New skincare technology and strategic partnerships contributed to the brand’s success, with over 1,300 ownership opportunities available in 2024
TREVOSE, PA (January 23, 2024) — Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the nation's leading luxury massage and facial spa franchise, is thrilled to announce its 2023 achievements. This past year, the brand’s skincare business grew by double digits, contributing approximately 38% to the brand’s service mix for 2023. This can be attributed to the plethora of innovations and several new brands the franchise spa added to its treatment offerings. Hand & Stone’s strong system performance has also translated to accelerated growth across the country, expanding its footprint in major cities and opening 46 new locations throughout 2023. In addition to new spa openings, there were 43 spa ownership transfers. Existing Hand & Stone franchise owners represented two-thirds of the brand’s new spas and 90% of spas transferred in 2023. The appetite for existing owners to expand with Hand & Stone through new spas and transfers is a true testament to the brand’s business model and its commitment to providing unmatched support to its network of owners.
“Hand & Stone is entering an exhilarating phase of growth, and we are eager to welcome new franchise owners into the fold as our brand and current franchise owners prosper in the thriving wellness industry,” said Jennifer Durham, Chief Development Officer, Hand & Stone. “Our multi-modality business, where more than half of our current 560,000 members embrace both massage and facial services, showcases our commitment to not only improving the overall experience for our members but also our dedication to differentiating our business so our franchise owners flourish.”
Reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation, Hand & Stone received the Franchise Innovation Award for the second consecutive year. In 2023, the Dermalogica ProPen and its corresponding Luminfusion and Nanoinfusion treatments earned Hand & Stone the winning title. This is just one example of how the brand’s aggressive approach to skincare innovation and technology set it apart from other spas and attracted both customers and franchise owners to the business. Other examples of innovations and advancements included:
- Building upon long-term partnerships with leading skincare brands including Dermalogica and ClarityRX.
- Introducing skincare technology options for highly effective facials like ClarityRX’s Anti-Gravity and NEVESKIN facials, LED Light Therapy, NuFACE, and DiamondGlow.
- Expanding body contour services to over half of the Hand & Stone spas. CryoSlimming® is a smoothing, toning and firming treatment which improves collagen and elasticity in areas where they are lacking. CryoFacials help improve your complexion by increasing circulation, cell turnover, collagen and elasticity.
- Launching a collection of IMAGE Skincare products and services, both in the organic and medical grade segments, for those looking for more natural or doctor-developed options.
- Targeting a younger audience of skinthusiasts with the launch of Clear Start by Dermalogica, to specifically address the needs of breakout-prone skin.
“Hand & Stone’s evolution into a wellness brand underscores our commitment to providing a unique experience customers and owners can’t find anywhere else. Since the brand’s inception, we’ve prioritized our skincare business, which has attracted a whole different set of customers to our spas while simultaneously converting massage enthusiasts into facial enthusiasts, too,” said Lisa Rossmann, Chief Brand Officer, Hand & Stone. “Nearly half of all customers who have frequented a Hand & Stone in the last twelve months have experienced both a massage and facial service, and nearly 60% of our member base has experienced both. By both emphasizing massages and harnessing the power of skincare and body contouring treatments, we continue to propel the brand forward, seamlessly blending luxury and holistic well-being. This commitment also extends to fostering a community of franchisees who share a passion for innovation, ensuring Hand & Stone sets them up for continued growth and success."
As the brand’s 20th anniversary approaches in 2024, Hand & Stone eagerly anticipates opening more than 50 new spas and implementing additional personalized skincare technologies. The brand will also further solidify its commitment to innovation through its premier partnership with MPower, a scholastic program with a first-of-its-kind hybrid format for massage education. Not only does this partnership with MPower foster growth for aspiring massage therapists by sponsoring their education, but it marks Hand & Stone as a disruptor at the forefront of innovation and positive change in the massage industry.
"I’ve been a Hand & Stone owner for nearly a decade and continue to invest further in the brand, acquiring four new spas as part of the Massage Green conversions in just the last few months,” said Sumit Bansal, a Hand & Stone multi-unit franchise owner. “From the start, it was the support from the corporate team that made me feel like I wasn’t just part of a franchise network but a true franchise family. At other franchise conferences, they give handshakes, at Hand & Stone, they give hugs. Now, as I’ve seen Hand & Stone grow and evolve, it’s the dedication the brand has to providing top-tier services to our customers that keeps me most interested and I look forward to a bright future.”
With so many reasons to believe in Hand & Stone as highlighted by its 2023 success, the brand invites entrepreneurs to explore the benefits of collaborating, which include proven returns in a thriving market, genuine business ownership through a manager-driven model, opportunities to make an impact on local communities and much more. For more information about franchise opportunities with Hand & Stone, please visit www.handandstonefranchise.com.
ABOUT HAND & STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA
Hand & Stone is a nearly 600-unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring affordable, luxury spa services to all. Launched in 2004, Hand & Stone now has locations across 36 states and Canada. Each spa features best-in-class skincare treatments highlighting the latest in cosmetic technology. Available for women, men and teens, a wide range of services are tailored to each individual's needs or skin concerns. Hand & Stone facial treatments are performed by licensed estheticians, using top-of-the-line products backed by science including Dermalogica, IMAGE Skincare and ClarityRx Clinical Skin Care. The fastest-growing spa franchise in the country, Hand & Stone has been named No. 1 in the spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2023, 2021 and 2020 and was ranked No. 8 on Forbes' Best Franchises to Buy list in the high investment category.
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