Palm Beach Tan is preparing to open its Hancock Center location with a focus that extends beyond tanning. The store will introduce residents to red light therapy and create an approachable place where they can take a few minutes out of their day to relax, recharge and focus on themselves.
“This seems like an underserved area for [wellness opportunities], which are available in [most other areas] of Austin,” regional sales manager Jax Smith said. “It used to have older, more established neighborhoods, and now there are a lot of young people moving here, and apartments and new restaurants are opening.”
The store is expected to open in mid-November 2026, with a grand opening celebration to follow, featuring promotions for new and existing customers.
What red light therapy devices will Palm Beach Tan offer, and how do they work?
The new location will feature three primary medical-grade red light experiences, including a LightStim device, the Beauty Shaper with VibraShape and the R11 Air, a lay-down red light bed. This variety allows customers to choose an experience based on their wellness goals, whether they are interested in skin care, recovery, mobility or simply taking time to relax.
The LightStim combines LED red and infrared light with a massage chair for a session that can last up to 20 minutes. The movable, three-panel device can be positioned over the face or other areas of the body, such as the stomach, knees, shoulders and more. Customers use it for goals ranging from skin care and the appearance of scars to pain relief and recovery.
The Beauty Shaper offers a different experience, surrounding customers with 360-degree red light while they stand on a VibraShape platform. The platform runs for 10 minutes, using small vibrational movements that Smith said support circulation, muscle flexibility and recovery while engaging stabilizing muscles. Customers also use the combination of red light and vibration for skin-related goals, including the appearance of cellulite, crepey skin and full-body acne.
“The VibraShape program is equivalent to 30 minutes of low impact exercise, so for people that are either starting to work out, had an injury or an accident, or are less mobile, it can be an entry level piece of equipment that can help them get more mobile, so they can exercise,” Smith said. “On the flip side, it’s great for people that are very athletic because that microcirculation kicks up and it helps with muscle recovery, so all in all, it’s great for anybody.”
Additionally, the R11 Air, which is a medical-grade lay-down red light bed, will give customers another option for a full-body experience. Customers lie down with red light surrounding them for a session of up to 20 minutes, and different settings can tailor the experience toward goals such as anti-aging, pain relief, metabolism or energy.
The bed also incorporates infrared light, which Smith said customers cannot see but can provide additional benefits like circulation, recovery and pain relief. The lay-down bed is also intended to create a relaxing environment, where customers can listen to music and use features such as fans, misters and a wireless charger.
With weekday hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., customers can fit sessions into their schedules before work, after dropping children off at school, during lunch or in the evening. Sessions can also be shortened from their full length when needed.
What does it mean for red light therapy devices to be medical-grade?
The company wants customers to understand that not all products marketed as red light therapy provide the same benefits. Palm Beach Tan’s medical-grade devices are FDA-approved, meaning they can make specific health claims.
“You can make health claims as far as [the therapies] helping with hair growth, metabolism, acne, eczema, psoriasis, uneven skin tone, anti-aging and more,” Smith said.
What can customers expect from the grand opening?
Palm Beach Tan plans to celebrate the new location with promotions for both new and existing customers at the grand opening event.
The first 100 customers to sign up will receive 50% off purchases made that day, including their initial membership purchase and products. Future recurring membership charges will return to the regular price. The location also plans to hold a raffle for existing members with the chance to win up to a year of free tanning.
Customers can find additional savings through Palm Beach Tan’s app. Anyone who downloads it receives $10 in store credit, regardless of whether they are already a member, and customers can earn another $10 in store credit each time they refer a new customer.
How does Palm Beach Tan hope to connect with the community?
Although Palm Beach Tan is a national brand, Smith emphasized that its area locations are locally owned franchises. The business works to support its surrounding communities through donations, school and teacher appreciation efforts, wellness events and other partnerships.
Palm Beach Tan has also donated used towels to Austin Pets Alive! and participated in events with the University of Texas where students came to the store and tried services for free.
Ultimately, with these partnerships and the store’s wellness services, Palm Beach Tan hopes to serve the community in everything it does.
Those interested in learning more can find resources here:
Frequently asked questionsWhat is red light therapy, and what can it be used for?
Red light therapy uses red and infrared light to support a variety of wellness goals, including skin care, pain relief, muscle recovery, circulation, relaxation and more.
What red light therapy options will Palm Beach Tan’s Hancock Center location offer?
The Hancock Center location will offer three medical-grade red light experiences: the LightStim device, Beauty Shaper with VibraShape and R11 Air lay-down bed. Sessions range from about 12 to 20 minutes and offer different experiences, from targeted red light treatments to 360-degree, full-body sessions.
When will Palm Beach Tan’s Hancock Center location open, and what promotions will be available?
The store is expected to open in mid-November. The first 100 customers to sign up during the grand opening will receive 50% off purchases made that day, including their initial membership purchase and products. Existing members will also have a chance to win up to a year of free tanning through a raffle.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller of Community Impact’s Storytelling team, with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.