NEWPORT NEWS-A new soap shop has opened in Newport News.
Buff City Soap opened its first location in Hampton Roads on May 5 next to Lane Bryant in The Courtyard Shops at Jefferson Commons in Newport News in the space where Philip Michael Fashion for Men was previously located.
First Established in 2013 in Memphis, TN, Buff City Soap “makery” has more than 250 franchise stores nationwide. The handmade soap and skincare chain has five other locations in Virginia within the cities of Richmond, Roanoke, and Lynchburg.
Frustrated by the harsh chemicals, detergents, and animal fats found in commercial soaps, Buff City Soaps set out to create a healthy alternative with its scented plant-based soaps that are handmade daily in their soap makeries.
“The exciting thing about our brand is that we are plant-based with all of our products,” said Brittany Vick, chief marketing officer with Buff City Soaps. “We offer a lot more than just soaps. We also make bath bombs, body butter, shower oils, facial products, laundry soap, and more.”
Buff City Soaps has more than 30 signature scents ranging from floral to and fruity.
“You can customize any product in the store with any of our fragrances,” said Vick. “If you find a scent you absolutely love, you could scent your laundry soap, soap bar, shower oil, and customize everything with that scent family.”
Customers have the opportunity of watching the shop associates create products on the spot.
“We call our stores makeries, similar to bakeries, because customers get the chance to see exactly how products are being made and the ingredients going in them,” said Vick. “I think that’s extremely important to a lot of people, knowing what they’re putting on their skin and products that are used.”
Customers who have sensitive skin have options as well.
“It helps that our products are plant-based, and we have some that are free of fragrance and dye for those who have extremely sensitive skin,” said Vick. “Our oatmeal and honey product line is very gentle and calming to the skin. We’ve found a lot of people with skin issues gravitate toward that.”
Vick said that the store will soon offer event opportunities for people looking to plan get-togethers with a creative theme.
“We’re excited to roll out a new event concept soon where people can build and customize their own events,” said Vick. The shop will soon offer its unique setting for birthday and gender-reveal parties, corporate team-building occasions, and other special events.
Buff City Soaps will celebrate its official grand opening from 2pm to 4pm, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:30pm, on Friday, June 24. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event and asks that those interested in attending register on its website.
The shop is celebrating its opening by offering storewide sales, specials, and giveaways Friday, June 24, through Sunday, June 26. Over the three-day grand-opening weekend, customers can look forward to receiving 20 percent off entire purchases or 30 percent off entire purchases over $100. The store will be offering a buy-one get-one half off its laundry soap. The first 50 people to enter the store each day over the grand-opening weekend will win free soap for a year.
Buff City Soap is located at 12551 Jefferson Ave., Suite 155 in Newport News. Hours of operation are 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sunday. For more information, call 757-586-3786 or visit its website or Facebook page.