RESOURCE PARTNER MEMBERS were asked to share details about the challenges they and their spa partners may face this holiday shopping season as recent announcements from the U . S . Postal Service spread concern about rising shipping costs and potential delays . About half of all resource partners ( 49 percent ) say that they are experiencing pandemic-related shortages and delays regarding product ingredients , and the exact same percentage reported delays of product packaging materials . Only about a quarter ( 27 percent ) of resource partners reported experiencing no delays or shortages at the moment .

When asked to share tips or advice for spa clients to help them prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping season , resource partners were often unified in their responses , stressing the need to order items as early as possible to avoid the impact of expected delays . Some version of the phrases “ plan ahead ” and “ order in advance ” appeared several times among resource partners ’ open responses . One respondent went further , suggesting that spas “ work with [ their ] resource partners for advice on holiday best sellers , so they can advise the SKUs you should go deeper on that always sell well during the holiday season .” n

What are your spas three most popular retail product categories at this time ?

ALL SPAS

95 %

In which areas , if any , is your company currently experiencing delays or shortages ?

53 % 49 % 49 %

40 % 35 %

29 % 27 %

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 ⁿ PULSE 59