Elegance and Class on the Internet
Owner
Very rarely do you encounter a business that truly encompasses every detail necessary to provide the best in service and care to clients. Sahar’s Continental Shops in West Des Moines, IA, has accomplished this beautifully. With two salon and spa locations, cosmetic medical services and an onsite upscale fashion boutique, Sahar’s is redefining what it means to take a multifaceted approach to client service.
Owner Sahar Al-Shash opened the first location in 1999 and by 2005 was ready to expand her empire’s presence online. Initially intrigued by TeleVox’s marketing materials, she ultimately chose the company to help take Sahar’s online after reviewing the extensive portfolio of website designs. “When I went to the website to view the samples, I was very impressed with the quality and design,” says Al-Shash.
Sahar’s objective for the website was to create an online interactive experience for current and potential clients. It was important that the website reflect the elegance and class that Sahar’s has become known for. Al-Shash found that the TeleVox design team was well-equipped to translate her business’s personality into a website. In fact, Sahar selected the original design concept as presented by TeleVox’s graphics and design team. “TeleVox is easy to work with and the design artists are remarkable,” says Al-Shash.
Clearly, the design collaboration between TeleVox and Sahar’s Continental Shops has paid off. Al-Shash receives many compliments on the site’s ease of navigation, as well as the overall design and content. The website has become a reference source and wealth of useful information for clients. With interactivity in mind, the team designed the site to include a virtual tour of the facilities, a professionally produced promotional video and video clips of related news stories featuring Sahar’s. All of this interactivity means that visitors can experience the salon and spa before they walk through the doors, a feature that Al-Shash appreciates.
Even after taking the site live in 2005, enhancements still continue. In fact, the Sahar’s team continually updates content and images and occasionally adds new pages. With an ever-evolving business it was important to Sahar that the website company she chose be able to accommodate a dynamic site. Fortunately, updates and changes to websites can be made for no additional fee as part of TeleVox’s hosting services, an important benefit to many business owners who expect their website to grow with their business. From product changes to a continuous stream of monthly specials and offers, the TeleVox design team has kept the Sahar’s website up-to-the minute. As Sahar explains, the nature of the business demands regular, time-sensitive changes to the website and TeleVox has proven to be “creative and easy to work with.”
One area of the business that has expanded since implementing the website is eCommerce. Sahar’s currently offers the ability for customers to purchase gift cards and gift certificates through the website and have them automatically mailed to the recipient. This feature has become so popular with the clientele that gift certificate sales have increased 20% by offering this convenient feature. According to Al-Shash, clients love this aspect of the website and are looking forward to being able to purchase items from the Sahar’s luxury boutique online as well. Plans are under way to add an online component of the Fashion Gallery in the near future.
Currently, the Sahar’s Continental Shops website averages between 100 and 150 hits each day. And Al-Shash is certain that it has also helped to generate new clientele. “Potential clients can tour our facility, find out what specials we have going on month to month, buy a gift certificate and make an appointment, all from the comfort of their home,” she enthuses.
Overall, Sahar Al-Shash feels that adding a website has taken her business to the next level and set it apart from the competition. “Our website reflects the experience of Sahar’s and all that we offer. When you pass through our doors, you will leave the world behind,” says Al-Shash. “The website reflects this mood. There is a wealth of visual and informational content for the many facets of our business.”
When asked if she has any advice for spa and salon owners who are considering taking their business online, Al-Shash quickly says “Don’t waste another minute. Call TeleVox today!”