BEAUTY buffs can make the most of “body servicing” on the go now that Wales’ first Benefit boutique has opened with the creation of several new jobs.
Swifter than a salon, the cosmetic chain’s latest addition has gone down a storm in the Debenhams department store in Swansea’s Quadrant Centre.
With no appointment necessary, working women can call in on their lunch breaks or after their shifts for treatments including spray tans, body waxing or make-up tutorials.
Leading the 14-strong team is business account manager Nikki Adams who hailed the boutique’s success after its launch just a few weeks ago.
“The response we’ve had to the Benefit boutique has been amazing,” said Nikki.
“We already have an extremely popular brow bar, which was hailed number one for Benefit in the UK, so it was inevitable that the boutique would do well too.
“The fantastic thing about it is that people with busy lives can just pop in for treatments and not have to wait a long time for appointments, which is often the case in beauty salons. This is a lot more convenient and accessible for women on the go.”
Such is the demand for ‘quick’ treatments that can be fitted in to hectic schedules, 47-year-old, Nikki even said that more jobs could be on the horizon.
“Already we’ve taken on three new members of staff, but who knows, we could take on even more, we’ve been so busy.
“I never could’ve imagined we’d be as busy as we have been in such a short space of time too. We offer something a little bit more friendly and casual, the feedback we’ve had has been fantastic.”
James Loxdale, Manager of Debenhams in the Quadrant Centre, said: “It’s a fantastic addition to the range of goods and services we can offer to our customers and it’s great for Swansea to chalk up another first for Wales.
“Nikki has a great team here and they provide a fantastic service .”
The boutique boasts its own Fake Bake spray tanning booth, body waxing area as well as a bespoke room where 90-minute make-up tutorials can be carried out for parties of women, including brides-to-be.
“It’s great because it means we can use it as a beauty school room to give ladies a masterclass on how to apply make up for their wedding day, hen parties, or whatever the occasion,” added Nikki.
“We have some great offers on our cosmetic range which complement our new services.”
Having worked for Debenhams for two decades, Nikki, from Clydach, has seen the Benefit brand boom over the years.
Starting off as a Christmas temp, she quickly earned herself a permanent contract, soon working her way up to assistant manager of menswear before moving over to cosmetics.
She gained her NVQ in beauty and make-up management and admits she has a “real passion” for her job.
She was there to witness the birth of Debenhams’ second Benefit counter in Wales eleven years ago and has not looked back since.
“It’s funny thinking back to when there were just two of us on the counter – now there are 14 and it’s all hands on deck.
“Brow and beauty treatments are in fashion and it’s nice to see that Benefit is not all about make-up.
“It’s very exciting to be a part of its evolution and I am proud to say we have Wales’s very first Benefit boutique here in Swansea.”
Ian Kirkpatrick, Manager of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said: “Swansea is certainly a happening place and we’re proud that the Quadrant is at the heart of that.
“Debenhams is such a key store and it is very much at the hub of Swansea’s whole retail centre and this is a wonderful new service that they are offering.”
The Benefit boutique is open until 6pm each night apart from Thursday when it closes at 7pm.