C.O. Bigelow to Close Six Stores

Posted May 18th 2009 at 11:50AM by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)

Filed under: Fashion, Beauty, Makeup, Designers & Brands

Photo courtesy of bigelowchemists.com

Say it ain't so! C.O. Bigelow, our very favorite apothecary shoppe, is set to close six of its 11 stores by the end of July (shutdowns started last month), according to WWD. (Begin death grip on Mentha Lip Tint now.)

The brand has been heading in this direction for some time, beginning with the elimination of key executive positions a couple months ago. Remaining open are two stores in Chicago, one in New Jersey, one in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the Avenue of the Americas landmark location in Manhattan's Greenwich Village (phew!).

For the time being, at least, we're hoping we'll still be able to stock up on Bigelow brand basics at Bath & Body Works, especially there ever come a day we can't get them from the source!

20 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys

Save money and still be as adorable as ever, thanks to this honest feedback from your fellow shoppers. Read their beauty product reviews to find budget-friendly buys from Neutrogena, Olay, L'Oreal and more! (Note: Ratings at time of publication.)

Total Beauty

20. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.09

Avg. rating: 9
Why it's great: "I used to only use eye makeup remover but realized that my cleanser, Cetaphil, is just too gentle to remove all of my foundation, blush, etc. I bought these wipes to do a 'once over' before cleansing and I will never be without them again! I was pleasantly surprised at how well they removed stubborn eye makeup -- even my waterproof mascara!" -- Tangerine3, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

19. Olay Regenerist Thermal Contour and Lift, $29.99

Avg. rating: 9*
Why it's great: "Short of an expensive spa treatment, this product cannot be beat. It's easy to use (you can apply this treatment in the shower or bath, or over the sink); it is not time consuming; and the results are phenomenal! ... It left my skin instantly firmer, more supple [and] wonderfully hydrated, and [took] care of some tiny wrinkles that, at 36, I might have had to squint to see." -- lsmith, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

18. Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara, $5.99

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I've spent top dollar on mascaras -- but I keep coming back to this. It doesn't clump, it goes on smooth, it builds and lengthens, and it stays all day without irritating my eyes or flaking off. Perfect! Several color choices -- perfect price!" -- BlackberryAddict, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

17. Conair ION Shine Ceramic Turbo 1875 Watts Dryer, $32.99

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I have used a zillion different hair dryers and this one is the best. It leaves my rather coarse, very curly, unruly hair shiny and smooth. And it costs considerably less than what I have paid for other dryers!" -- CSMark, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

16. Revlon ColorStay Makeup with Softplex, $11.69

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I try many foundations looking for one with a good price that looks natural and has staying power. This is the best yet. I used the one for oily/normal skin. Very good foundation and stays looking good for an entire day." -- mgbaloo, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

15. Wet n Wild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette, $4.99

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I like the combos in these little sets. They are super cheap and much better quality than they look. I would like a 'brights' palette from them because all the choices they have now are very natural. If you're looking for a good neutral everyday office/school look, you'll have some good options here." -- corizotti, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

14. Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo, $2.99

Avg. rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: "I ONLY use this shampoo on my hair. I have tried numerous other products, just to find that I paid a lot of money unnecessarily. I lighten my hair but with shampoo, my hair isn't as dry and straw-like. And the price is very affordable." -- MarieMatthews, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

13. Herbal Essences Color-Me-Happy Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair, $7.49

Avg. rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: "It's not heavy like a lot of thick conditioners are. It rinses clean and doesn't make my hair feel heavy or greasy. And the smell is amazing. Very subtle but very delicious. My hair shines and has way less frizzies. I'd use this product even if my hair wasn't colored." -- Chicka, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

12. Jane Lipkick Rich Color, $4.49

Avg. rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: "I have tried expensive lipsticks that could not come close to Jane lipstick it has staying power and great colors. The bonus is for the price of one of the more costly brands I can get 4-5 Jane lipsticks." -- mistressfaerie, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

Total Beauty

Tags: apothecary, bath-and-body-works, closing, co-bigelow, store

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Lassie 5-25-2009 @ 10:12AM

CO Bigelow is closing??? This is news? I NEVER HEARD OF THEM

Pennyfran 5-25-2009 @ 10:17AM

I thought they were only available at BBW. I had no idea they had their own stores. They are overpriced any way.

Terry 5-25-2009 @ 11:01AM

Would have been great to read the best products but cannot read lettering to light against black screen

Sultry 5-25-2009 @ 11:07AM

I never heard of this store, but it's clear the writer of this story has, and loves them. Well for her benefit and others who know and love the brand, maybe they will keep a website available for shopping

Jane 5-25-2009 @ 11:37AM

What a shame. Terrific stuff. Especially the rose water facial astringent.

donna 5-26-2009 @ 11:28AM

i like the mint lip gloss bummer

nicole 5-26-2009 @ 1:24PM

The mint body wash and shampoo work wonders for people who suffer with migraines. The body wash leaves your skin feeling cool and tingly. I used to use BLISS Shock Therapy and this is a close second. C O bigelow has a great line of products.