 ....is extremely bright!
In the April edition of Tanning Trends magazine a very interesting article attracted our attention: “Indoor tanning's future... is extremely bright!”, written by the CEO at SmartTan, Matt Russel. Because of the world-wide economic crisis and the effect it has on many sectors, this article brings a positive reaction for the tanning industry. Therefore we would like to give you the opportunity to read this article as well:
Matt Russel has made this statement many times in the past six months at a number of industry events because he firmly believes we are at the tipping point of another major growth phase for our industry. In the next several months, SmartTan will be adding on to our industry's list of major assets with a plan of action that will enable us to push ourselves into the next growth spurt - a move that has been predicted since SmartTan's 1996 first annual event in Orlando where SmartTan presented the controversial question, “Tanning Prevents Cancer?” Today we know “tanning prevents cancer” is no longer controversial or even a question, but a powerful statement based on solid research and accepted by hundreds of doctors and health care experts. On October 10, 2009, in downtown Nashville, SmartTan plans to roll out a campaign that will expedite market growth exponentially by developing and organizing new and existing assets, and implementing a strategic, industry-wide plan of action. This is the year the indoor tanning industry sheds the all too common notion that “tanning is an unhealthy vice” and replaces it with nature's true intention, “tanning is natural”. Though it seems like we have a lot to overcome, given our current economic crisis, “Sun Scare” campaigns and state-wide regulations, there is a bright light at the end of this tunnel too. Let's take a look:
Economy: 70 percent of salons reported to SmartTan in March that the first two months of 2009 point to a better year this year as compared to 2008. Most salons seem to agree with SmartTan's report in the February Tanning Trends cover story “Lipstick Index”, that the tanning industry is recession resistant and the notion that indoor tanning is an “affordable luxury” seems to be holding true this season as it has in past recessions. We also need to keep in mind that a recession is an excellent opportunity for growth, especially just after we have reached the bottom, which may be the case according to many expert economists. Start-up costs including leasing opportunities, build-outs, equipment and other necessities should be at an all-time low.
“Sun Scare”: Though the war is far from over, the anti-tanning marketers seem to be on the ropes, throwing desperate, often-empty punches that make short-term headlines, but are more-and-more transparent as inaccurate 'Dark Ages'-thinking. Many health and medical groups are questioning the validity of the over-the-top messaging from these groups thanks in large part to the powerful vitamin D messaging that is hitting the national news media. The value of vitamin D from sunlight can no longer be ignored, leaving health care reporters more inclined to report more objectively than in the past. Who knows? With a little help, we may be hearing about the positive effects of indoor tanning from the same people soon.
Media: Today, it is more common to hear “get some sun” than “avoid the sun at all costs” in many news and media outlets. That is a far cry from where we were just a few short years ago. This change in reporting is due to the mountains of solid research linking vitamin D to major disease prevention. But this message is being challenged aggressively by the “Sun scare” industry and its multi-million dollar PR budget. Without the tanning industry's help, this message will be making ripples instead of waves.
Regulations: It is ironic to read mainstream news pieces touting the powerful therapeutic value of vitamin D from the sun and, at the same time, hear about state regulations designed to protect people from the so-called hazards of UV light. Matt Russel's belief has been that teen bans were never designed to protect children, but to foster major media opportunities for the dermatology lobby, sunscreen manufacturers and politicians running for office. Though the ongoing state regulatory battles will not be gone soon, it is only a matter of time before the science that supports responsible UV exposure eliminates this free PR campaign.
Vitamin D: There exists overwhelming evidence that maintaining high blood levels of vitamin D, most effectively achieved through exposure to UV B, can prevent nearly as many deaths as smoking cessation. Vitamin D's therapeutic value could be the most profound health care discovery the world has seen in decades. But vitamin D will not reach its well-deserved, life-sustaining recognition without a fight. That is why SmartTan created several vehicles to help our industry push this powerful message, and those who support it, into the light. By participating in the “D-Feat Breast Cancer” initiative, you are funding powerful vitamin D research and, more importantly, awareness efforts to help change the world's perception of UV light.
source: http://www.smarttan.com/ |
