Days are getting shorter, and autumn is in full swing – but Westhoughton tanning fans can still get the glow at a former bank.
The Tan Bank opened on Saturday (October 26) at the site of the old Lloyd’s Bank.
Olivia Marriott, 25, co-owner of Tan Bank, said: “We have three lie-down beds and one stand-up one.
“They have MP3, Bluetooth and radio capability.
“And deliver red light therapy that deals with skin issues like rashes, acne or eczema.
“It’s not only a tan but a treatment for the skin.
“One bed, the megaSun K9S, has LED facial lamps.
"The face is hard to tan. It helps with that by an extra 10 per cent.
"And aromatherapy, aqua cool and air-conditioning."
Olivia, a mother of two, decided to open Tan Bank while she was working as an account executive at a print company.
She said: “I kept having to travel to Farnworth or the town centre just to tan.
“Opening my own shop seemed like a good idea.
“And I decided to quit my full-time job just to do it.
“It would mean people wouldn’t have to drive out of town to get to a sunbed.
“I've always been into tanning, even when I was younger.
“For my generation, it was the norm.
“The trend seemed to go quiet for a bit, but now everyone's back on sunbeds and business is booming.
“Even my mum was surprised that it became popular again.”
And Tan Bank is attracting a lot of interest.
Olivia said: “Since I put the business on social media, we’ve had over 1,000 followers on Facebook and almost that on Instagram.
“Over 70 people have signed up on our QR code interested in coming.
“People are messaging daily. It’s crazy.”
And it’s not only women.
She said: “A lot of men like tanning as well.
“So many have messaged asking us when we’ll be open. It surprised me.
“We’ve stocked creams with men’s or aftershave scents, but also unisex ones.
“And made sure there is something for everyone.”
The old Lloyd’s Bank will have multiple opportunities for beauty treatments.
Olivia said: “My business partner, Simon Jolley, owns the building and is renting out the other rooms in the bank."
Simon Jolley said: "There are plans for a medical aesthetics and weight loss clinic and a semi-permanent makeup shop."
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