Do You Know Miss A, Selling All Beauty Items for Just $1? Interview with Shop Miss A Owner, Jean Baik

$1, Yet Unstoppable: The Secret to Avoiding the “Cheap Image” Trap

Despite inflation and rising logistics costs, Shop Miss A has implemented various strategies to maintain its $1 pricing policy.

✔️ Reducing Packaging Costs – Minimizing expenses through simple packaging and direct sourcing.
✔️ Direct Negotiation with Manufacturers – Mass-producing private label products and maintaining close supplier relationship to reduce costs.
✔️ Minimizing Marketing Expenses – Actively utilizing social media and influencer marketing instead of Google ads or traditional advertising.
✔️ Lower-than-Average Profit Margins – Adopting a high-volume, low-margin strategy to set prices below industry standards.

In the beginning, some consumers were skeptical of Shop Miss A, mistaking it for a fraudulent site. However, its great value was proven through active marketing on social media, and the $1 pricing policy became a key part of the brand identity. Additionally, all products are made with 100% FDA-approved ingredients, and the brand is PETA-certified cruelty-free, offering a wide range of vegan skincare and makeup products. Through its Feel Good program, Shop Miss A donates a portion of the profits from select collections to various global charities, effectively showcasing the brand’s commitment to social values.

Offline Store Expansion and Trend-Reflecting Strategy

Shop Miss A boasts an impressive 90% conversion rate and currently operates around 40 stores, primarily in Texas, with additional locations in Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia. The company is actively planning further expansion into new regions. By offering trend-driven products at an affordable price without compromising quality, Shop Miss A creates an engaging, experience-focused retail space that feels like a playground for young shoppers. Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive: “I wish we had a Shop Miss A store in our neighborhood!” “I spent $40 and got this many products?” “If a store opens nearby, I’d love to go with my friends or family!”

©BNB Magazine, DSC04638—The newly opened Shop Miss A in Buford, Georgia.

Trendy Beauty Paradise, Shop Miss A – A Visit to the Mall of Georgia Location

The store is neatly divided into sections, with a layout designed for a smooth and pleasant shopping experience. Store manager Kara Bacigalupo stated that customers of all ages visit the store. The product selection features general beauty items, not targeting any specific race or ethnicity. The 4,000-square-foot store emphasizes its brand identity with beauty products at the entrance, while lifestyle goods and accessories are placed inside to enhance the shopping experience.

©BNB Magazine, DSC04630—As you enter the store, the Just Arrived section prominently displays new makeup products.

If You’re Serious About Beauty, This Is a Must-Visit!

Shop Miss A offers a wide range of products, including makeup, base, eye makeup, tools, lashes, nails, and bath bombs. While it’s hard to compare directly with high-end brands, the quality is satisfying for those looking for affordable options. Most products are from their own brand, with some third-party brands available as well.

©BNB Magazine, DSC04670—$1 brushes displayed at the front of the store.

Beauty Only? NO! Lifestyle Items All in One Place

The store also offers a variety of lifestyle products such as bags, socks, keychains, stationery, toys, and birthday party supplies. It’s a great choice for shoppers looking for trendy items at an affordable price. For example, phone accessories that typically cost around $8 in stores are available here for about $2.

No Tester? But It’s Exactly What You Didn’t Know You Needed!

There are no testers available in the store, which helps maintain its cleanliness. Since the prices are affordable, customers generally don’t mind this. Some products are displayed in a way that allows customers to check colors and effects.

©BNB Magazine, DSC04683—The nail tools section highlights items priced at $1

No Hair Products, but a Small Selection of Hair Care and Styling Items

There were various hair care tools and accessories, but no hair products like shampoo or styling gel. It was interesting to see hair care brands typically found in beauty supply stores, offered in small packaging with competitive prices.

©BNB Magazine, DSC04646—Selling small-sized hair care products.

Refunds Are Tough, But Exchanges Are Possible

Due to the store’s affordable pricing policy, the refund policy differs from regular stores. Refunds are not allowed, but with a receipt, exchanges can be made within 14 days for items of the same or higher price.

BNB Reporters’ Store Shopping Experience Reviews

Reporter A: AOA Pencil Gel Eyeliner Black

I often use eyeliner, and while there are some drawbacks compared to the products I’ve used before, the smooth application and bold color are impressive. The price of $1.00 makes it a great value that outweighs any downsides. Next time, I’d like to try other eyeliner types for comparison.

Reporter B: AOA Quick Dry Hair Brush

I was curious about the hairbrush that claims to dry quickly and bought it because of the price, just $1.88. The design is sleek, and the grip feels great, so I’ve been using it more often than expected. For this price and quality, I’m thinking of buying a few more to keep around the house.

Reporter C: AOA Buffing Brush

The brush is durable, doesn’t shed, and comes in a plastic case, making it easy to carry. It’s a large body brush, similar to ones on Amazon priced around $8, but I got it here for $1.88. I’m planning to recommend it to my friends as well.

One-line review: The dramatically low prices drive purchases, but the strategically designed products that accurately understand consumer psychology boost satisfaction and lead to repeat buys.

Exclusive Interview with Shop Miss A Owner, Jean Baik

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I was born in the U.S. and raised by Korean immigrant parents in Northern California. I visited Korea every summer as a child and have always had a deep love for the country. I’ve long believed that Korea is ahead in fashion and beauty trends, and I’ve wanted to bring these trends to the U.S. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York in 2007, I worked in the fashion industry, gaining experience that naturally led me to the beauty industry.

What inspired you to start your beauty business?

I’ve always loved cosmetics and would buy and try almost every new product that came out. Over time, this inspired me to create a retail store where people could explore a wide variety of cosmetics without feeling burdened. And that’s how Miss A was born.

What is the meaning behind the brand name ‘Miss A’, and how did it come about?

My Korean name is “Jina,” but my parents actually added just the letter “A” as my middle name. When choosing a brand name, I was deciding between “Miss J” and “Miss A,” but I chose “Miss A” because it sounded better and felt more sophisticated.

You started online and then expanded to a physical store. Were there any specific aspects of the interior or store layout that you paid special attention to? I’m curious if there were any limitations?

Since we started online, we have a large number of young customers. Therefore, when opening a physical store, it was important to create an interior that would appeal to them.

What is the most important factor you consider when selecting a store location?

The most important factor in selecting a store location is conducting a demographic study within a 5-mile radius. I believe it is crucial to understanding the local market’s customers.

How do you conduct local market research?

Local market research is mainly based on data provided by department stores, along with site visits conducted by our team members.

In addition to your own brand, where do you source products like keychains and other accessories?

These products are sourced through partnerships with various importers.

What is the process for a brand or company to enter into a partnership or collaboration with Miss A?

Please contact our purchasing department. The email address is purchasing@baikbrands.com.

I’m wondering if AOA products can be supplied to beauty supply stores. If possible, what is the procedure?

Currently, we supply AOA products wholesale only to Dollar General, Pop Shelf, and Walmart. If you’d like to purchase AOA products wholesale for a beauty supply store, please email purchasing@baikbrands.com, and we will review the situation and provide guidance.

How do you manage inventory?

We currently manage inventory with the help of various inventory management software. There are many excellent products available nowadays, and we use them to manage our stock efficiently

Korea’s ‘Daiso’ originally operated as a dollar store but has recently expanded into the beauty sector, collaborating with various beauty brands. Have you considered such a collaboration model?

Yes, I think it’s a great example of collaboration, and we are currently implementing this model.

Were there any brands or companies you referenced or benchmarked when starting your business?

We didn’t specifically refer to or benchmark any brands or companies. Our goal was simply to create a fun and attractive space that women customers would enjoy.

What is the most important philosophy or motto you focus on while running your business?

The philosophy we value most is, “Let’s become a brand that can inspire and touch every customer who visits.” Providing a special experience for our customers is our top priority.

What are your future business plans and goals?

Our team is working hard to achieve the goal of opening 100 stores by the end of this year. Our ultimate goal is to open 1,000 stores within the next five years.

Do you have any personal goals or plans you would like to share?

We are Christians, and the ultimate purpose of our business is to support missionary work. Our greatest life goal is to spread the gospel to unreached areas.

©Miss A, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, with Miss A receiving the award in 2024. In the center, CEO Jean Baik is wearing a white dress.