Inexpensive Spa Treatments a Growing Trend?

According to The Arizona Republic, massage chains have a "growing following." Prominently mentioned in the article is Scottsdale-based Massage Envy, which also has an enviable (sorry) position in the SBA loan payback rate — its loan failure rate was zero in the statistics Blue MauMau published last year.But the company just started franchising in 2005. The above linked table covers a loan period from 2000 to 2007, giving little time for Massage Envy loan problems to become apparent compared to other franchises.

Franchised massage clubs, like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and Elements Therapeutic Massage are succeeding in large part because they offer spa treatments that cost up to $200 in a resort hotel for $59 or even less—quite attractive to today's cash-strapped consumers.

On top of that, the chains offer monthly payment packages that entitle the buyer to a monthly massage or facial and discounts on additional treatments. This brings in steady income for the companies, in contrast to resort spas, who depend on tourists.

The article is highly complimentary to Massage Envy and strikes one as frothy. Comments from skeptical readers add perspective. One writes, "The Republic is so chronically cash strapped, advertisements disguised as actual journalism is definitely not below them."

Read the article

Further reading:

Fort Lauderdale Masseuse Accused of Sexual Battery