By Myles Ma
There are very few businesses that have managed to take advantage of the recession, but Chris Jones and Marc Storaci, owners of The Barber Shop at a strip mall at 1959 Route 33 in Hamilton, believe they have.
Jones and Storaci owned separate barber shops on Route 33 – Jones owned Christian’s 1890s on Route 33, and Storaci owned the current location, but the two decided earlier this year to merge their businesses.
“We decided that, in this economy, merging would be good for several reasons,” Jones said.
Jones and Storaci decided to create their own stimulus, forming one business with more services and better prices. Jones says the merger has meant all 15 barbers at The Barber Shop “make a pretty good living.”
In addition, the renovated location required the two to hire local contractors, putting more people to work.
Now, Jones, who is also chairman of the state’s cosmetology board, says the barber shop, with 15 chairs, is the biggest in the state.
The two have combined their experience, services and barbers under the roof of Storaci’s old business, also called The Barber Shop, a 2,000 -square-foot space. The building has been renovated over a four-month period and is filled with Jones’ collection of barbershop memorabilia dating from the late 1800s and Storaci’s display of old tonic bottles.
Kids younger than 7 can try to guess the number of bottles for a half-price haircut. The antique setting also features modern amenities like four flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.
“We did a complete top-to-bottom, floor-to-ceiling remodel,” Jones said.
Aside from its 15 barbers, the merger has allowed The Barber Shop to stay open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and until 3 p.m. weekends. All 15 barbers take walk-in customers, but customers can also make appointments. The Barber Shop also offers old-school services like straight-razor shaving and steam-towel refreshers.
Storaci was quick to point out the ample parking at the site, allowing for easy access for seniors, he said.
After only two months of being open, Jones said the business has already attracted new customers.
“We are getting people who had never been here before and never came to my previous place before,” he said.
Jones and Storaci believe the transition has been smooth and successful.
“We’ve completely blended two separate and successful businesses,”
Storaci said.
The merger was not only a means for Jones and Storaci to survive the recession. They’d like to position themselves to be able to expand once the recession finishes.
We’re probably looking at this as a model for a potential franchise,” Storaci said.
