Hartlepool barber introduces new appointment based business in response to trend after lockdown

Laura Byers has worked under her mam, Carole Palmer, at the Barber Shop, in the town’s York Road, for the last 18 years.

But Carole’s upcoming retirement means a change of approach for what they believe to be the longest running barbers in the town.

While the Barber Shop will continue to run for walk-in customers, Laura is now running an appointment-based service from LauraB@Barbershop upstairs at 212a.

She will also visit customers at home.

Laura, 39, said: “The last 12 months during the coronavirus pandemic have made us rethink the business so I have discussed this with my mam.

“By asking around and on social media I realise there is now a big demand for an appointment to cut out waiting times.

"Lots of people have adjusted to being at home and would like their haircuts there too.

“There is also the other side where people don’t like the mess in their own home, they don’t mind going to the barbers, but they don’t want to wait in the barbers.

"The appointment service solves the problem as I will provide both.”

While hairdressers operate largely on an appointment basis, the traditional barber has tended to rely on walk-ins.

Now Laura, 39, who lives in Seaton Carew, wants to try a different tactic.

The mother-of-three boys added: “In 2003 my mam trained me up. I decided to go into barbering as a single mother of a three-year-old.

"I’ve been there ever since. This new idea means downstairs remains unchanged while upstairs I will offer the appointment-led service.

“I have transformed the look of the place inside on my own and I am really happy with it.

"I have got quite a big customer base already and I am really excited to get going.”

Barbers and hairdressers reopened under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s road map out of lockdown on Monday, April 12, after they were forced to temporarily close at the end of December last year.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.