Salon opens new location in Vista

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A hair salon known for both luxurious hair care and a welcoming atmosphere has come to Columbia’s Congaree Vista District.

Metropolis Salon opened for business at 1215-A Wayne St. Tuesday morning, marking the event with a grand opening ceremony attended by city and community leaders as well as a large group of the owner’s family and friends. Clients started showing up for appointments shortly afterward.

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann attended and said such ceremonies were becoming a common occurrence, with Metropolis marking 41 business openings in Columbia this year.

Metropolis was formerly located in rented space on Main Street, then at a temporary location on Park Street. The salon now occupies space that formerly housed the Backpacker outdoor store, which closed in 2019. Two suites next to the salon will eventually be rented by other tenants, according to salon owner Gregory Garrett.

Garrett said the move offers a chance to add a new dimension to what visitors to the Vista can experience.

“We’re so excited to be part of Columbia’s growth and to be able to rehab this block,” Garrett said. “We are going to be growing our team of stylists and working to offer our clients a comfortable, luxurious experience that sets our salon apart from others. We want to give them an elevated experience that’s more than just about good hair. We want you to come to Metropolis also for how you are treated.”

The salon’s interior is minimalist and elegant. Garrett said the larger space now allows for space for 16 client chairs. Metropolis currently employs 14 stylists with the eventual goal of having up to 25, he said. The salon offers hair care and styling for men and women of all ages.

The new location comes with several features designed to make the environment better for both staff and clients, including an air filtration system that will not only improve air quality but help keep out allergens and viruses such as COVID-19, Garrett said. The salon also has a reverse osmosis water filtration system.

While getting their hair done, clients can also enjoy a snack and drinks sourced from local companies, Garrett said.

The salon’s hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.