Business

Reader to Reader: Do you give preference to stocking your salon's retail boutique with items that are made in the U.S.A.?

September 10, 2012

No, but we should! That would be so difficult though. I once made it my New Year’s resolution to not buy anything made in China. Well, needless to say, I saved a lot of money because every time I went to the store (for anything really) all the tags said the items were made elsewhere. I think America makes great quality items, but we import so much that American-made items are difficult to find. I only made it to April before giving up.
Erica Danforth
Bling Salon, Hayden, Idaho

I stock my salon with handmade products. I think local, not just U.S., is the way to go depending on what retail you would like to carry.
Lauren Scales
Graffiti Nail Bar, Memphis, Tenn.

I use and offer products that are as local as possible. I believe in supporting my community and, in doing so, I am able to make sure they are of the highest quality because I get to know the creator and where they get the ingredients to make their products.
Karri Patton
Studio Karri L., Seattle

I stock what I use and what sells. I selected companies that I have faith in and whose products are high-quality. That being said, I haven’t looked into where they are made.
Sara Cole
Parisian Nails of Sequim, Sequim, Wash.

I buy handmade products and make jewelry myself.
Danielle Stirling
She Walks in Beauty, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I definitely give preference to products made in the U.S. In fact, starting last fall all of the new products that I bring in are made in the U.S. Our country has a wealth of talent, and I love supporting other small businesses and artists. My clients appreciate the thought I put into my boutique, so we can all feel good about where our money is going.
Candice Everest
Panache Nail Studio, Stanwood, Wash.

I like to stock my area with products that my clients need, regardless of where they are made. I would not mind paying more for products if I knew they would help clients’ nails.
Laura Gentile
Salon 117 & Essence Day Spa,
Arlington Heights, Ill.

I don’t have a retail area in my current salon yet. But I buy American-made (and even local if I can) for the products I use in my services. I like knowing where my products come from. And if I know the actual person, that’s even better!
Amy Murphy
New Image Salon, Arcadia, La.

Illustration by Yuiko Sugino

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