SALON TODAY 200 Application Now Open with New Competition Category

The SALON TODAY 200 application for 2027 is now open, marking the 30th anniversary of the industry's landmark business competition.

As part of its anniversary celebration, the SALON TODAY 200 has introduced a new competition category focusing on talent recruitment and retention. This new category aims to address the industry's biggest management struggles, with nearly 80% of salon owners listing staff recruitment and retention as one of their biggest challenges.

The SALON TODAY 200 application process involves submitting essays that demonstrate a salon's best practices in various categories. The competition is open to salons, spas, and barbershops in North America, and the deadline for submission is October 31, 2027.

The application process includes two essay categories: the "Successes and Challenges Essay" and the "Best Practices Essay". The "Successes and Challenges Essay" requires applicants to list three things that drove their growth and fueled their success, as well as the unique challenges they are facing and the changes they are making to tackle those challenges.

The "Best Practices Essay" requires applicants to review the 10 different best practices and pick one in which their salon excels. This section will be judged strictly on the strength of the essay, and applicants are encouraged to add something additional to make their essay stand out.

Applicants are advised to focus on the quality and uniqueness of their ideas, rather than grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The essays should provide data that supports the claims made, and applicants are encouraged to use bullet points or small headers to organize their ideas.

The SALON TODAY 200 has a long history of celebrating the most successful salons, spas, and barbershops in North America, and the competition continues to be a valuable resource for the industry. By entering the SALON TODAY 200, applicants can gain recognition for their business, learn from other industry professionals, and gain access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.

To access the application, please visit the SALON TODAY website. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please reach out to Stacey Soble or Nicole Johnson at stacey.soble@bobit.com or nicole.johnson@bobit.com.

### SALON TODAY 200 Application Categories

| Category | Description | | --- | --- | | Growth | Salons that have demonstrated significant growth in gross sales | | Talent Recruitment and Retention | Salons that have excelled in attracting and retaining top talent | | Salon Culture | Salons that have created a positive and productive work environment | | Compensation and Benefits | Salons that have implemented competitive compensation and benefits packages | | Employee Education | Salons that have invested in employee education and training | | Client Retention | Salons that have implemented successful client retention strategies | | Marketing and Advertising | Salons that have effectively marketed and advertised their services | | Operations and Management | Salons that have implemented efficient operations and management systems | | Financial Management | Salons that have effectively managed their finances | | Technology and Innovation | Salons that have implemented innovative technology solutions |

### Tips for Completing the SALON TODAY 200 Application

* Focus on the quality and uniqueness of your ideas * Use data to support your claims * Organize your ideas using bullet points or small headers * Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from other industry professionals * Take the opportunity to brainstorm with your team or clients to identify areas where your salon excels

By following these tips and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of being recognized as one of the most successful salons, spas, or barbershops in North America.