NEW ALBERTSON'S INCLUDES EXPANDED ETHNIC HAIR SECTION

STEPHANIE LOUGHRAN

DALLAS -- The newest Albertson's unit here includes the chain's most extensive ethnic hair care center, part of an overall effort by the retailer to cater to the area's large African-American community.

The two-sided aisle, which occupies 96 linear feet, offers an expanded assortment of ethnic hair color products, synthetic hair and a large assortment of combs, picks, bobby pins and curling irons, according to Jeannette Duwe, spokeswoman, Albertson's. It has about 700 to 800 stockkeeping units from ethnic beauty brands like African Pride, Pro Line and Posner, in addition to extended ethnic selections from traditional mass brands like Revlon and L'Oreal.

"We really focused on the brands that are important to the African-American community," Duwe said. She described it as "the largest grocery store-based ethnic hair care center in the Dallas [area]."

She said the store also features an in-store cosmetologist as a resource for consumers.

Lori White, cosmetics sales manager for Albertson's Dallas division, said Albertson's "tried to make it more of a beauty supply feel."

The store has been well-received by both employees and customers since its Aug. 28 opening, according to White.

"Employees said we've done the right thing and are excited about having a destination shop," she said. "Customers were telling their friends about it -- it's very exciting."

White said the center is five to six times bigger than a typical Albertson's ethnic set.