ISA Recalls 2007 Consumer Studies

Citing Statistical and Analytical Errors

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. October 14, 2008

LEXINGTON, KY, November 5, 2007. The International SPA Association Monday issued a recall of its 2007 Global Consumer Studies conducted by a major outside research firm, citing a number of statistical and analytical errors associated with the research. This recall includes all information contained in the ISPA 2007 Global Consumer Report; the ISPA 2007 Asia-Pacific Consumer Report; and the Spa & Institut Beyond Beauty Paris 2007 European Consumer Report, done in partnership with ITEC France. The recall includes copies of the reports and/or speeches, PowerPoint presentations and press releases that included information from the studies.

"We value our members and the relationships we have forged with them over the years," said ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees. "Our members and the media trust ISPA and the quality research we deliver. This cannot be compromised. That's why we have terminated our relationship with the research firm and are issuing this recall in conjunction with our sincere regret for the errors in the research. We also want to offer our personal pledge to issue a refund to everyone who purchased this information. Our intention is to immediately begin working on a more comprehensive Global Report."

McNees stressed that only the 2007 Global Consumer Report data and analysis were being recalled, not any of the data collected in prior years and none of the data included in the 2007 ISPA Spa Industry Study, which is being released at the ISPA Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15. "We have the utmost confidence in our previous research, which was conducted by different firms, and stand by it," said McNees.

All of the data and analysis in the 2007 Global Consumer Studies are being recalled and will not be used as benchmarks in future research. In order for all of the recalled data and analysis to be eliminated from usage immediately, please make note of some of the incorrect data which has been used most frequently:

The number of active spa-goers worldwide.

The primary reasons for visiting spas worldwide.

The most popular spa treatments worldwide.

Copies of the 2007 Asia-Pacific Consumer Report were distributed in China in June. Portions of the 2007 Global Consumer Report were released during the ISPA Media Event in New York City on August 9. The Spa & Institut Beyond Beauty Paris 2007 European Consumer Report was released in October during the Beyond Beauty Show in Paris.

Refunds

Those who purchased the European Report or pre-ordered the Global Report through ITEC may contact ITEC for a refund at infos@beyondbeautyparis.com and + 33 1 44 69 95 69.

If you pre-ordered a copy of the complete Global Consumer Study through ISPA, your credit card will be refunded.