2025 BS Customer Satisfaction Report What 2026 BS Stores Must Do to Win Loyalty, Wallet Share, and Trust?z

2025 BS Customer Satisfaction Report

What 2026 BS Stores Must Do to Win Loyalty,
Wallet Share, and Trust?

Beauty Supply stores sit at the intersection of necessity and aspiration, serving millions of consumers who rely on them for daily haircare, makeup, and self-expression. But as competitive pressures increase—from big-box retailers to social-led commerce—BS stores can no longer rely on convenience alone. The latest 2025 customer satisfaction findings reveal a pivotal moment: shoppers still love their Beauty Supply stores, but they are becoming more vocal, more selective, and far more demanding. As we enter 2026, the question is no longer whether BS stores will evolve—it’s how quickly they can adapt to a new era of value, service, and digital expectations.

 

 

SETCION 1 — THE NEW REALITY OF BS SHOPPERS
A Strong Year — But Shoppers Expect More in 2026
Do you think your BS experience was better this year than last year?

The 2025 Beauty Supply (BS) Customer Satisfaction Survey reveals an encouraging trend: 85.5% of shoppers say their BS experience improved compared to last year. They credit this largely to better product variety, improved inventory availability, and an increase in new product offerings.

1) What BS Shoppers bought in 2025?

 Haircare (76%), makeup (56%), nail (51%), and accessories (47%) are their most frequently purchased categories. Beauty Supply stores are still the heart of everyday beauty routines—especially for haircare, protective styles, and high-frequency categories like nails, lashes, and accessories.

 1)   Why Shoppers Visit BS Stores — The Top Drivers

Consumers ranked their primary motivations clearly:

  1. Wide product variety (rank #1)
  2. Affordable prices (rank #2)
  3. New product exploration (rank #3)

This reinforces the BS store’s competitive advantage: curation and discovery. Shoppers rely on BS stores not only for staples but also for inspiration, trends, and niche products that may not appear in big-box retail. But success in 2026 will require elevating the experience as much as the assortment.

 Product quality satisfaction
How satisfied are you with the quality of products you typically buy at BS stores?

 

BS customers generally showed a high level of satisfaction(52.1%) with product quality. Across all categories, they felt that product quality remained consistent with last year. Notably, in haircare, skincare, and makeup, many perceived improvements compared to the previous year. This indicates that the quality of chemical products sold in BS stores continues to advance year over year.

Category Worse Same Improved
Lash products 3.8% 53.8% 42.5%
Nail products 3.8% 51.3% 45.0%
Haircare 7.5% 38.8% 53.8%
Wigs/Weaves/Extensions 7.5% 56.3% 36.3%
Hair tools 7.5% 51.3% 41.3%
Men’s grooming 2.5% 72.5% 25.0%
Skincare 5.0% 43.8% 51.3%
Make up 5.0% 41.3% 53.8%
Apparel 8.8% 60.0% 31.3%
Accessories 3.8% 52.5% 43.8%
Total 5.5% 52.1% 42.4%

 

 Helpful product information format

Customers preferred hands-on formats—such as samples/testers—as the most helpful type of shopping information. This was followed by product information cards, before-and-after photos, demo videos, and staff recommendations.

 Pricing perception

When customers described their positive experiences at BS stores, the most frequently mentioned words were “staff” and “hair.” This indicates that knowledgeable and friendly employees significantly enhance the shopping experience. It also shows that, more than in any other category, customers rely heavily on store staff when trying to purchase products that match their specific hair needs and conditions.

 Positive Experiences

In contrast, the most frequently mentioned disappointment when shopping at BS stores was ‘product out-of-stock’ issues. For customers who rely on BS stores due to their convenience and local accessibility, not being able to purchase the product they want—when they want it—became a major point of frustration.

This was followed by experiences where the ‘store layout felt cluttered or overwhelming’, making it difficult to locate desired items. Additionally, ‘high prices’ were mentioned several times as another source of dissatisfaction.

 

 

 

 SECTION 2 — THE FUTURE OF BS STORES
What Customers Say Will Define Successful Stores Next Year

Based on this year’s survey results, BS customers made it clear what they expect to see from stores in 2026. Above all, shoppers are looking for a more experiential and convenient beauty retail environment—one that allows them to discover new products with confidence and ease.

Which areas should BS stores improve the most?

First, the strongest demand was for more product samples and testing options. Customers want the ability to try products before purchasing, and this need has grown across all major categories. Following this, shoppers emphasized the importance of reasonable pricing and better promotions, reflecting a growing desire for affordability amid rising everyday expenses.

Another key area was inventory consistency. Many customers expressed frustration when their preferred items were out of stock, especially since BS stores are valued for their accessibility and quick convenience. Ensuring that staple and trending products remain reliably available will be essential in 2026.

Customers also want BS stores to accelerate new product releases and respond more quickly to beauty trends. As beauty cycles speed up—particularly in haircare, skincare, and nails—shoppers now expect BS stores to mirror the pace of online beauty culture. Additionally, more customers are seeking online ordering and pickup options, signaling a broader shift toward hybrid shopping and the need for stronger omnichannel capabilities.

What types of products would you like to see more in BS stores?

When asked what types of products they want to see more of, customers highlighted clean beauty skincare, premium haircare for damaged hair, and new innovations in makeup, nails, and lashes. These insights reflect an appetite for both elevated product quality and trend-driven experimentation. Interest in wig and extension innovations remained strong as well, reinforcing the category’s ongoing relevance.

In short, BS customers are looking for a 2026 shopping experience that blends hands-on product discovery, fair pricing, consistent stock, trend-driven assortments, and online convenience. Stores that can evolve in these areas will be best positioned to strengthen customer loyalty and drive growth in the year ahead.

 

 

 

 CONCLUSION: The 2026 Blueprint for Beauty Supply Success

Based on the 2025 data, the winning BS stores in 2026 will:

Strengthen pricing transparency and promotional value
Ensure consistent inventory across top-selling categories
Increase sampling, testers, and product education
Train staff regularly to improve knowledge & customer care
Enhance store ambience, organization, and overall vibe
Expand experiential services and high-touch consultations
▶ Bring in more premium, clean, and trendy beauty brands

The message from shoppers is consistent and loud:
“We love Beauty Supply stores—but we are ready for the next level.”

Beauty Supply is evolving. The retailers who evolve with it will lead the market in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you!

Roundtable is an innovative in-house consumer research platform developed by Ivy Beauty, connecting brands and consumers to co-create better products. By leveraging real-time insights, it empowers Ivy Beauty to make data-driven decisions that align with consumer needs.
※ The survey, conducted from November 20th to November 26th, included 80 participants, primarily in their 20s to 40s(60.52%) and 100% female. The group was diverse, with 40.79% Caucasian, 31.58% Black, 14.47% Hispanic respondents, 95% of whom shop at beauty supply stores regularly.

BUSINESS By Ivy Beauty

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