Despite other reports from other local media, no company representative or local manager would confirm the closing or continued operation of The SmartStyle Salon, located in the Walmart store in Austin.

“I cannot speak to anyone,” the manager emphasized on Tuesday.

Regis Corporation of Minneapolis, which operates the salons, announced Monday it would close almost 600 underperforming stores.  Questions were raised about whether the local store was included on the list.

When contacted by the Herald, Regis officials issued a statement that said the company would not provide specific information about any salon or employee.

“After a thoughtful diagnostic process and consistent with our multi-year strategic plan, Regis has made the decision to close 597 nonperforming SmartStyle company-owned salons on Jan. 31 in order to better position the company for sustainable, long-term growth.

“To support those employees impacted, Regis will be offering job placement opportunities to many of our employees at our other Regis Corp. family of salon brands.

“This impacts a modest number of our Regis associates and salons, and we believe this decision will position Regis and our SmartStyle brand for long-term success. We will not be sharing specific employee or salon details.”