For local glam enthusiasts, a new beauty supply store is bringing a wider selection of makeup and hair products to Athens. Glamor-Us, on 79 E State St., offers skincare, makeup, perfume, haircare and more.
Glamor-Us hosted a soft launch Oct. 3, offering an accessible outlet for Athens locals and Ohio University students to purchase beauty products. The store’s walls are decorated with products and pink accents, transforming the previous hair salon into a beauty oasis.
Sara Kraus, a freshman studying political science pre-law, said she believes the new beauty spot will be helpful for multiple Bobcats.
“As a busy student … it’s hard to prioritize self-care, and going out of your way to get products can be a struggle,” Kraus said. “The accessibility means a lot, and it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Kraus said that in comparison to stores such as CVS, Glamor-Us is more accessible and provides more options to students. Brands including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, L.A. Girl, L.A. Colors, Burt’s Bees and Moira Beauty are found on the shelves.
“I think it’s really great that there’s more accessible options other than CVS and Walmart,” Kraus said. “It’s also a locally owned business, which makes it super sweet to support the smaller businesses.”
Although CVS on Court Street is a quick trip from campus, students and locals may save money shopping at Glamor-Us. Glamor-Us false nail packs range between $5.99 and $9.99, with multiple CVS nail packs starting at $10.49.
Trish Peck, store manager, also said Glamor-Us sells Victoria’s Secret perfumes for $45, but they normally start at $80.
Peck became manager after a conversation with the owner, Ez Eldeen, who owns Smoker’s World Tobacco & Vape on East State Street. Eldeen asked Peck if a beauty store was something Athens would welcome.
“(We) have no beauty stuff anywhere, so I said, ‘Why not?'” Peck said. “He said, ‘Can you manage it for me?’ So here I am.”
Peck said that Glamor-Us’ mission is to provide more accessible beauty supplies.
“We try to keep it where kids can afford the beauty products,” Peck said. “ … So we hope to make it very affordable for the people who live nearby.”
Eldeen, a New York City native, said he first explored Athens one year ago. He said prioritizing students and Athens community members was the first thing on his mind when creating the beauty supply store.
“I know a lot of students from the smoke shop, and a lot of them don’t drive,” Eldeen said. “They always rely on somebody to drive them … so it was more about convenience for students, to be honest.”
Students have responded positively to the store’s opening, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses.
“Stuff is really expensive, and we are all college students,” Kraus said. “I feel like (having) accessibility to products that make you feel good about yourself and give you confidence is really important.”
As Glamor-Us continues to grow and stock the shelves, its mission remains simple: to provide Athens residents with the self-care they deserve.
“We are right here,” Peck said. “They (locals) don’t have to go clear down to Walmart (and) fight traffic when it’s right here.”
