Elle names Sugar Salon one of nation's top 100

One of the top fashion magazines in the country singled out a Helena business as the best of its kind in Montana.

In its August issue, Elle magazine named Sugar Salon in the Great Northern Town Center one of the top 100 salons in the United States.

The magazine highlighted salons in all 50 states, with the majority of states having just one salon featured.

Owner Laura Peretto said the magazine contacted her on the phone earlier this year with several questions about which stars' hair styles are most popular these days in Montana.

";They called back a few months later and said we would be in the magazine," Peretto said. The news was exciting for the seven stylists at the salon, which opened in 2005 -- and it's been good for business too.

";I think we have been seeing a lot of new clients because of it," said Peretto, 32.

In a voice mail, an Elle spokeswoman said the magazine based its selections on personal experience as well as recommendations from friends and colleagues around the country. Representatives of beauty supply companies also chimed in with their opinions.

Borrowed time: Another rent-to-own chain recently opened its doors here. Atlanta-based Aaron's rents and sells furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. ";Helena was one of the development areas we had purchased a couple years ago and it was next in line as we move forward," said franchise owner David Lyons, who has already opened stores in Kalispell, Great Falls and Butte along with Coeur d'Alene.

Thus the turnover of that Cedar Street building is complete. Aaron's joins Pierce Flooring in space that used to be occupied by Vann's and Everything's $1 on Cedar Street.

E-mail your Open for Business ideas to john.harrington@helenair.com.