St. Thomas Auxiliary Services is in negotiation with two different salons that could potentially fill the vacancy in the Anderson Student Center left by Estetica Salon and Spa.

Estetica closed its doors in December, three semesters after it opened, due to a lack of business. Jerry Anderley, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services, said the combination of Estetica’s high prices and low traffic rates lead to the closure.

“As they got less and less traffic, employees basically refused to come to work because they couldn’t make a living,” Anderley said. “Estetica had an out in the contract, so they used that and left in January.”

Senior Lauren Truong said she was shocked when she heard it closed.

“I loved Estetica. It was so convenient, and everyone was so nice,” Truong said. “It was decently priced compared to Aveda salons. I was going to make an appointment soon.”

Anderley said the two potential replacements have lower price points.

“One of the salons has three Twin Cities locations including one at 3M and one at IBM, so they’re used to a lower price,” Anderley said. “The other is a single salon owner with a location in Minneapolis. Both salons are Aveda certified.”

Another key to the new salon’s success, Anderley said, is the expansion of business hours. He said he hopes to have the new salon open year-round.

“Estetica was only open September to early December and then it reopened in February and closed in May,” Anderley said. “The new salon will be open every day except for days that the university is closed.”

While the salon had a predominantly female base, some male students are interested in the prospects of a new, less-expensive salon.

“It’s a really convenient location, so depending on the price, I’d check it out,” sophomore Danny Kovack said.

According to Anderley, Auxiliary Services is asking the new salon to do more advertising and promotions such as a half-priced haircut during the first week of school.

Anderley said they hope to have the new salon open by the end of February.

“We had other ideas for what to do with the space such as a bank, a flower shop, a dress shop, an athletic store or a technology store, but we’re still committed to having a salon on campus,” Anderley said.

Michelle Doeden can be reached at doed1842@stthomas.edu.