E-Commerce Giant Launches Pro-Only Online Store
On Monday, June 24, 2019, Amazon launched its beauty store just for licensed beauty professionals. The e-commerce goliath announced the Amazon Professional Beauty Store to offer hairstylists, colorists, barbers, and estheticians beauty supplies typically sold in salons and spas. The pro-only store requires a cosmetology, barber, or esthetician license to purchase products.
"We're pleased to offer those in the professional beauty industry even more selection through the convenient shopping experience our customers love on Amazon Business," said Amazon Business Director of Customer-Driven Experience Steve Kann, in recent a blog post.
Shares of both Ulta Beauty and Sally Beauty sank following the news. Sally Beauty's stock plunged over 16% on top of an earlier 20% tumble amid disappointing earnings. Ulta fell 2.6% after the announcement but has otherwise enjoyed a strong year with an almost 40% rise for 2019.
