Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 18, 2019

Contact: Denise Robert
Office 303-368-5208 / cell 303-570-7577

TallGrass Spa succeeds with private label CBDs Increases sales in crowded CBD market
Credits the right vendor and consistent education

In the early days of 2017, when the CBD phenomenon was just beginning to gain momentum, TallGrass Spa and Salon in Evergreen, Colorado, caught the wave by successfully introducing its private label line of CBD products, highlighting them among its well-established Aveda and Eminence body care and wellness offerings. The introduction of private label CBDs increased retail sales at TallGrass by 8% in 2018 and is on track to outdo that in 2019.

At the time, cannabidiol, known as CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabis plant derivative, was quickly becoming widely accepted in the wellness community where it was being used for conditions like pain relief, anti-inflammation, and anti-anxiety. And, it had already shown remarkable medicinal benefits in the health care arena for treatment of epileptic seizures and other medical conditions.

When TallGrass joined the evolving market, CBD-infused products had not yet arrived at the local drug store, the corner gas station, and even the veterinarian's office. But, the field was quickly becoming crowded and TallGrass's challenge was to navigate through the clutter and succeed.

"TallGrass's recipe for success with its CBD product launch is a great example of how to introduce a new product in a crowded, sometimes mis-understood field where competitors' products are seemingly everywhere and often of questionable quality," said TallGrass owner Gail Sharp.

TallGrass's Winning Strategy

TallGrass Spa Director Melissa Racklilff presented the winning strategy when she spoke at a CBD-themed conference sponsored by American Spa Magazine, held in Aurora, Colorado, in August.

"I encourage everyone to seek out the partner that is the right fit for your company, your vision, and your culture," offered Ms. Rackliff. "The right fit inspires team members, promotes guest buy-in, and fosters a partnership that can evolve and move you into the future." TallGrass opted to partner with Colorado's Ambary Gardens, a local producer of organic products, which uses sustainable growing methods, and has an interest in building long-term professional relationships.

"Now that you have a partner you want to work with," Ms. Racklilff continued, "the next step is to set up education for your team. And, our partner, Ambary Gardens was all over it!" Ambary Gardens speakers led open forum events called Lunch & Learn, gave tours of the growing facility, and made presentations at an all-staff meeting. Knowledge was shared, questions welcomed, and team members had access to the information they needed to be successful.

Ms. Rackliff was emphatic about maintaining a steady schedule of education events. "It is essential," she stressed, "to find that vendor who will provide consistent education and ensure that your team members have the right answers so they can make sales."

With partner support, an empowered team, and a quality product to put on the shelves, CBD sales at TallGrass have not only inspired staff and enhanced the wellbeing of guests but also represent a hugely successful new product launch of CBD-infused salves, soaking salts, sprays, tinctures, lip balms, bath bombs, and bottled water, with more products being added as they are developed. A salve called Cooling Rub became the top selling single product in both quantity and dollars in the first year and is a much-requested service add-on for guests seeking extra care during massages, facial, and nails services.

"Why did this work for us?" concludes Ms. Rackliff. "The right vendor and consistent education."

About TallGrass
Celebrating its 24th anniversary in 2019, TallGrass is a full service spa and salon offering massage, skin care, body, nail, and hair care services, along with catered lunches and boutique shopping. It is located in a peaceful mountain meadow beneath majestic Mt. Evans in the Colorado foothills about 45 minutes from downtown Denver.

For more information, please contact TallGrass at 303-670-4444, info@TallGrassSpa.com, or visit TallGrassSpa.com.