'It's been an uphill battle': Batchmade Beauty is closing in downtown Port Huron

Batchmade Beauty will be closing after nearly three years of business.

The cosmetic store in downtown Port Huron will be officially closing Saturday. Owner Sindy Marion said the situation is bittersweet. She said that although people who come in tend to buy something, the business did not get enough shoppers to stay open.

“It's been an uphill battle to get consistent foot traffic,” Marion said.

Batchmade Beauty is located at 217 Huron Ave. It first opened in June 2020.

Marion said she wants to be intentional with what she pays attention to. In addition to Batchmade Beauty, Marion co-owns and manages MiGardener, located at 1426 Oakland St. in St. Clair and Bella Bolla, located at 309 Huron Ave. in Port Huron.

“We just couldn’t justify financially staying open,” Marion said. “Also, it’s just not a priority at this point of my life right now either.”

Marion said if there is any extra inventory after Saturday, she might extend the closing. Customers should look at Batchmade Beauty’s Facebook page for any updates regarding the store.

Batchmade Beauty carried products from independent cosmetic brands. Marion said customers have expressed disappointed that they can’t buy the products from her anymore.

“A lot of people want to try the products on before committing,” she said. “I’m just glad people were able to discover some new products they enjoyed.”

Marion said she would like to see a new retail business come into the building. She said since there are a lot of service based businesses nearby, a new retailer would broaden customers’ options.

Marion said a big obstacle for new and existing businesses is the rise in inventory prices and rent. Additionally, Marion said one of the biggest expenses are labor costs.

“Not everyone has the luxury to just be an owner,” she said. “Sometimes you have to work it yourself because it saves money.”

Batchmade Beauty was staffed by only Marion and her manager, Michaela Vanditti.

Batchmade Beauty will have a 75% off sale storewide until its last day. Marion said she thought having a huge discount right away would draw people to the business.

"It would be an opportunity for people who want to treat themselves to get some nice things," she said.

Batchmade Beauty is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Batchmade Beauty will be closing in downtown Port Huron