Professional Resources

Armstrong McCall is the largest distributor of salon professional brands in North America.  As such we offer multiple ways our customers can engage with us:

• Over 1,100 stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
• Online shopping with over 150 brands and 27,000 products across all categories and so much more
• Salon consultants who assist busy salon owners with promotional planning, retail sales, new brands and innovative service-related recommendations
• Finally, get inspired and engage with other stylists on our social channels: 
  
  

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Business building resources

Owning a salon is challenging and rewarding.  Within our Blog we have published several business building articles with a range of topics to help you maximize your business.

• Promotional planning
• Retailing
• Salon service planning
• Salon design and equipment
• Barbering
• Trends and techniques for the latest hair and nail styles
• Brand based planning and ideas

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Problem/solution oriented products

We all want to leave the salon looking and feeling our best. Individual needs differ and can exceed routine maintenance.  As a salon professional, your ability to assess and address problems requires technical skills, listening skills and the right products.  Armstrong McCall have a huge assortment of solution-oriented products formulated to help solve the most common dilemmas.  A few examples include:

Problem:  Thinning Hair.  Suggest products that create a healthy environment for hair growth; Concealers to help mask hair loss; Hair Fibers; Color with gray coverage

Problem:  Managing Texture.  Smoothing systems; keratin; humidity resistant styling; preventing breakage


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Salon 101


If your goal is to own your own business, there are some differences to each salon ownership scenario.  Understanding your obligations will help you be prepared for your responsibilities.  Here are a few:

	Owning your own branded salon business (strip center)	Operating a franchised chain salon	Salon Suite Operator in tenant/multi-suite building
Upfront costs	$$$$	$$$$$	$$-$$$
Property and common area maintenance fees (CAMs)	x	x	May be rolled into lease /rent
Staffing /	x	x	Optional
Brand assortment	Your choice	Owner guided	Your choice
Retailing take-home product	Your choice	Owner guided	Your choice
Marketing	x	Owner guided/funded	Your choice
Supplies	x	x	x
Branding	Your choice	Owner guided	Your choice
Scheduling	x	x	x
Hours	May be subject to shopping center regulations	Owner guided	Flexible
Equipment/furnishings	x	x May be included in franchisee package	x In unique cases may be provided
Deliveries	Backdoor receiving	Backdoor receiving	If closed, alternative needed
Cleaning Crew	x	x	Self

The above is a general overview of the commitments for each scenario.  Owners must also understand state, city and local requirements around safety compliance, insurance, fair business practices, and the like.  All of these responsibilities can translate into fees.  Know your responsibilities and budget accordingly.

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Salon furnishings and equipment

Creating an inviting atmosphere is important for client comfort.  Lighting, reception, music and color are important elements, and when your clients are in the chair you need workstations that facilitate privacy, comfort, relaxation and service ease. 

Our salon design consultants are trained to help you assess the needs of your business based on your service types.   Choose from thousands of items in all equipment categories, with good-better-best concepts that appeal to both budget conscious salon operators and those ready to upgrade to higher end design.  Whatever your choices we will guide you through the process for a result that is personalized and invites clients back again.

Our goal is to provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience from a name they can trust. With a long-standing track record of providing quality products and service, our program continues to set the standard in the industry.  Browse industry-leading brands in the equipment category with warranties and fast delivery.

Some of our partner brands:  Pibbs, Puresana, Modern Elements, Footsie Bath, Belvedere, Collins, Kayline just to name a few! Lease Financing programs are available to help you create the salon of your dreams.

For space planning assistance, please contact a Salon Design Consultant today.  Call (800) 362-3186, Option 3 or email us at salondesigncenter@cosmoprofbeauty.com.

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Retailing: Beyond the service

There are several ideas for salons to maximize its investment in products.  Offering take-home products that aligns with the services offered in your salon can increase revenue nicely.  Consider also that if clients are purchasing retail products from you we are keeping them away from diverters and counterfeits.

Attractive displays with a broad assortment offered at the point of purchase encourage your clients to browse retail items where it’s most convenient.  Let them smell and sample product for maximum exposure.  Make sure to tell your clients what products were used during their service and offer the same in a retail sizes so your clients can continue enjoying them at home.

Tip for recommending products to your clients:

Browse the Blog for additional in depth articles related to how Retailing can help your clients look good until they see you again.

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Education and earning CEUs

Learning is rewarding and will help you sharpen your skills and learn new ones.  Your state may also require additional credits when you renew your license.  Armstrong McCall offers several options for learning:

• Online video-based learning
• Online classes for continuing education units (CEUs) for credit
• Show-based classes
• In-store classes (over 200 locations)
• In-salon learning customized for your team
• Manufacturer educator training

Connect with our Education team today for more information on how to take advantage of any of these options. 
Email:  Education@cosmoprofbeauty.com
Coming 2018:  Extensive online course library with online enrollment and tracking!

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Beauty industry shows

Armstrong McCall hosts shows in multiple cities across the United States. Manufacturers across all categories have a larger than life show presence.  Their product teams demonstrate new products, and platform artists inspire attendees by demonstrating techniques for the latest color and style trends. 

Click image for additional details or locate a show near you.     


       


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