JCPenney closure sparks new beginning for local hair stylists

POCATELLO — As the Pine Ridge Mall prepares for demolition this June and anchor stores like JCPenney close their doors, many local businesses have been forced to relocate or shut down for good. Among them was the JCPenney Salon, which closed on May 9 ahead of the JCPenney store’s final day on May 25.

But out of the upheaval comes a story of resilience, friendship, and new beginnings.

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The seven stylists who worked together at the JCPenney Salon were more than just coworkers — they were family. So, when they learned in January that the store would be closing, the news hit hard. Not only were they losing their jobs, but they also dreaded being separated from one another and their loyal clientele.

“We were devastated,” said Britani Purdum, a former JCPenney stylist and businesswoman who had previously owned a salon. “I asked the girls, ‘If I open a salon, would you come with me?’ and the response was unanimous. We wanted to stay together and continue serving our clients.”

Now, just weeks after the salon’s closure, that vision has become reality. The team of stylists — Amanda Whitworth, Brenda Welker, Amy Beal, Stephanie Jazbec, Kimberly Moyer and Mindy Gilbert — has joined Purdum at a brand-new salon called Purdy in Pink, formerly Great Clips, at 1000 Pocatello Creek Road near Ridley’s Grocery Store.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, the women are bringing their trusted services and signature warmth to the new location, launching this week with a grand opening.

Purdy in Pink offers the full range of services customers came to expect from the JCPenney Salon, including haircuts, colors, perms, eyebrow tinting, and facial waxing. The team plans to keep prices the same as they were at their former location, with the added bonus of more flexibility for discounts and special promotions.

As the walls of Pine Ridge Mall come down this summer, the stylists of Purdy in Pink are proving that they can still thrive and come out even stronger through times of change.

They are grateful for the new opportunity and for their loyal clientele who followed them and look forward to meeting new clients.

“Our goal is to give our clients a broad range of services in a flexible, happy and healthy environment,” said Purdum. “When one door closes, you get a window with a view.”

The salon is open seven days a week, with walk-ins accepted daily from noon to 5 p.m. (excluding Sundays). Appointments can be made online here or by calling or texting (208) 766-6119.

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