WTS International's chief operating officer, Alfredo Carvajal led the project, working hand in hand with the partners to develop the concept. Carvajal says "We saw an opportunity for our spas to grow sales, while giving great customer service and approached Coola and Living Earth Crafts with the concept for the cart."

WTS International's vice president of spa, Susie Hammer, says: "Working with Coola and Living Earth Crafts to create the Cart was a great experience, we envisioned it as a classy way to take the spa poolside and drive retail sales."

Melissa Mao, vice president of sales for Coola said the company was keen to partner with WTS: "The purpose of this venture was to extend the luxury services of the spa to the outdoors in a distinctive, attractive and mobile way, to drive sales," she said, "We find ourselves in a unique position with suncare, as it's the one product that can help prevent visible signs of ageing and skin cancer. The Coola Cart will, therefore, also promote awareness of these issues and increase the use of suncare products." The SPF products available from the Cart include creams for the face, body, and lips in lotion and spray form, as well as soothing after-sun treatments.

The Cart is constructed from weather-resistant teak laminate, with premium medical grade wheels for smooth running. It has an easy-access locking storage compartment to keep products secure, a product stability tray for stable mobility and presentation, a UV protective, Coola-branded umbrella and a cart cover for storage and weatherproofing. WTS also suggested the addition of an insulated freezer compartment for iced towels and chilled sunscreens.

"Initially we thought the Cart would just stay poolside," Mao continued, "however, given the creativity of our customers and hospitality partners, it has been used in various ways and brought out to golf courses, garden parties, beachfront, outdoor dining areas and even used in-room - making the possibilities for additional revenue generation virtually limitless."

WTS has launched the Cart at several of its locations in California and Florida, and Hammer adds "We've not only increased the spa's exposure to pool guests, but we've also increased retail sales and performed some fun summertime services."

The Spa at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, which is managed by WTS, has piloted the Coola Cart. Director of spa operations, Becky Leuluai, describes its success, saying: "Our retail sales of Coola products have grown five-fold since we introduced the Coola Cart by the pool. It has expanded our retail space and added a great amenity for guests. We offer a chilled lavender spritz with iced towels to guests who purchase Coola products."

The Sea Spa at Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa has also seen a significant increase in its retail revenue from Coola product sales, just a month after introducing the Coola Cart, according to Jennifer Linder, director of spa operations for the property.

Linder says: "The Cart has allowed us to engage with hotel guests at the pool and promote the spa by having a spa representative at the pool. This amazing, 'hands-on' marketing approach permits us to speak about our spa services and retail offerings in a manner that's welcomed by guests."

Along with suncare products, The Sea Spa also retails hats and sandals, and offers mini poolside services such as Coola sunscreen applications and Moroccan oil hair treatments. Linder says: "We also offer chair massages, so guests can enjoy a taste of Sea Spa without having to leave the comfort of their lounge chairs."

Jim Chenevey, CEO of Living Earth Crafts believes the collaboration has been a great success: "WTS are leading, innovative spa operators, so [they] are great to work with, while Coola is a very hot brand in the US. Its line of natural skincare is extremely good for us to be associated with."

Carvajal says: "Powerful retail sales differentiate a good spa from a great one when it comes to financial performance, and the Coola Cart is enabling spa properties to significantly increase their retail performance.

"In addition, we believe spas need to be more entrepreneurial in getting in front of hotel guests and tempting them through the door, and the Coola Cart - with its on-trend branding - gives spas the opportunity to do just that, by supporting sophisticated sampling programmes which are proving to be highly effective marketing tools," he concluded.

ENDS

Press contact:
Mary Pilch
[email protected]
+1 301 622 7800, ext 105
WTSinternational.com

Editor's notes - social media connections

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Editor's notes - photography

Caption for attached photo: The Coola Cart increase spa retail sales by taking products to the customer.

More images are available. To order, please contact Mary Pilch at WTS International on +1 301 622 7800, ext 105, or email [email protected]


About WTS International:

WTS International is the world's leading consulting and management firm for spas, fitness and leisure facilities. For over 40 years, WTS has provided feasibility studies, design, pre-opening and daily management services for spas and leisure facilities worldwide.

The company's portfolio of clients includes numerous hotels and resorts, residential developments, private clubs and real estate developments. Its approach is unique in the industry - from the development of innovative spa concepts, branding and design to effective facility operations.

WTS maximises revenue and net operating income for clients, while creating a memorable experience for guests, members and/or residents.

Website: www.WTSInternational.com


About Coola:

COOLA offers high performance suncare products that are both delicate and luxurious enough to complement anyone's daily skincare regimen.

The company leads the way in the suncare industry, producing limited quantity batches of products from its base in San Diego. Coola reformulates its products often, taking advantage of developments in sun science and striving to make every customer a satisfied one.

COOLA products are made with up to 97 per cent certified organic ingredients, sourced with a Farm to Face® philosophy. Formulated with Plant Protection® and plant phyto-protectors, COOLA sunscreens contain up to 85 per cent fewer actives than competitors and are designed to protect and nourish the skin with vitamins and age-defying antioxidants, while remaining free of parabens, paba, petroleum and phthalates.

The company is an advocate of both research and education and donates to the Melanoma Research Alliance and Healthy Child Healthy World.

Each Coola line is formulated with different active ingredients. The company offers unique products, such as the award-winning Mineral Baby SPF 50 and best-selling Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber. The Environmental Repair Plus® line (ER+) is certified by Ecocert, and was designed as a pre+post sun skincare collection.

Website: www.coolasuncare.com


About Living Earth Crafts and Earthlite Inc:

Since its founding in 1973, Living Earth Crafts (LEC) - part of Earthlite Inc - has been the leader in spa treatment table innovation.

LEC's design and engineering team brought the industry the first spa treatment table, the first hydraulic lift table, the patented Cloud 9 multi-purpose table, the breakthrough Caress adaptable face cradle, Quietech sound dampening technology, SO Sound Resonance Therapy and the Nuage's ultra-smooth Electra-glide Actuators.

The company manufactures the highest quality salon and spa equipment for some of the most exclusive spas and resorts in the world. Products are made with eco-friendly materials and offer outstanding value.

Spa supplies and equipments from LEC offer many great benefits. Resorts and spas choose LEC as their provider because - in addition to offering comfort and a luxurious feel - they make sure everything is made from the finest materials and has undergone rigorous, high quality assurance checks.

LEC is always striving to be the leader in offering versatile and quality equipments. For this to happen, the company is committed to delivering the products that are expected by clients. To ensure quality, each product is accompanied by a warranty.

Website: www.livingearthcrafts.com