5 minute read
IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
Rodney Wayne salons and Shampoo ’n’ Things stores work together to benefit both franchisees and customers
Rodney Wayne is one of New Zealand’s most recognised names, with an award-winning legacy of cutting-edge hairstyling and a thriving network of franchisees, many of whom operate both their own salons and retail outlets under the Shampoo ’n’ Things brand – ‘Two revenue streams in one franchise,’ says Gaye McLaren.
Gaye first saw what great opportunities the franchise provided when she was working as a hairdresser in a Rodney Wayne salon. ‘I decided I wanted to own my own, so I spoke to Rodney, and he agreed that becoming a franchisee was a great next step and promised to let me know when one came up.’
Over 12 years later, Gaye owns the current Rodney Wayne Salon of the Year in Auckland’s Sylvia Park, along with its associated Shampoo ’n’ Things store, and finds plenty of time to enjoy the lifestyle her fulfilling and profitable business has provided.
An extra edge
‘What I love about this industry is that it’s all about people,’ Gaye says. ‘Every day I learn something new, whether it’s from my team, visiting brand reps or our clients. Shampoo ’n’ Things definitely adds value: a salon is a busy environment with lots of people getting their hair services, and often lots of movement. Having Shampoo ’n’ Things in a separate space makes it a different customer experience, with room to stock a wider range of professional products.
‘We’ll often have clients that have specific concerns about their hair and scalp care. They want quality products and expert advice about what might work for them. In the store, we have time to focus on their needs and it’s comfortable for them to have those conversations. And because all our retail team are trained by experts from the brands themselves, they really get to know what they’re advising.’
The partnership between Rodney Wayne salons and Shampoo ’n’ Things stores also gives franchisees the tools and resources to give them a vital edge in a competitive market. Gaye explains, ‘There are some major salon-only brands that won’t supply to shops – you have to be a professional hairdresser to stock them – so having a retail store within the salon or close by is an integral benefit of the Rodney Wayne franchise.’
As well as enabling customers to access all their product needs in one place, the retail side provides franchisees with a convenient way to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and product innovations. Franchisees also benefit from bulk purchasing and exclusive deals, which reduces operational costs and maximises profitability.
Learning from the best
‘The support and training that Rodney Wayne provides spans both the retail and salon sides of the business,’ says marketing manager Rose Hibbert. ‘We have rewards programmes to build customer loyalty, and national marketing campaigns. Franchisees get access to promotional materials, seasonal campaigns and product launches, as well as having the freedom to develop their own local promotions.
‘We’re in the fashion business, so being part of a brand that provides the resources and training for both franchisees and their staff to keep up is invaluable – from product knowledge to advanced hairstyling techniques.’
How far will you go?
Gaye says that there are lots of opportunities for staff to grow within the brand just as she did, and Rose agrees. ‘My first job was hairdressing, but I had to make a change for health reasons. I tried other things, but I kept wanting to do something with hair, even if I couldn’t cut it myself!’
She became an assistant in a Shampoo ’n’ Things store and says the franchisee gave her endless opportunities, leading to her role with the brand now. ‘I learned about pricing and how we can help people achieve the hair they’re looking for, as well as computer systems, merchandising, managing budgets and how to create marketing emails – all building blocks for the things I do now.
‘Rodney has always believed in helping people reach their true potential, and those values run right through the company. My own journey started with one franchisee believing I was capable, and giving me the opportunities to learn from there. I still pinch myself sometimes at where I’ve ended up – it’s pretty incredible!’
Now, every month Rose leads the induction welcoming new people into the Rodney Wayne family. ‘It’s my favourite thing to do: meeting new team members who are a lot like I was at 18 and sharing my story to inspire them. It’s a real reminder of how far I’ve come with the company, how this business can affect people’s lives – and I love seeing how excited they are to be here.’ And Gaye, too, loves to share her journey from hairdresser to business owner.
According to Julie Evans, the franchise’s CEO, many of the franchisees around the country had no salon experience before joining Rodney Wayne. ‘What they had was an eye for business, the ability to lead and develop a strong team culture, and a willingness to learn.
‘That’s still true today so if you’re interested in owning your future, contact our franchise team to find out more. As Gaye and Rose can both tell you, it can be the start of a whole new life.’
Advertiser Info
Rodney Wayne
Contact franchising@rodneywayne.co.nz
