Local nail salon set to open in Hy-vee stores
W Nail Bar to partner with supermarket chain
The Des Moines, Iowa-based supermarket chain Hy-vee is partnering with Columbus-based W Nail Bar to open salons in some stores over the course of the year.
“Through our partnership with The W Nail Bar, we are revolutionizing the way customers shop in our stores by bringing engaging, experiential and convenient services to our customers,” Randy Edeker, Hy-vee chairman and CEO, said in a news release.
W Nail Bar was founded in Columbus by sisters Laura Hunter and Manda Mason and offers manicures, pedicures, nail art, waxing and tinting.
“We are excited to collaborate with Hy-vee to bring our own twist to the grocery space, offering safe, all-natural nail and beauty services and products to Hyvee customers,” Hunter said in a release. The salon has a similar partner
ship with the Columbus-based DSW chain of shoe stores.
Tina Potthoff, a spokesperson for Hy-vee, said the in-store W Nail Bars will follow the same safety protocols used in the chain’s other salons, including ensuring cleanliness and operating at half capacity to ensure safe social distance.
Last year, Hy-vee announced it was planning a flagship store in Iowa that would feature a nail salon, a DSW store and a food hall.
It also has partnered with actor Mark Wahlberg’s Wahlburger chain to open its restaurants in stores that formerly had Hy-vee Grill dine-in locations.
Diversified offerings are a trend across the supermarket industry, which has seen growing competition in recent years from general discount retailers like Walmart and Target and wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club.
For example, Cincinnati-based Kroger, the nation’s largest supermarket chain, offers jewelry stores, furniture and electronics, among other products, in many of its largest locations.