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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe response we’ve had to the Benefit boutique has been amazing,” said Nikki.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Such is the demand for \u2018quick\u2019 treatments that can be fitted in to hectic schedules, 47-year-old, Nikki even said that more jobs could be on the horizon.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlready we\u2019ve taken on three new members of staff, but who knows, we could take on even more, we\u2019ve been so busy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never could\u2019ve imagined we\u2019d 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\u2019ve had has been fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n
James Loxdale, Manager of Debenhams in the Quadrant Centre, said: \u201cIt\u2019s a fantastic addition to the range of goods and services we can offer to our customers and it\u2019s great for Swansea to chalk up another first for Wales.<\/p>\n
\u201cNikki has a great team here and they provide a fantastic service\u00a0.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d added Nikki.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have some great offers on our cosmetic range which complement our new services.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having worked for Debenhams for two decades, Nikki, from Clydach, has seen the Benefit brand boom over the years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She gained her NVQ in beauty and make-up management and admits she has a \u201creal passion\u201d for her job.<\/p>\n
She was there to witness the birth of Debenhams’ second Benefit counter in Wales eleven years ago and has not looked back since.<\/p>\n
“It’s funny thinking back to when there were just two of us on the counter – now there are 14 and it\u2019s all hands on deck.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrow and beauty treatments are in fashion and it’s nice to see that Benefit is not all about make-up.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very exciting to be a part of its evolution and I am proud to say we have Wales\u2019s very first Benefit boutique here in Swansea.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ian Kirkpatrick, Manager of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said: \u201cSwansea is certainly a happening place and we\u2019re proud that the Quadrant is at the heart of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cDebenhams is such a key store and it is very much at the hub of Swansea\u2019s whole retail centre and this is a wonderful new service that they are offering.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Benefit boutique is open until 6pm each night apart from Thursday when it closes at 7pm.<\/p>\n