BIRMINGHAM — The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business today recognized 12 outstanding Alabama retailers representing 10 retail businesses as “Retailers of the Year.” The presentations were made at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham during the 2010 Retail Day Luncheon. The event marked the 11th presentation of the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999.
Michael Johnson, owner of Terramé Day Spa and Salon in Huntsville and an Alabama Retail Association member since 2003, received the Silver Award in the “Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million” category. Johnson also is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business, earning his masters in business administration in 1989.
Despite a 40 percent sales drop off in 2009 for the spa industry nationwide, Terramé was able to maintain sales and increase its profit by 35 percent. Johnson attributes most of this increase to the spa’s focus on retail sales and social media campaigns along with a dedication to customer service. “Retail sales are a growing part of the these industries, and we feel we have a voice in bringing more attention to retail as a way to give businesses a stronger foundation and better profits,” Johnson noted in his application.
Terramé added an additional skin care line to its retail selection this year, helping raise its retail-to-service ratio to 28 percent and making the Huntsville spa an industry leader in regards to retail sales. Estee Lauder and skin care line G.M. Collin as well as hair care lines Bumble and Bumble, Clarisonic and Kerastase have recognized Terramé as tops nationally or regionally for sales of their products.
Terramé jumped into social media in a big way in 2009 with its “Where in the World is the Terramé Gift Card?” contest. Clients had to log onto the Terramé website or Facebook account and look for clues to find $100 gifts card hidden in the community. “Our social media efforts truly expanded our marketing reach into the community in a fun way,” Johnson continued.
Johnson’s work in the community isn’t limited to promoting his store. Service to the community has been an important part of Johnson’s plan for Terramé. This summer, the spa guaranteed a $10,000 donation to the neonatal intensive care unit at a local hospital. The store generated those dollars with sales of truffles that included a hidden golden ticket for assorted salon and spa services. The contest grand prize included $1,000 worth of services at Terramé.
Johnson serves the spa industry on task forces for the International Spa Association and the Day Spa Association. He also serves on several advisory committees within the community and on the board of directors for Randolph School.
Terramé was named Huntsville’s Top Salon by WZYP Radio, Huntsville’s Best Spa from the Huntsville Times Readers Poll and WHNT TV named Terramé the Best Spa in North Alabama in their viewers’ poll in 2009, an accomplishment Johnson credits to his 67 employees. “Our success begins and ends with our outstanding management team and our employees,” he said.
Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown said, “Michael Johnson is a retailer of the year EVERY year to his customers, employees and the Huntsville community!”
>> Full list of 2010 Retailers of the Year
>> Previous Retailers of the Year
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Media Contacts
Michael Johnson, Terramé Day Spa and Salon | 256.319.3003
Nancy Dennis, Alabama Retail Association | 334.263.5757 Ext. 101 | 800.239.5423
