Evolving Brands in the Changing Face of Retail
History
Tucked back near the corner of Utica Ridge and 53rd Street in Davenport is a boutique salon that has been wowing its guests for the past six years.
Owned and managed by Cameron Kepford and QC locals, Ramiro Corrales and Taylor Miller, Haus of Heir is an intimate salon that feels more like a New York Loft than a typical salon in the Quad Cities. Since opening in June of 2013, they’ve been able to grow and evolve their brand, even in the midst of the changing retail environment.
When they first opened in 2013, Haus of Heir had six salon chairs. A small, boutique salon where guests were number one was their targeted niche. After opening, their brand started growing fast, and in 2015, they decided it was time for an upgrade. Russell was engaged for an expansion to their salon, which added two more chairs, a break room and an office. Although, it was a small expansion in the scale of the building, it was a huge step in the continued evolution of their brand.
Changing Face of Retail
As with many modern brick and mortar businesses, Haus of Heir must be acutely aware of web-based competition. One might think that salons are immune to eCommerce, (because not many of us feel comfortable cutting or coloring our own hair) but that’s not always the case. For example, the use of at-home box hair coloring has been around for years. However, anyone can now go online and pick out a professional color and have it sent directly to their home to “do-it-yourself”.
So, how does Haus of Heir stay ahead of the curve with the changing face of retail? Owner, Cameron Kepford attributes their success to a key element – human connection. Haus of Heir is focused on providing guests a unique and attentive experience, paired with a high-level of integrity. That’s what keeps their beloved guests coming back.
“It’s also incredibly important to stay two steps ahead of changes and make sure you are changing and evolving in a way that you don’t lose sight of your brand,” states Kepford.
“Salons must take a multi-faceted approach to retailing to reach customers across multiple channels, and to keep the messaging going between salon visits.”1 Staying ahead also means embracing technology. By utilizing a rewards system and educating guests on products via the web, they are able to not only keep the messaging going between salon visits, but also continue to add value for their guests. They are careful never to let technology take over that important human connection that sets them a part, though.
Evolving Brand
Haus of Heir will soon open their doors in a new location at 4923 Utica Ridge Road in Davenport – just a short distance away from their old salon. The new salon isn’t growing in square footage, rather it’s growing in quality to enhance the human connection that sets them apart.
Guests will now experience improved parking and more natural light in the new salon space. Haus of Heir is also installing mirrors with remotes that change the temperature / light level based on the guest’s request. This helps guests determine how their new look will appear in various light levels – including at the office or in the salon chair. Even paying attention to what will be in the reflections from the mirrors was thought through.
“Russell was intimately involved in “finessing” every detail of the new space. Along with Geifman First Equity, the building owner, their teams respected Haus of Heir’s vision and made it happen,” says Kepford.
Along with bringing visions to reality, nothing is more satisfying than working with clients with similar customer relationship styles. Russell is acutely focused on the human connection, just as Haus of Heir is. We want our clients to know we’ve thought about every detail – big or small – that makes up their experience with us. At Russell, our clients are our number one priority. To learn more about Russell and how we can make your dreams a reality, please visit our website at www.russellco.com.
About Haus of Heir
An intimate salon whose name mimics its décor. When rustic meets elegance with exposed ceilings punctuated by a constellation of lighting… Whose waiting area, replete with royal navy-blue sofas paired with vintage hair tool centerpieces, feels more like a friend’s New York Loft than a typical salon in the Quad Cities. Each of the styling stations are serviced by custom-made furniture with hand crafted European materials. Brushed nickel illuminates the tin ceiling in the private shampooing area. Such distinctively regal accents sit in neat contrast to the raw concrete floors and reclaimed wood pieces. Guests are offered fresh desserts, a wide array of beverage choices served in glassware, and iPads subscribed to reads of your liking; a modern take on the ‘magazine’. Partnering with elite brands Kérastase, Shu Uemura, Oribe, V76, Smith & Cult, Ellis Faas, Kevyn Aucoin, and Wella colour. A new standard of excellence designed with the guest in mind. To learn more about Haus of Heir, please visit their website at: www.hauseofheir.com
Sources:
Soble, Stacey. Inventing the Future of Retail. 24 April 2019, www.salontoday.com/article/86279/inventing-the-future-of-retailing/. Accessed 30 May 2019.