Cancer worries hurt tanning bed biz

Published 10:22 pm Friday, September 17, 2010

Growing concerns about skin cancer and curtailed discretionary spending are burning the $2.7 billion tanning salon industry, which one research firm expects will decline by 5.1 percent this year. But a shift from tanning beds to tanning sprays may be a bright spot.

The rising popularity of spray-on tanners, which now account for 11 percent of industry revenue, is expected to surge to 17 percent this year, according to market research firm IBISWorld Inc.

“By far, ray-lamp skin tanning is the No. 1 revenue source for tanning salons at 72 percent, but growing awareness of the high cancer risk associated with their use continues to diminish market share,” said George Van Horn, senior analyst with IBISWorld.

Ultraviolet bed sessions cost from $5 to $7, so the industry relies on a high turnover of clients.

Associated Press