As a Bath & Body Works lover, I was skeptical of Buff's awesomeness. Yes, it is a chain. However, they have a full section of locally made and marketed products. The staff explained that they get to make some of their own creations, based off of local interest, history, and their own personal creativity. Love that autonomy for the workers. As a first timer, the friendly/welcoming workers (including the GM, Alexandra), graciously explained all of the products, their favorites, and tips and tricks.
A few favorite tips and musts:
1. They have a list of scents and can customize products for you by melting down the unscented and mixing them like mad scientists. :-)
2. They sell soap holders which are brilliant loofas with a pocket in which you slide your soap bar.
3. Keep the spray oil in your shower to use immediately after your bath or shower to hold in and replenish skin moisture.
4. You can book bath bomb creation parties. Fun!
5. The product that will give you the best idea of a scent's smell is the body scrub, which is the most concentrated.
Aside from the friendliness of the staff, walking into this shop simply makes you happy. Smells great and is so cheerful with the brightly-colored products as far as the eye can see. There are body scrubs, whips, butter, bath bombs, lip balms, marbled bar soaps, oil, lotion sticks, and a men's section that has beard balms and oils. Don't forget the laundry soap, too! Buff City prides itself on handmade products without harsh chemicals. Cheers to that! read more