The holidays are the busiest and often the most rewarding time of year for businesses in the wellness space. For Hand & Stone franchise owners, this season is a chance to welcome new guests, grow memberships, and tap into national retail moments like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the introduction of Back Friday, a holiday Hand & Stone created in 2025 to champion rest and recovery for the people who carry the season on their backs.
As shoppers shift toward giving meaningful, wellness-focused experiences, spa franchise opportunities with a strong holiday strategy naturally rise to the top. And when it comes to spa franchise holiday revenue, Hand & Stone’s model stands out for its ability to turn seasonal demand into long-term growth.
The Engine Behind Spa Franchise Holiday Revenue
Each holiday season, gift card sales surge across the Hand & Stone franchise system. Massage, skincare services, and esthetics-based experiences are some of the most universally appreciated gifts, especially during a hectic time of year.
According to the 2024 FDD, more than 502 locations sold over $162 million in gift cards, with some spas reaching $793,640 in gift card revenue alone. The average spa saw $162,823 in sales, and the median landed at $148,039, making gift cards one of the most reliable drivers of spa franchise holiday revenue systemwide.
Those numbers represent seasonal earnings and signal an opportunity to introduce hundreds of new guests to the brand.
How Holiday Guests Become Long-Term Members
Gift card visits naturally open the door to conversations about membership, especially when guests experience relief or relaxation they didn’t know they needed. Many spend beyond the card’s value, adding enhancements, upgrading services, or purchasing retail. And because they’re visiting during such a stressful time, the emotional impact often leads to repeat visits.
This is also when guests discover the brand’s esthetics offerings. Hand & Stone’s leadership in skincare services gives franchisees a powerful advantage within the spa franchise category and adds even more depth to holiday-driven business.
Sometimes, those simple moments of relaxation spark something bigger: an early connection that turns into long-term loyalty and, in rare cases, even inspires guests to explore Hand & Stone franchise ownership themselves.
A Holiday That Reinforces the Power of Wellness
In 2025, Hand & Stone launched Back Friday, celebrated one week after Black Friday. It quickly became a nationwide story thanks to its relatable message: the people who make the holidays magical are often the most exhausted.
Survey data revealed:
- Nearly half of Americans (49%) say the week after Black Friday is more stressful than an average week.
- 63% say moms carry the holiday season most on their backs.
- 34% would prefer a massage over any material gift.
The campaign resonated emotionally and economically. The accompanying holiday gift card promotion, a $50 promotional card with any $150+ purchase, drove strong traffic and supported spa franchise holiday revenue across the country. In-spa activations also gave franchisees a fresh way to connect with their communities and welcome new guests at the perfect time of year.
Ready to Explore the Hand & Stone Franchise Opportunity?
For entrepreneurs exploring spa franchise opportunities, the holiday season is a strong indicator of year-round potential.
If you want to join a brand with strong membership economics and an increasingly powerful presence during the holidays, fill out our inquiry form to get started!
