We told you about when Walgreens upped its ante on nails, and today we found out that pharmacy chain CVS is also striving to be a nail destination.

CVS/pharmacy today announced the launch of the new Nail HQ, special in-store kiosks that showcase the hottest nail trends and product innovation.  Available in more than 2,000 CVS/pharmacy locations starting this month, the Nail HQ provides “easy access to nail innovations, including drugstore firsts like at-home gel kits and on-trend shades from former salon-exclusive Essie,” according to a press release.

“With nail care sales booming, it’s clear that customers are looking to CVS/pharmacy to find the latest innovation that the category has to offer,” said Cheryl Mahoney, vice president of beauty for CVS/pharmacy, in the release.  “With the launch of the CVS/pharmacy Nail HQ, we are able to feature a wide variety of the best new nail trends and technologies that she can experience in our stores and then apply for herself at home — all with the added convenience of shopping at her local CVS/pharmacy.”

Nail HQ will include consumer gel products from SensatioNail and Sally Hansen. Nail HQ will also feature an array of new shade options and allow shoppers to view polish shades outside of the bottles through nail color strip displays.  The popular Nuance Salma Hayek line, a CVS/pharmacy exclusive brand developed in partnership with actress Salma Hayek, will be introducing the 32-sku Nail Lacquer collection. 

Nail brand Essie will also launch its newest collections at the Nail HQ every month.  “We are thrilled to partner with CVS/pharmacy on this amazing collaboration,” says Essie Weingarten, in the release. “It’s very exciting to see the nail category take its well-deserved center stage across the country.”

—Sree