Hue rings true

Hue, a specialist colour salon that doesn’t do “do’s” – just colour, arrived on the scene two years ago and has quickly expanded to four stores across Auckland, telling one of the most successful retail stories in recent times.

The creation of Hue was really down to one woman’s quest to find a more affordable way to colour her hair offering better quality than doing it herself at home. There wasn’t a readily available solution at her fingertips, so this ingenious and motivated Kiwi solved her own problem.

Jenny Aitken, one of the three owners, has been thrilled that she was not alone in her mission. “We have been inundated with over 30,000 customers since our very first store opened 24 months ago. Ironically, they come from both ends of the market – people who have been forking out a lot and were unable to justify the spend in this tighter economic climate and those who wanted better quality than they could give themselves. What’s more we have been astounded by the quality colourists wanting to join Hue.”

Aitken continues, “Hue has doubled in size each year and plans to continue that growth into 2011 as well as opening the first Hue in Europe. Our long-term goal is to open 100 stores. The immediate impact of our quick growth is we are hearing how we are changing the category as competitors are forced to offer more value and reveal previously hidden costs - a win win for everyone.”

The business offers professional hair colouring in an upmarket environment and suppliers have immediately recognised the success of the new model. Craig Sheppard, Country Manager of Schwarzkopf Professional says, "Hue offers a new and innovative approach to the Hairdressing industry and is a major key account for our business - using 8-10 times what an average NZ salon would use in colour each year! Hue has established itself as a leading brand within the Hairdressing Industry - without any doubt!

And there’s more good news. Hue has recently been announced as a finalist in the 2010 Top Shop Awards (online category) for its user-friendly site that offers practical information as well as providing an online booking system.

Two years in and the accolades are appearing while the customer base continues to grow faster than the roots! Hue is permanent – not semi and definitely not a wash out.

www.hue.co.nz

Store Locations:
HUE Mt Eden, 12 Normanby Rd, ph 09 623 4310
HUE Ponsonby, 100 Franklin Rd, ph 09 360 9559
HUE Balmoral, 239 Balmoral Rd, ph 09 846 2255
HUE Takapuna, 2 Killarney Street, ph 09 488 7015