全球受新冠狀病毒影響，世界人心惶惶反映在各個產業上，沙龍圈生意也備受考驗，髮廊外景案子減少、現場預約顧客取消，盡可能減少人與人之間的接觸，對沙龍業主來說無非是一個難關，這段市場沉靜期，無非也是讓品牌變強的時刻？有更多時間教育訓練、好好的反思並制定經營方針。

Jamie Brooks指出：「在這艱鉅時刻，或許是反思和重整的好時機。我們資深的夥伴他們經歷過2008年經濟大衰退，年輕一輩就沒這個經驗，春季通常是髮廊旺季，因疫情突然就閒下來了，不過不用慌張，利用空閒好好檢視團隊、服務還有產品。沒人知道這樣的狀況還會維持多久，如何有智慧的應對將會是決定品牌日後還能運行多久的關鍵！」針對沙龍市場面臨的沉靜期，Jamie提出了9個中肯的建議。

1.工作的更聰明點

對於固定的營業時間是可以稍做調整，縮短營業時間來適應現有的客戶。

2.保持靈活性

身為經營者，需要在工作時間和假期中保持靈活性，考慮晚點開門、早點休息吧！

3.找夥伴們談談

確保每個人目前的狀況，了解誰住家裡、誰有比較大的支出需求等等，也把狀況說開，確保共體時艱的時刻，大家還是能朝同一個方向邁進。

4.沙龍空間斷捨離

是時候好好面對沙龍現場的雜物了，清出過期雜誌、打理儲物櫃和抽屜的舊文具、文件。

5.整頓員工休息室

請員工把暫時放在休息室的衣服、鞋子帶回家清洗，留在人來人往的沙龍也很危險，順便也好好清掃空間。

6.重新思考自家產品、服務

這是一個將服務菜單煥然一新的絕佳時機，好好檢視提供的商品。

7.重新思考店內開銷

還有更好的耗材替代方案嗎？平時訂閱的雜誌是否有人在看？每週佈置沙龍的花材需要暫停採購嗎？

8.加強技術訓練

顧客較少的日子，可以在店內舉行潮流日、捲髮日、染髮日的內部訓練課程。

9.超前佈署應變措施

未來可能需要配合政府發佈的交通、公共場合防疫因應措施，先為這些狀況想好應對方法。

In the current Coronavirus crisis, salons are already noticing no shows and cancellations, as consumers feel uneasy travelling or being in close proximity to other people. And while it’s a worrying time for salon owners, it’s also the perfect opportunity to take advantage of free time with your team and a chance to look at your policies and procedures.

Jamie Brooks, co-owner at Brooks & Brooks, London, says while it’s a difficult time, it’s also a time for reflection and re-evaluation. “Many of our older team members remember the 2008 recession, but for our younger members this is the first time they have experienced something like this. As we head into spring it’s usually a busy time in the salon, so if it’s quiet don’t panic; use the time to look at your team, your services and your products. We don’t know how long this pandemic is going to last so use this time wisely and your business could benefit in the long run.”

Jamie’s tips to using your free time wisely

1. It’s time to work smarter

You don’t have to open 9-5 every day; look at condensing your opening hours to accommodate the clients you have.

2. Be flexible

As an employer, we need to be flexible with hours and holidays. Consider opening later or finishing earlier.

3. Consult with your team

Ensure everyone is on the same deal, whether they have bigger expenses or live at home. Put together an agreement and discuss it with the team so everyone agrees to move forward in the same way.

4. Declutter the salon

It’s easy to accumulate lots of stuff you don’t use any more, so throw away out-of-date magazines, clean out lockers and drawers of old stationery and papers.

5. Ask team members to take home any clothes or shoes that been left in the staffroom.

6. Rethink your products, services, and menu

Have a look at what you offer and what you don’t offer. It’s the perfect time to give your menu a spring refresh.

7 Re-evaluate your expenses

Is there a better alternative to your refreshments? What magazines do you offer? Do you need to order fresh flowers every week?

8 Offer extra in-house training

Take advantage of no clients and have a trend day, curl day or colour training session.

9 Be prepared to re-evaluate

As they take steps to close down public transport or cities, be prepared to re-evaluate your plans when and as needed.