Beauty and glamour took centre stage at the grand opening of the new Woolworths Beauty store in Somerset West last Thursday (5 September).
The first-ever stand-alone store of its kind was unveiled with a glitzy affair at Waterstone Village shopping centre, offering a curated beauty shopping experience complete with a wide range of products and luxury skin and nail services.
Meagan Africa, head of Beauty operations and academy, welcomed special guests to the exclusive launch, inviting them to immerse themselves in the world of Woolworths and experience beauty like never before. “There is nothing better than coming into a space that lends itself not only to the aesthetics but also to the beauty of the store. The concept and design were meticulously thought through; every fixture and fitting was well chosen and curated,” she said.
Upon entry, guests are greeted by a massive screen displaying stunning visuals. The store features a beautiful concierge entrance showcasing private label fragrances. The space is designed to be calming, with a curtain projecting affirmations to remind visitors of self-care and self-love.
The store also boasts a hand-assembled tree created by a local non-profit organisation, emphasising sustainability and bringing nature into the beauty oasis. It offers various experiences, including a beauty room for treatments in partnership with Dermologica and nail services with Amazi, supporting unemployed women.
The staff, dressed in unique uniforms adorned with affirmations, are central to the store’s experience. They are knowledgeable, patient, and great listeners. The store also offers personalised experiences for special occasions like birthdays or small gatherings.
Julie Maggs, general manager for Beauty at Woolworths, expressed excitement about Woolworths’ first stand-alone beauty store, emphasising its significance in their journey to become the leading beauty destination in South Africa. She said the store aims to enhance the shopping experience by offering a dedicated space for beauty products, allowing customers to explore and indulge in a way that’s not possible in traditional settings.
“We understand that beauty is more than just a place or a product. It’s not just a lipstick or a foundation; it’s a personal journey for many people. Finding the right foundation is an expression of your individuality and part of a lifestyle,” she explained.
Maggs also noted the strategic location next to other Woolworths stores, including the food store, cellar, and cafe, making it convenient for shoppers to access the lifestyle destination.
Store manager Donna Theron emphasised that apart from creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy, the store aims to engage with the community through local partnerships, community initiatives, and beauty education workshops.
“We aim to create opportunities for beauty education and skills development, possibly through workshops or collaborations with local schools. Our goal is to be more than just a store; we want to be an active part of the community, giving back in meaningful ways. For example, we plan to support matric girls by teaching them how to do their makeup and emphasizing the importance of skincare. A masterclass is definitely on the cards for us,” said Theron, who celebrates 10 years with Woolies, having started as a cashier and climbed the retail ladder to manager.
