey report that they have been proactive in taking measures to combat the impact of the recession. Respondents are indeed cautiously optimistic about the future while also recognizing there are still challenges to face."
| 2008 | 2009 | Percent change | |
| Revenue | $12.8 billion | $12.3 billion | -4.3% |
| Spa Visits | 160 million | 143 million | -10.2% |
| Locations | 21,300 | 20,600 | -3.2% |
| 2009 (March) | 2010 (May) | Percent change | |
| Total employees | 340,600 | 332,000 | -2.5% |
| Full-time | 158,200 | 138,100 | -12.7% |
| Part-time | 112,300 | 137,200 | 22.2% |
| Contract | 70,100 | 56,800 | -19% |
| Square footage | 81 million square feet | 76 million square feet | -5.2% |
Responses indicate that flexibility helped spas stave off some of the recession's impact. Reshaping the workforce was cited as one of the most highly-utilized methods for battling the recession. Other methods for managing the recession include re-engineering spa menus to include shorter and less expensive treatment options, offering incentives and forming partnerships with local businesses.
*The full 2010 U.S. Spa Industry Study will be released later this year.
