The tough economy and spas

MUNDY TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -- (11/14/08)-- Is spa treatment a necessity or an indulgence? It may boil down to how you view things.

For some, during this economy in crisis, an afternoon of pampering is just what the doctor ordered. For others it's an expense that can be cut until times are better.

We went to see how one local spa is faring during this current economic crisis.

When you walk through the doors of the 15,000-square-foot Spa at Gateway Center in Mundy Township the atmosphere exudes pure relaxation.

Julie Weber opened the spa and salon four years ago when the economy was much better.  "We've had plenty of people asking us 'how's the economy affecting you?' But we've continually grown as being a new business.  So we've grown. We didn't have bad years, we've continued to climb the ladder."

Things have slowed down since the Wall Street meltdown and the auto industry cuts, but Weber's unsure if there is a cause-effect relationship.

"So we don't know if it's the economy, the election, or what."

She says it's a blessing that her clients find value in pampering themselves in this economy, even if they are getting less of it.

"Instead of getting their hair colored in four to five weeks, they might be waiting a couple weeks longer, just extending their colors out."

Some clients have removed their acrylic nails in favor of regular manicures that don't need as much maintenance. 

While the stressed economy may some altering their services, Weber believes it's the same stressed economy that keeps clients coming back. The spa is a place to unwind and de-stress.

"We have moms come and come at 7 o'clock at night. We're open until 9 and we'll have three or four moms just come because they need a break."

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