With a strong team, long-standing client relationships and investment in education at the heart of its success.
Published:Rainbow Room International’s Buchanan Street salon in Glasgow has surpassed £1 million in annual revenue, marking a record-breaking milestone for the flagship salon following continued growth during the last financial year.
The salon is one of 11 within the Rainbow Room International group and was the brand’s first Glasgow location, opening in 1979. Now celebrating 47 years of success, Buchanan Street has played a significant role in the development of the RRI brand and the careers of many of its team members.
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Among them are RRI Directors Riccardo Corvi and Laura Leigh Kerr, who both began their careers at Buchanan Street before progressing through the RRI ranks under the mentorship of owners Alan and Linda Stewart.
Wil and Shannon Fleeson took over Buchanan Street as franchisees in 2008, with Wil having previously worked at RRI’s Great Western Road salon and Shannon at the Clarkston salon. Wil also spent a decade as RRI Creative Director, working on projects across the UK and internationally, educating both internally and internationally and contributing to the Artistic Team.
Today, the salon’s established team is central to its success. Every stylist is fully employed and trained through RRI’s in-house academy, while clearly defined roles across the business help ensure the salon operates efficiently day to day.
Shannon oversees areas including accounts, stock control, education and the flow of the day, supported by Operations Director Talia, who has been part of the salon for more than 15 years.
For Wil and Shannon, providing their team with security, structure and clear opportunities for career progression is a priority. At the same time, they have built flexibility into the business, with a number of stylists working part-time while balancing their careers with family life.
The approach has delivered impressive results. Part-time stylists Joy McQuillian and Pamela Wallace each work 2.5 days a week while generating more than £125,000 in net revenue. Two Buchanan Street stylists are also among RRI’s highest earners and have the group’s highest client retention rate.
Client loyalty has also been a major contributor to the salon’s growth.
During the last financial year, Buchanan Street welcomed more than 10,000 client visits and delivered 4,500 colour applications. Several members of the team have been with the salon for more than 30 years, creating continuity and long-standing relationships with clients.
The salon has also expanded its offering with the addition of a dedicated trichology suite.
Wil Fleeson is Director of Trichology Scotland and Root Cause Clinical and became a Registered Consultant Trichologist after identifying an increasing demand from clients seeking advice around hair loss and thinning hair.
His clinic within the Buchanan Street salon enables clients to access more specialised scalp care and hair loss solutions in a dedicated and empathetic environment.
The wider Rainbow Room International brand has also played an important role in the salon’s development. RRI is Scotland’s largest salon group and has received recognition for its business performance, colour work and education, alongside its Artistic Team.
Company owners Alan and Linda Stewart were awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to hairdressing.
The RRI Artistic Team continues to showcase the group’s expertise in cutting, colour and styling internationally, with its creative work appearing in magazine publications around the world and in salon windows.
For Buchanan Street, the £1 million milestone represents more than financial growth. As RRI’s flagship salon, it reflects decades of investment in people, education and client relationships.
“Reaching more than £1 million in revenue during the last financial year is something we’re incredibly proud of, but for us it’s about much more than the number. It’s a reflection of the incredible team we’ve built, the loyalty of our clients, and the systems and education that Rainbow Room International has invested in over many years.”
He added that creating a salon where team members can build long and successful careers while delivering an exceptional client experience has always been a priority.
“This milestone shows what’s possible when everyone is working towards the same goal.”
Follow @rainbowroomint on Instagram for the brand’s latest news and inspiration.
Understand more about Trichology with our article: How to Approach Hair Loss with a Client.
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