UK salons outperform all other sectors on the high street with 10% growth

The number of beauty and grooming salons grew at a faster rate than any other sector of independent businesses last year, with the number of salons and barbers on the UK’s high streets soaring by 10.36%, figures show.

More than 626 new beauty and grooming businesses opened in 2015, a net rise of more than 10%. Driven by consumer spend on everything from beards to brows, it was the biggest increase of all independent shops with, on average, 12 salons opened per week.

The Royal Mail’s Address Management Unit (AMU) commissioned the Centre for Economic and Business Research to investigate the changing face of the UK’s high streets and report the findings, focusing on the fastest-growing retailers. “SME salons contribute heavily to this success, from high-end luxury services to hair salons and budget nail bars,” said Jo Goodman, director of sales and marketing at Habia (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority).

“Social media has been particularly influential in fueling this growth, with high-profile celebrity trendsetters – both male and female – helping to drive demand.”

Trevor Studd from The British Barbers Association believes the growth was inevitable but said the real question is, will it be maintained? “There has definitely been a growing migration of men going back to barbershops from unisex salons in the past three to four years,” he said.

“However, in such a personal industry, skill and the level of service offered will determine how many of those shops will still be open in two years’ time.”

Independent retailers now account for nearly two thirds (62%) of all stores on the high street, with the number of new businesses increasing at a rate of nine stores per week.

The analysis also found that the typical high street now houses a range of independent businesses including an average of 11 cafes, seven barbers, four beauty salons and one “vape” shop selling e-cigarettes.