Recently, I attended a new hire breakfast for our Redken employees which included a Q&A session. Even our new employees were asking insightful questions about what my role is in fighting diversion. I was also asked about what my favorite thing is about my job. I responded at the time about how I enjoy working on large strategic initiatives for the company and managing such a diverse and talented group of employees.
After this meeting, I reflected on my answer and began to think about my role within the salon industry and my commitment to our salon professionals and their customers. I was taken back to my first salaried job in the late 1960's where on my way home from work, I'd stop on King's Road to admire the work of a young hairdresser named Keith Wainwright who opened up a salon called Smile, the first unisex hair salon in London. (His salon still exists in Chelsea.) All of the London scenesters including Jagger and the Beatles went to Keith and I would watch his impressive skill creating some of the signature looks of many style icons of the day. A haircut with Keith cost almost as much as I made in a week so I never was able to sit in Keith's chair. Now, I'm lucky as part of my role at L'Oreal, I work with some of the greatest stylists and educators in the industry (who will sometimes cut my hair) and I think about the confidence and aspirations that these professionals inspire in their clients and students.
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Now Dave, it's all very well talking about flashy stylists in Chelsea, but do you remember Mick at Bex Danby in Felling (where The Don, Hoggy, Botwood and yours truly used to go for a 'new barnett')or Pino in High Street? In the days of dancing to 'The Husle' in Herrington!
Your old pal, Ned Kelly
Ned, I certainly remember those Northeast coiffures, particularly Pino who was a great stylist (all be it he was a little heavy on the hairspray!) But, you couldn't leave out the ‘barnett’ maker of all time Ray Hubbard. All those heads graced Anabelle’s for many years. I remember it with great affection.
In most markets, this may be true...but in Southern California products on retailers shelves are the same or often less than we retail them for in the salon. Our distributor here has a 10% markup on all Redken products. We pay more for our products than the prices listed on the Redken monthly deal sheets.
Frank,
In a free market, the prices that are charged are decided by the retailers. Our comments about pricing are founded from substantive research comparing the average selling price in unauthorized outlets with the average selling price in salons.
And, by the way, this point was picked up Good Morning America who had the exactly the same findings.
Cheers,
David
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