When salon owner Ben Aharon was looking to open his second salon, he knew he wanted something special. He had a talented team, a fabulous location and a passion and desire to “imagine all he could be.” That mindset and dream brought him to Matrix, and within a year, Salon Mayan opened as the first Matrix Inspiration Salon in the country.
According to Vice President of Business Development, Gail Cohen, the Matrix Inspiration Salon program was created to develop partnerships with promising salons that wholeheartedly embody commitment to the Matrix brand. The partnerships are designed to bring a completely branded element to the salon along with professional and business support; creating a compelling and profitable salon environment and showcase.
The Star? The Color Bar!
One of the most unique and exciting elements of the Matrix Inspiration Salon concept is the new Matrix Color Bar. According to Cohen, the Matrix Color Bar, situated in the center of each Inspiration Salon, is the focal point for color conversations and consultations between stylists and clients. Aharon calls it life changing! “For us, the Matrix Color Bar has taken color from something you rush around doing in the back room to an art form that you perform onstage,” he says. “It’s the centerpiece of the salon and has generated new levels of excitement plus increased our overall color service business. Clients see it through the window and are instantly intrigued! We’re getting tons of walk-in and referral business as a result.”
Retail Ramps Up
In addition to the Color Bar, Salon Mayan also exemplifies best-in-class retail. The salon layout has lent itself to an incredible retail opportunity with a 500-square-foot area and floor to ceiling windows. To maximize this space, Matrix worked with Salon Mayan to develop innovative merchandising including 8’ branded imagery, feature/benefit shelf edge strips, and promotional displays. Stylists find it ideal for retail consultations and passersby are captivated and stop in to buy. Aharon is beyond thrilled with the overall look and, most importantly, the results; his retail sales are up 200%!
Part of the Family
According to Cohen, Salon Mayan is the first of many Matrix Inspiration Salons to come throughout the country. “We’re looking for salons that truly want to partner with Matrix,” she explains, “and demonstrate their commitment by embracing our full product portfolio and Matrix culture.” For Aharon, the benefits of being a Matrix Inspiration Salon have been numerous. “Matrix gives us everything we need to connect with existing and potential clients,” he explains, “as well as overall support for our salon and staff. I’m really looking forward to continuing as part of the Matrix family, growing this salon and opening new locations in the future! As a Matrix Inspiration Salon, I truly am ‘imagining all I can be!’”
About: MATRIX, a leading professional haircare and haircolor company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of products including: Biolage, Biolage ExquisiteOil, Biolage Advanced, COLORINSIDER, ColorSync, Design Pulse, Logics, SOCOLOR, Total Results, and Vavoom (MATRIX professional products are available only in salons and can be guaranteed authentic when purchased from authorized retailers.) Visit Matrix.com for more information.