All over the country, Planet Beach tanning spas are popping up and offering people an affordable way to catch some rays without exposing themselves to the harsh effects of the sun.

But the Planet Beach company is attracting more than just customers. The chain has become one of the fastest-growing tanning salons in the country, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. Based on the company's online franchising brochure, Planet Beach has enjoyed an average 60-percent growth rate each year. A franchise opens every four days.

The company has already established two beachheads in Brentwood - on Balfour Road and Lone Tree Way. "Planet Beach has been franchising now for about 11 years and the model is proven and it works," said area representative Kevin Nunes. "Nine out of 10 Planet Beaches succeed, whereas in most businesses, eight out of 10 fail."

What sets the company apart is its use of health club style memberships and Contempo Spa technology. Customers can purchase a membership at one Planet Beach and use facilities at any franchise nationwide. The Contempo Spa technology, which the company dubs its "unique selling point," offers customers a way to treat their skin in a private room without the help of an attendant.

"What the Contempo Spa has done has made us the first to market it," Nunes said. "That's really big. Anytime you're the first to market in any situation, you're always going to be the leader."

According to Nunes, the company is looking to open up more franchises in East Contra Costa County due to its steadily growing population. "There's the brand recognition and a system is already in place," Nunes said of the benefits of owning a franchise.

"The support is ongoing. There's initial training prior to opening and there's ongoing training as well as continued support through the corporate office."

Planet Beach also enjoys the benefits of exclusivity. Most of the lotions and other tanning supplies sold in the store are made by Planet Beach and are sold nowhere else.

Nunes said he requires a minimum population of 30,000 to build a Planet Beach and favors proximity to an even bigger city. The company is looking to build around other popular places of business, such as coffee shops and other high-traffic areas. Entrepreneur Magazine's Planet Beach profile lists the startup investment costs for a franchise to be as low as $198,000, one of the more affordable tanning salons listed.

For more information about owning a Planet Beach, visit www.planetbeach.com.

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