Desert Sun, a Washington based indoor tanning salon chain, has announced expansion plans to open 50 locations across the United States in 2007 and is seeking franchise owners to pursue this entrepreneurial opportunity. Desert Sun expansion furthers its new focus for development on the west coast, specifically Washington, California, Oregon and Arizona.

“The West Coast is primed and ready for Desert Sun through local franchise ownership,” said Bareq Peshtaz, Vice President of Franchise Sales. “Our track record in markets with similar demographics combined with the dramatic growth and acceptance of indoor tanning makes Desert Sun Tanning Salons a lucrative business venture for entrepreneurs who are interested in developing our concept throughout the West Coast.”

The West Coast development announcement is part of a national expansion plan to amplify the Desert Sun brand in larger metropolitan areas across the country as well as markets where Desert Sun has an existing presence.

In addition to creating a business ownership opportunity for a local entrepreneur, each new Desert Sun location will contribute to that market’s economy by creating new jobs and providing area residents with the best in full service tanning and product offerings. The franchise fee to operate a Desert Sun is $50,000.00 with an initial investment of $333,300 - $622,500.

“We continue to have incredible success at each of our locations and are excited to be expanding in the West Coast. Demographic research has shown that consumers will return time and time again to enjoy the up-scale tanning salon experience people have grown to expect from Desert Sun,” said Peshtaz.

Desert Sun Tanning Salons is a subsidiary of Palm Beach Tan Inc. Desert Sun is one of the fastest growing tanning chains in America and one of the fastest growing private businesses in the Northwest.

Desert Sun is currently concentrating its efforts on attracting quality franchise partners who want to invest in a leading tanning salon brand with a solid operating system and strong corporate support structure. With both Desert Sun’s and Palm Beach Tan’s proven economic models, experienced franchise partners are attracted to the business venture.

“Prospective franchise owners for Desert Sun should have the capacity to create and manage an organization that effectively recruits, retains, trains and motivates people,” Peshtaz said. “We want to be the leader in up-scale tanning by creating a high degree of customer loyalty that sets us apart from our competition in the marketplace.”

About Desert Sun Tanning Salons
Founded in 2001, Desert Sun operates 65 franchise locations, with an additional 25 salons currently in development throughout the west coast. Desert Sun offers a full selection of indoor tanning services, which includes four different varieties of tanning beds, Mystic Tan, sunless tanning creams and other skin care products. Salons are designed to create a warm, inviting environment for its customers.