Locksdown! Appeal to customers as 150 Kilkenny salons reopen doors

More than 150 local hairdressers and beauty salons are reopening their doors to this week – and business is reportedly booming already as some of the lockdown public enjoys their first proper haircut for months.

And businesses are urging people to contact them if they need to cancel their appointment as there are long local waiting lists of people eager to get their first chop in almost six months.

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) today called on customers who cannot attend their appointments to inform the hair or beauty business they booked with and cancel their appointments as early as possible.

In 2020 no-shows had a hugely negative impact on the industry, with data recorded by HIBIC revealing up to €519,000 in revenue was lost every day as a result of clients failing to show up for appointments.

HABIC CEO Margaret O’Rourke Doherty said: “We are delighted that the long wait for our members is finally over with hair and beauty salons opening their doors for appointments.

“As the first few weeks will be hectic, we would like to thank customers for their support and patience.

“We would also strongly encourage customers to support us against the potential of no shows. If they are unable to attend their appointment for any reason, it is essential that they cancel or reschedule their appointment, as the impact of clients not arriving for appointments is very damaging for businesses.

“It means other customers cannot be accommodated, thus causing a massive loss in sales at a point when salons are already struggling, ” Ms O’Rourke Doherty added.

Customers attending appointments in Kilkenny are reminded to follow all guidelines in place including social distancing, wearing of facemasks and washing of hands.