Big Data? Big Deal. Is it Really That Important?

Posted on August 6, 2019August 15, 2019 by Paula Gottdiner, Project Manager

The answer is a resounding “yes” based upon the insightful and passionate discussion that took place among the panel of industry experts that convened last week at Cosmoprof North America to address the topic of data. Jerry Densk, L’Oréal Vice President of Consumer and Market Intelligence; Rick Kornbluth, CEO of Kevin.Murphy; and Sydney Berry, CEO/Co-Owner of Salon Services joined Steve Sleeper, Executive Director of the PBA, and Carrie Mellage of Kline to share their experiences using data to manage their businesses.

The session began with everyone in the room agreeing with Mellage, Kline’s Vice President of Consumer Products, that the professional salon industry is lacking in terms of data when compared to other industries. While there are some resources available, there is still a way to go. Throughout the course of the program, it was stressed a number of times that it is necessary for the industry to work together and finally understand that it really is okay to share data. As Kornbluth said, “We are at a tipping point; we have to help the industry.”Continue reading→

Cosmoprof India Confirms that Distributors are Key to International Marketers Entering the Indian Beauty Market

Posted on September 21, 2018December 17, 2018 by Shivani Singh, Project Lead

The maiden edition of Cosmoprof India held in Mumbai last week didn’t disappoint. A notable observation was the presence of a myriad European companies, such as Eshel, LOOkX Dermo Cosmetics, Italcosmetici, MAXXelle, and Pettenon, among others, showcasing at the event with the intention of finding distributors/importers to enter the Indian beauty market. What is clearly evident is the common strategy of international brands using distributors to make inroads into the market. Continue reading→

Education Reigns in the Pro Beauty Space, ISSE Confirms

Posted on February 8, 2018January 8, 2019 by Kline Team

Education continues to reign supreme in the professional beauty industry, and this year’s ISSE show certainly confirms it with most brands stressing its importance. At this year’s show, we noticed a shift from the flashy stage acts to more usable techniques for the modern stylist, with brands demonstrating innovative looks and cutting-edge techniques.

Leading professional hair care brands, such as Redken, Moroccanoil, Olaplex, and Brazilian Professional, were all present at the show with large booths, showcasing their latest novelties. Conair featured its new education program for men’s cutting Barberology, whose single mission is to teach the latest barbering techniques. Indie brands like Amika and Pulp Riot had a huge following on both the technique and product side, with models showcasing the latest trends and runway looks. Continue reading→

The Struggle is Real…at Least for Independent Hair Salons

Posted on September 14, 2017December 17, 2018 by Kline Team

A double-digit decline is definitely not a good way to kick off a new year. The Kline PRO database, which is based on actual salon transactions, shows that retail product sales to clients in the first quarter of 2017 are down by nearly 13% over the first quarter of last year. For those that were hoping to shake off 2016’s 5% overall slide, it could be a long year.

Why is this happening, and what can be done to turn it around? The landscape of the professional salon industry has changed in recent years. Competition for sales is fierce and coming from all sides: big chain salons, beauty super stores, diverted product retailers, and the Internet.Continue reading→