Amazon unveils online beauty store for a very select group

Amazon is targeting professional stylists, barbers and aestheticians with its newest beauty site.

The online giant on Monday launched the Amazon Professional Beauty Store, which features top professional-use products in the new store from brands such as Wella Color Charm, Rusk and OPI Professional along with  beauty supplies typically found in salons and spas. The new professional-use selection requires a license to purchase products, such as state-issued cosmetology, barber, or esthetician licenses.

“We are pleased to offer those in the professional beauty industry even more selection through the convenient shopping experience our customers love on Amazon Business,” Kann, director of customer driven experience, Amazon Business, said in a blog post. “Stylists can find more of what they need at great prices with convenient delivery options, freeing up their time to focus on what's important: their customers.”

Many professional stylists work independently and purchase a variety of beauty products specific to their customer needs, often traveling to multiple cosmetology stores, according to Amazon. Stores may be owned by major brands and thus have few competing products, with no price comparison.     

“Amazon Business can address these stylist pain-points with its large number of selling partners and fast, convenient delivery directly to their business, the company said. "Stylists can now find almost everything they need to run their business in a single store, including selection from professional-use brands, low prices, and fast, free shipping in one to two days on eligible orders with Business Prime."