General Manager Kat Ramaut, left, and Assistant Manager Sheyanne Ball stand in the new Ann Arbor location of Buff City Soap, 3143 Ann Arbor-Saline Road.Provided by Virginia Kamenitzer

ANN ARBOR, MI -- A store focused on plant-based, handmade soaps is set to open in Ann Arbor by the end of August.

Buff City Soap, 3143 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, will open on Thursday, Aug. 25, with a four-day grand opening event featuring a variety of giveaways and deals.

Buff City Soap handmakes soaps, body butters, bath bombs, shaving bars and shower oils directly in the store’s makery. The store also sells laundry soap made of coconut soap, baking soda and citric acid. Customers can bring their laundry soap container back to refill for $1 off.

“Literally everything that goes on the shelves will get made in our makery,” said Virginia Kamenitzer, director of marketing for Buff City Soap’s northern group.

In addition to making the store’s products, employees help customers scent individual products or create their own scents at time of purchase. Buff City Soap is also available for individual reservations or parties.

Buff City Soap, founded in 2013, aims to create plant-based products as an alternative to commercial soap products. The company’s soaps and other products are free of animal fats, parabens, phthalates and dyes.

The chain was attracted to Ann Arbor because of its community, Kamenitzer said.

“It’s an amazing city. It’s artistic; it understands handmade; it appreciates DIY,” Kamenitzer said. “It’s colorful, like we are. It just seems like the perfect place for people who want to get involved with the products they put on their bodies.”

Buff City Soap will be hosting its grand opening from Thursday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 28. The first 50 people in line each day will get free soap for a year. Giveaways will also be hosted daily each hour, with prizes including a free bath bomb party, $100 gift box and a laundry bundle.

Buff City Soap, 3143 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Find the store online or on social media.

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