Opening a nail salon in Camberwell, VIC: Market & Competitor Analysis (2026)

Eleven nail salons currently operate in Camberwell. That's roughly one salon per 1,930 residents, which indicates moderate density. In practical terms, a new entrant would share the market with established operators rather than entering an undersaturated area, but the market isn't saturated either.

The data supports opening here. The market opportunity score is 89/100, the strongest signal. The overall strategique score is 63/100—a solid middle-ground verdict. The effective density sits at 29/100, meaning the existing 11 salons aren't tightly clustered. The catch: you'd compete against established, well-reviewed firms in a reasonably crowded field.

Three firms dominate: Hers Luxe Camberwell (4.9 stars, 97 reviews), Tokyo Nails (4.7 stars, 605 reviews), and Coco Nails Camberwell (4.6 stars, 112 reviews). Tokyo Nails has built substantial review volume. The overall competitor strength index is 46/100—moderate rather than overwhelming, but the top three have solid ratings and customer traction.

Camberwell's population is 21,232 with weekly household income averaging $2,472. This is an upper-middle-income area with spending capacity, suggesting customers can support premium pricing. The household income level indicates a market willing to spend on personal services rather than budget-focused segments.

First, audit the 11 existing salons—location, pricing, services offered, and customer reviews—to find gaps. Second, identify underserved postcodes or service gaps (e.g., late-night hours or specialised treatments). Third, secure a site outside the tight clusters where effective density is highest, where you'll face less direct overlap.