Open for Business: Parallax Polish

Parallax Polish
Missouri State University psychology professor Erin Buchanan on Aug. 20 started a nail polish line sold online under the name Parallax Polish. Buchanan’s first six polishes, called the Women in Science Collection, are named after those who have significantly contributed to science and research. For instance, the Marie Curie orange glows in the dark, after the Nobel Prize winner’s work on radioactivity, and the Caroline Herschel is black with glitter, after the astronomer’s discovery of several comets. “It’s about tying it to something else I really love, which is the research and promoting science education,” said Buchanan, who has spent six months and $1,000 developing the polish. She said the products weren’t tested on animals and are “five-free,” meaning they are made without toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor and dibutyl phthalate. The set sells for $15 for small bottles and $42 for full-size. Buchanan said three additional lines are in development for release before Christmas. Phone (409) 291-1095. Web: ParallaxPolish.StoreEnvy.com

U.S. Cellular
Chicago-based wireless carrier U.S. Cellular opened its second corporate-owned store in Springfield Oct. 13 at Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. Dubbed as a Gen 5 store, its 1,250-square-foot showroom features three phone bars for customer interaction with devices and accessories. Led by Sales Manager Tiffany Morisset, the eight employees sell Apple, Android, Windows and BlackBerry devices. Across from Ruby Tuesday in the mall, the store also offers a waiting lounge and service center with an on-site technician and workstations. Hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Monday through Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 885-3826. Web: USCellular.com

The Dress Downtown
After two years on Boonville Avenue, Raven Cotton relocated The Dress Downtown on Oct. 16 to 318 Park Central East, Ste. 104, in The U, directly across from Gillioz Theatre. The bridal boutique is the first commercial tenant in the recently redeveloped McDaniel building. In occupying the 1,800-square-foot space on the ground floor, Cotton said she signed a $1,500 lease for four years with The Vecino Group LLC and added 700 square feet in the move. “We’re able to add about 100 more dresses to our inventory,” she said. With one employee, The Dress Downtown carries 130 to 140 wedding dresses sold on consignment. Cotton said the inventory often includes preowned dresses that weren’t worn or still have tags on them. The store charges a 40 percent commission for listing and selling the dresses, which typically range from $200 to $1,500 apiece. Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 818-7700. Web: TheDressDowntown.com

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