ONE OF the oldest hairdressing businesses in Hampshire has celebrated its 75th anniversary this week.
The Barber Shop in New Road, Hythe, celebrated the landmark occasion on Thursday.
The popular shop has been serving customers since 1947 following the aftermath of the Second World War.
Staff decided to celebrate the anniversary in 1940s style by recreating the shop’s original appearance, giving away ‘era-style’ food and drink, and displaying a vintage car and motorbike.
Sharing a special day
Owner Malcolm Hill, who has been in the hairdressing business for 60 years, said: “My business partner Alison and I have had the business for 31 years.
“I first came to Hythe in 1967, left, then came back 38 years ago.
“There’s not many businesses or places we know that have stayed in one place.
“Shops have changed so much and businesses have come and go, so we are fortunate.
"We can’t complain, we have done well.
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“It is great and nice to have the opportunity to do this and share this special day with some of our customers.”
The Barber Shop was owned by a Mr Bolwell from 1947 to 1956, John Mason from 1956 to 1963, Gerry De Carluccio from 1963 to 1977 and Ron Effemy from 1977 to 1991.
The shop is next door to fellow hairdressing business, Beyond the Fringe, which has also been trading for a number of years.
'Such an achievement'
Joint owner of The Barber Shop, Alison (Alice) Campbell, 58, said: “This is such an achievement for a small business that is thriving as it was in 1947.
“We’re an old-style barbershop with an old sense of humour.
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“It’s great to be celebrating 75 years as most businesses have changed. And, it’s nice this is still a barbershop after all this time.”
The shop has a strong emphasis on community, according to Alison.
She said: “I have a 100-year-old client who came in just last week.
“There is a sense of community as we get to know our clients personally. I like to think we give something back to the community.”
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