A Store Where Soap is Fun, Plant-Based has Arrived in Cedar Falls
Original Article: The Courier - October 19, 2021
Chris Meyers, an Iowa State University civil engineering graduate and entrepreneur, is expanding his business portfolio with Buff City Soap franchises across Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Already a successful owner of multiple Sun Tan City locations in Des Moines, Meyers recently launched the Cedar Falls Buff City Soap store at 316 Viking Plaza Drive with a soft “VIP” opening, and will host a grand opening from Nov. 5-7. The Cedar Falls location is the fifth in Iowa, with seven total locations planned by year-end, joining stores in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City and Dubuque.
Inside Meyers’ Buff City Soap stores, both kids and adults are invited to explore the world of hand-made, plant-based soaps and body products. Located in a festive shopping plaza anchored by Target and Michaels, Buff City Soap offers customers high-quality alternatives to commercial products filled with harsh chemicals, detergents, animal fats and sulfates.
“We pour soap almost every morning, about five days a week,” said Meyers. “And we hand-make dozens of products that people go crazy over, like bath bombs, body butters, lotion bars, foaming hand soap and more. Everything in this store is made right here.”
At Buff City Soap, customers can indulge in a variety of scents like Black Raspberry Vanilla, with its blend of berries and gelato, or Ferocious Beast, offering the aroma of Cedarwood and campfire beers. Island Nectar, with its Passionfruit and Ocean Breeze notes, transports customers to a tropical escape. If a desired scent isn’t available, customers can customize their own on the spot.
“I feel like people care so much about ingredients these days,” said Chris Meyers. “Buff City is growing because the ingredients are top-notch, and the store experience is full of entertainment, creativity and customizing soap.”
At Buff City Soap, creativity bubbles over with “bath bomb parties” for up to 12 people, where guests can get their hands sudsy by scenting and designing their own bath bombs with expert help. Plus, kids can dive in anytime to paint and scent bath bombs for free!
Chris Meyers’ favorite product, the shower oils, keeps skin silky smooth and hydrated, especially during the winter months. “You put it on in the shower, rinse it off and your skin is moisturized without needing lotion,” said Meyers.
With more than 135 stores across 23 states and soaping up to nearly 200 by Christmas, Buff City Soap is expanding rapidly. They’re also hiring 20 to 30 employees per store, including students from local universities.
“We’re always whipping up new products, scents, and recipes,” Meyers added. “This company is just getting started and we’re excited for what’s to come!”
