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 | Bookmark +

Do you give preference to stocking your salon’s retail boutique with items that are made in the U.S.A. (or in your native country, if you aren’t in the U.S.)?

Answer

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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