August 2021 by Mel B.
Sally Beauty Supply has been a long-time staple in the Bristol Commons Plaza- & is quite possibly the longest-tenured store between both the Plaza and the Annex. It stays around because there's no competition & they serve a need in the community. I'm also pretty sure Sally (what I'll be referring to Sally Beauty Supply throughout the review) knows this, too. They've got bankers hours and are rarely open by the time I get out of work, making a Sally trip one that must be planned in advance, despite living less than 1/10 mile from the location.As for the store itself, it's nestled in the plaza, next to some empty store fronts, GNC, & Once Upon A Child. The parking is plentiful, but shared with all the plaza stores. Outside, it's purposely forgettable (due to no fault of their own), following the odd Olde English tudor style aesthetic of the plaza. Inside, unfortunately, is equally forgettable, and especially poorly lit. It's well lit by the front register- either through the sunlight in the day, or through lights at night, but it gets creepily dark as you navigate the aisles and head towards the rear of the store. In the daytime, I'm pretty sure the lights are off- as I can't even read the product labels in the aisles. The sunlight alone doesn't do enough of a job illuminating the store, and it definitely makes it feel unwelcoming- like I'm in a place I shouldn't be. The store itself is also equally forgettable and dated as the outside. It looks exactly as I remember from my childhood, 25 years ago.As for the product selection- it's certainly the most in-depth beauty supply selection of any store in Bristol & the surrounding towns (with exception of Plainville's ULTA). Don't come in expecting for bargains- you won't really find them here. You can get a year long membership card to pay lower prices on items, but the difference isn't consistent. Sometimes, it does make for a great deal, and sometimes, the price difference is nominal. Plus, the membership is NOT free.As for customer service, it's not the best. I usually go in there to grab items for my girlfriend or for my stylist friend when they need me to run an errand. Because I'm a guy, I'm immediately followed around as if I'm not to be trusted with the sacred beauty supplies, & they attempt to shop *for* me, which is something I really dislike. Overall, Sally serves a need. Their hours aren't convenient, their prices aren't affordable, the store is unwelcoming & dark, & the customer service makes me feel like I'm a child. I go there so I don't have to wait for products online, and because it's ridiculously close to home. So, if you need obscure or professional beauty supplies in a pinch, Sally gets the job done.