Former Cathedral City Car Dealership Receives Make-Over
After sitting vacant for a good two years, the 12,000 square-foot former Kia dealership in Cathedral City has been taken over by the PeroXide hair salon.
It doesn’t sound like a good fit, but don’t tell that to co-owner Cary Mann.
Despite the tough economy and the desert’s traditionally slow summer months, the salon opened 2 weeks ago.
“I almost felt like it was an opportunity because as you said earlier everyone boards up and goes away for the summer, but I know that I certainly don’t and I know a lot of people that don’t leave either and so I sort of felt that this was a great opportunity for us to open at a time when everyone else was sort of boarding up,” said Mann.
What was once a car showroom, the salon is home to as many as 20 stylists. What used to be the parts department is now the shampoo and chemical room. And then there’s the color pink that’s everywhere. Stylist Veronica Agustin says It’s all about helping create a hip environment.
“I am from LA where salons are pretty upbeat. Being here in the desert I haven’t quiet felt that yet until I met these guys, I love the vibe here,” said Agustin.
On most days the salon stays open til 9 pm to accommodate people who work during the day. And if you book an evening appointment, Mann hopes you consider it a sort of night out on the town.
“We’re having a stage that will be built in the salon and while you’re getting your hair cut we’ll be having little short cabaret shows that go on as entertainment; trying to do something a little bit different while you’re getting your hair done,” said Mann.
Since a car dealership used to occupy the property, there are seven service bays available for other businesses. In the grand scheme of things, Mann wants to see the car lot become a marketplace. He already has one tenant moving in.
“One of the first bays that’s opening up is a dog grooming business,” said Mann. “So you can simultaneously bring your dog to the salon, well not here, you can bring your dog to the property and get your dog groomed at the same time you get your hair cut.”
And speaking of hair cuts, after her first visit to PeroXide for a color and cut, Diane Salazar of San Diego indicated she plans to be a regular customer.
“Of course the hair is very modern and I had a lot of faith when you just walk in here that just from the look of it that they know what they’re doing and can give you ideas and you walk out looking your best,” said Salazar.
