Asda to test nail bars in concept store

Asda has launched a nail bar as part of a move to increase its share of the health, beauty and wellbeing market, an area traditionally dominated by rival Boots.

The supermarket is testing a Nail Bar and health and Wellbeing Centre at its largest store, the newly opened Asda Wal-Mart Eastlands supercentre in Manchester.

The move is a first for Asda parent Wal-Mart, which has no nail bars in its US stores, even though the popularity of nail bars in the UK has gained impetus from the US.

If the trial is successful, Asda will roll out the concept to other stores. The nail bar, staffed by six Asda employees, offers a variety of treatments priced between &£3 and &£12.50. Shoppers can also treat themselves to a makeover from a full-time L’Oréal beautician, or pay for health checks, including diabetes and cholesterol tests. The 6,000 sq ft section of the store also contains Rimmel, Maybelline and L’Oréal products, as well as grey-market Clarins and Clinique beauty products.

Rival Boots has launched its own Wellbeing centre, and is also trialling Pure outlets, which stock an extensive range of cosmetics and offer massages, makeovers and waxing to customers. Elsewhere, the retailer offers shoppers health checks and dental and eye examinations.