Congratulations! You’ve opened your studio; the teachers have been hired and classes are filling up! Now that you have your reception area all set up, and there is a flow of traffic several times a day, you realize you’re missing something…retail! What are the best things to sell in your yoga studio?
The top 17 things to sell in your yoga studio are mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, eye pillows, yoga gear, mala beads, incense, essential oils, mat cleaner, water bottles, snacks and of course MERCH! The intangible things to sell are gift certificates, packages, unlimited memberships and private sessions.
The waiting room of your studio is the perfect place for students to see, feel and touch the yoga products that may not be carried in the general stores like sporting goods or department stores. They can peruse more specialized items they may have only seen online. They will also feel-good knowing that when they buy their yoga gear from you, they are supporting your local business rather than an online mega store.
1. Mats
The first thing to stock is a yoga mat selection. There is a mat for every type of class and style of yoga, so offer a variety that meets the types of classes you offer. Also, when choosing a supplier, keep in mind that there are companies that hold a greener worldview. This vibe is in alignment with the yoga community, and as a studio owner or manager you can do your part to educate.
2. Blocks
There are only a few types of blocks to choose from and the foam ones are by far the most popular. They are lightweight and soft under the weight of the body. Have several pairs of these in stock, but also have a few of the more specialized types. There are different shapes, lengths and materials to choose from.
3. Straps
Straps can be of varying lengths and types of material. Offer for sale the same types of straps that you use in class and be sure to have some of the longest ones for sale for your taller students. In addition, offer some different kinds in a variety of colors.
4. Bolsters
Bolsters are a very important part of some yoga practices. For the student who wants to have bolsters in their home practice, being able to touch the fabric and feel the product is a huge selling point. Bolsters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so just like with the blocks and straps, carry what you have in class, but also a few more options.
5. Eye Pillows
The great thing about eye pillows is that they can also be used off of the mat. This gives the possibility of being purchased as a gift for someone else even if they don’t do yoga. Eye pillows can come in a variety of styles and sizes, so find your favorite and offer that. Or, have a variety on hand.
6. Mala Beads
Adding a mala bead selection will offer a product to your students that promise to deepen their yoga journey. Be sure and display the mala beads with a bit of education however because different mala beads are used for different mantras.
Having a mantra class or sending out an email to your student list would be a great way to increase demand for the malas that you sell in your shop or reception area.
Also, a set of mala beads is generally used for just one mantra, so each student may buy multiple malas over months or years.
7. Incense
Incense is another consumable product that your students can easily pick up when they’re in the studio for class. Choose a good quality incense that improves the quality of their home and they will always restock when they are passing through your waiting room.
8. Merchandise
Merchandising your logo has so many benefits. First, merchandise can build community. Your students may recognize each other in public even if they don’t go to the same classes because they see a sticker on a car or a logo on a sweatshirt. Second, there are obvious advertising benefits. And finally, when you offer your logo on top quality merchandise, you are cultivating a feeling of quality and appreciation in what you are building in your studio.
Take time to make sure that your merchandise reflects your brand well. If your merchandise is quality and stylish to the times, you are sending a message that your studio is well taken care of, and therefore, so are the students.
9. Essential Oils
As a yoga practitioner moves deeper into their practice, they will become more aware of the aids that help them to connect the mind and body. One of these tools is essential oils. Find a reputable seller of oils that you can consciously represent and ask them to partner with you to get you started. Make sure their package includes a tester.
In your display however, remind the customers if you have a policy in place which discourages use of strong smells in classes which is common in yoga spaces.
10. Mat Cleaner
Teachers are often asked “”what is the best way to clean my yoga mat?” This is a great opportunity for the teacher to be able to answer simply by way of a product. There are quite a few great homemade recipes for yoga mat cleaning, but sometimes people prefer purchasing a product.
11. Water Bottles
Your yoga studio undoubtedly offers water, and your students will most likely want to have water available by their mats. Have a nice selection of water bottles available in all sizes and price points. Be sure and have a few made with your logo, if not all!
12. Snacks
It will be common for your students to be heading off to work or a meeting right after class, so why not offer up a few yummy options to keep them fueled for the next couple of hours?
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13. Apparel
Besides the clothing with your logo, it’s also a great idea to have pieces of quality yoga apparel. Make sure you have tops and bottoms of all sizes, and make sure they are simple but of high quality. Some of these sales may be made by someone who doesn’t have the gear they need and will be buying clothes for the day’s class. You want the gear to be quality so that they’ll use it again.
Choose pieces that are tried and true in the yoga world, and make sure and have something for each price point. Also, have items that are a step above what your students may find in a department store. Keep it yoga specific. This is a yoga studio afterall!
14. Gift Certificates
Always make sure that your traffic knows that you have gift certificates available. Gift certificates can be used for classes, private sessions, memberships or retail. Set it up however you like, but be sure and promote more before Christmas. Wellness gift certificates are popular since Christmas is right before the New Year.
15. Packages
Packages are a great way for students to get a bit of a discount for classes when they’ve become regular. It’s a great way for you to thank them for their loyalty and also cleans up the check out process a bit.
16. Memberships
Similar to packages, a membership can make the check in process more seamless. With a membership, the student chooses a tier and is auto drafted at the same time each month.
17. Private Sessions
Have a protocol in place that advertises a teacher who offers private sessions. Make sure that the students can know about this option without the teacher having to bring it up in class. The last thing your students want is to be sold to after or during a yoga class.
A few more points about selling products…
- With each item, be sure and offer several price points so that you can accommodate each customer.
- Research your possible suppliers and see if their values line up with yours.
- Ask for feedback and recommendations from the teachers. This way they will be able to speak about the products before and after class if someone is interested in a product.
- Make sure the staff is educated about all of the products that you carry so they can give informed advice to a potential buyer.
- Your retail space is a GREAT way to strengthen your healthy living and local artist community. Maybe there are jewelry, candles or cards offered by local artisans that would accentuate your retail space. Also, consider buying your merch from a local business rather than online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A quick online search will show you several options for suppliers worth checking into. You may also want to consider partnering with a well-known brand and being a retailer for their items. Each supplier has different requirements, and you’ll need to apply or contact a person from the company to learn more.
Your retail space can be in any unused corner of your studio, or you can devote a whole room to a shop! It’s completely up to you. Once you decide where you want to have your retail, narrow down what you can carry based on the space and what will move. If your retail space really thrives, you can dedicate more space in the future.
Since juices and teas fall under the prepared food category, you’ll need to check with your local zoning laws before adding these offerings.
To learn more about starting your own Yoga Business check out my startup documents here.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Yoga Fan
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online yoga business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a yoga business owner in public at a studio or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Yoga Business Boss: I want to help future yoga business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.