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02
Oct 2024
‘Upmarket’ barber shop to open in Harrogate
The “Jet2 of the barbering world” is set to open in Harrogate.
Blak Bear, which first launched in York in 2018, took to social media to announce its third site is headed for the town.
Owner Sam Taylor, who doubles as a train driver, today told the Stray Ferret he will be taking on a unit next to Baltzersen's on Oxford Street.
Mr Taylor, who is not a barber himself, said he was “tired of not knowing” where to get his haircut in York. He partnered with a friend to open a unit in the city, but after the friend dropped out of the venture, Mr Taylor went solo.
He then opened a second shop in Selby in 2021, and now has his sights set on Harrogate. He told the Stray Ferret:
It just felt like the natural next step to open a third shop in a nice town. I wanted to have a trio of shops in a triangle.
The 32-year-old told the Stray Ferret he has set himself a budget of £25,000 to refurbish the vacant unit, adding £5,000 of that has already gone towards six new chairs.
He described the Harrogate branch as “upmarket” and hopes to install new lighting, new cabinets, mirrors, equipment, a beer fridge and a games console.
“It’s Harrogate, it’s got to be a bit posh”, Mr Taylor added.
Blak Bear Harrogate will offer standard barbering services, including cuts and finishes and skin fades. A standard cut and finish will cost around £28, Mr Taylor said.
He told the Stray Ferret:
We’re the Jet2 of the barbering world. Not the Ryanair, just a good Jet2.
Mr Taylor is hoping to take on at least four local barbers, who would be self-employed and could rent a chair at the new site.
He added:
I’m excited about it. I’m hoping it will be a similar market to York.
I’m nervous about it opening in time, though.
Mr Taylor hopes Blak Bear Harrogate will be open early November, dependent on staff.
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