FLORENCE, S.C. — Despite the biting cold weather, approximately 200 eager customers lined up outside the newly opened Hair Depot on South Irby Street in Florence, showcasing their enthusiasm for the grand opening.
Some dedicated patrons arrived as early as 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, enduring the cold until the official 9 a.m. opening. Clad in blankets, hats, scarves, and face masks, they braved the chilly temperatures for the promise of exclusive discounts and deals.
Alontreyah Jones, one of the early birds, expressed her anticipation for the store’s offerings, stating, “Them bundles. Them bundles baby. We need them bundles.”
Natasha Moore and her 14-year-old daughter, Nariyh Love, strategically tried to stay warm while awaiting their turn to take advantage of the opening day deals. Moore humorously commented on their efforts, saying, “It’s been cold. I just been circling the parking lot trying to keep the heat running.”
Nyasia Burgess, who traveled from Summerville for the occasion, highlighted the irresistible allure of the discounts, saying, “I work in Summerville. I got off at 12 something. I got home at 3. My sister told me about it, and we just got here at 5.”
As the excitement grew, police were called to assist with crowd control as the store prepared to open its doors to the eager customers. Reports indicate that only a limited number of shoppers were allowed inside at a time to maintain order.
However, the grand opening encountered a setback shortly after the commencement of business. Florence Fire Marshal Christopher Johnson revealed that Hair Depot did not undergo a final inspection before opening. Despite this, the store was allowed to serve the customers who were already in line for a few hours. Still, Johnson emphasized that the identified issues must be rectified before the store can reopen on Thursday, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
The Hair Depot’s eventful grand opening underscores the fervor and dedication of the local community for quality hair products and exclusive deals, despite the wintry conditions.
