Slim up institute upbeat on beauty-market growth

Despite the economic woes, people are still concerned about their health and appearance and Slim Up has announced plans to open three or four more branches this year, as part of its target to win a market share of 15-20 per cent.

Slim Up executive manager Songsamorn Panich said the centre planned to focus on a "moving" strategy promoting its "treatment is reflected in a short time" concept, which encourages women to be more concerned about their health and body shape while meeting their demand for quick results.

It plans to arrange a series of marketing events, the first of which - "I Could Never Be This Age" - will take place today.

Slim Up has signed celebrities and entertainers to act as presenters to reach both female and male customers aged 30 years and up, and people weighing more than 100 kilograms.

The centre has 20,000 members, including middle-aged men to "metrosexuals".

Songsamorn does not expect competition to be any more intense than in the first half of the year. Competitors tend to use the same marketing strategy of engaging trendy people as brand presenters and starting price wars by offering discounts or free trials.