Walmart is bolstering its relationship with beauty tech company Mayvenn to bring Mayvenn-branded Beauty Lounges to 400 Walmart locations across the U.S., expanding on the five existing locations already in place at Walmart stores in Texas.
Mayvenn is working to digitize the salon industry with a particular focus on independent stylists, many of whom are women of color. The Mayvenn platform enables stylists to earn money by selling beauty products online, and also features a services marketplace that lets customers easily discover and book with local stylists. The Mayvenn network currently includes more than 50,000 hair stylists nationwide. The company recently closed a $40 million Series C funding round, and the bulk of those funds will go toward the company’s expansion in Walmart.
Mayvenn Beauty Lounges in Walmart are both retail shopping experiences for buying hair extensions and wigs, and virtual booking centers where customers can digitally browse local Mayvenn network stylists and book salon services. The Beauty Lounges will be heavily augmented with technology and are designed to offer an elevated beauty shopping experience that is inclusive to women of color.
“Supporting diverse businesses is a priority for Walmart,” said Darryl Spinks, Senior Director of Walmart Services in a statement. “Innovative businesses like Mayvenn bring a fresh perspective to a segmented industry. They are making products and services more accessible while also giving other small business owners an opportunity to grow. We’re excited to offer this experience to the community while collaborating with Mayvenn as they grow.”
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