In February 2017 the sales team was informed of a new partnership with the Salon Centric professional beauty store chain, after two months of rumors but no explanation. The message was that the brand was being "tested" in one store in CA and quickly became two. The uproar in the room was significant and the concern from the team was settled with a message that NO SALON CENTRIC Sales Representatives (aka street people) would have the ability to represent or sell Dermalogica in any way.
Fast forward to March 23, 2017 a corporate letter from US General Manager is sent out to all Dermalogica accounts and the team explaining the new partnership but NOW almost every store would carry the brand by Monday March 27th. It's quite astounding that a large brand as Dermalogica could roll-out a launch of this size in over 500 stores so quickly after the February announcement. It is clear this was already a done deal and there was no transparency to the sales team. Again, NO mention of any sales directly from Salon Centric sales reps, ONLY through their bricks and mortar stores and online.
Now in early April Salon Centric store managers, sales representatives and upper management are soliciting Dermalogica accounts for business and offering the support of a Salon Centric sales rep to now sell the brand in upcoming months. This is happening in many parts of the country and as this industry is small and very connected, there are many Dermalogica employees feeling betrayed, lied to and completely unmotivated to give any more of themselves to this brand.
It is clear that greed for more revenue is a factor here-why not have hundreds of "Street Reps" selling your brand from their bags of tricks than the 70+ dedicated Consultants you pay salaries to?! This will be the end of this once respected, professionally recommended brand. Welcome to the world of mass market retail.
The excuse that the Professional Skin Therapist market is declining is unacceptable. Dermalogica created that monster when they sold into big box chain stores years ago and the many other national accounts they have given all their attention to. What did you think would happen to the mom and pop salons and spas? They simply cannot compete. A vicious cycle they have created and now a web of lies.
I have to wonder if the founders feel this still empowers women? 90% of the Dermalogica sales team are women. I guess we don't matter anymore.
