A case study by Gaz Métro
Article published on Gaz Métro website: gazmetro.com
U Salon Boutique
After their former premises were engulfed in flames, associates at U Salon Boutique rose from the ashes with a new brand image, a reimagined customer experience and more efficient energy choices.
A brand new image
Many businesses are decimated by fire, but when Tristan Charbonneau, François Charbonneau and Yanick Brisebois lost their beauty salon in 2014, it was more of a crystallizing experience. After making-do in borrowed space for a few months, they joined forces to create a whole new kind of salon in Saint-Bruno.
“We changed our name and our logo and created an integrated experience that tends to every aspect of our clients’ visit,” said Tristan Charbonneau. The new salon includes a shop, a café and a spa—all under the umbrella of the letter “U” to symbolize unity and uniqueness.
U Salon Boutique received $4,700 in grants.
U Salon Boutique saved 30% compared to using electricity.
Space, hot water and dry towels
With 40 employees and 800 clients a week all moving through a 2,400 square-foot area, U Salon Boutique had no choice but to opt for natural gas. “Our gas consumption costs less than oil or electricity and the equipment takes up less space… and that’s a good thing because we pay per square foot!” said Tristan Charbonneau.
Sylvain Lamy, a Gaz Métro Authorized Partner, installed a water hot heater, a furnace and two dryers in the salon with the support of a $4,700 grant. Now U Salon Boutique has become more effective and more economical. “Hot water flows and towels dry twice as fast. Those are two big advantages for a hair salon,” Charbonneau concludes.
“Our competitors are probably pulling out their hair without natural gas.”
– Tristan Charbonneau, associate, U Salon Boutique
