Franchising in the Spa Industry During COVID-19

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa started to temporarily close its doors in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. To help support franchisees during this unprecedented time, Hand & Stone offered a promotion where members that did not cancel their memberships during the crisis would receive a free massage or facial when the doors reopened.

That isn’t the only way in which Hand & Stone is supporting franchisees, employees and members during COVID-19. CEO of Hand & Stone, Todd Leff, spoke with Franchise Times about the three objectives he has during the pandemic to help all those involved with the 450-plus unit system: preserving liquidity for franchisees, protecting and motivating employees and preparing to reopen the system.

“I’ve always said franchising benefits from a mild recession,” Leff said. “We’re going to see a whole new group of people looking for opportunities because they’re no longer employed…so once we start emerging from this, conditions will be in place for franchises to grow.”