A LONG-serving barbershop has revealed big plans after moving into a National Trust-owned property.
Joint owners of Looking Sharp, Zarin Dodson and Layton Kingston, have taken over a 400-year-old listed building on Friar Street.
Looking Sharp has been a staple in Worcester for around 15 years and was originally based on New Street.
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Ms Dodson said: “We really enjoy working in the building.
“They want to look after you and put the right people in the right places, and liked our business – we promised we would look after the place and keep it in the style of its heritage.
“We did not want to go overly modern. We went minimalistic, simple and effective.”
WELCOME: Looking Sharp owners Zarin Dodson and Layton Kingston are looking for another business to join them. (Image: Newsquest)
Ms Dodson added that customers have so far enjoyed the space following the move.
However, the pair now hope that moving into the National Trust-owned building next to Greyfriars will allow them to expand in ways they would not have been able to otherwise.
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The pair are now looking for barbers to rent chairs and a second business to complement their own, filling other spaces in the building.
Mr Kingston said: “The building has a lot of heritage.
“It is 450 years old, so we want the right business that will match it.
“You do not want to stick something in the building that looks out of character.”
Ideas include a new tattoo studio or a beautician.
With several businesses closing over the years, Ms Dodson said Looking Sharp has remained open for more than 15 years thanks to its resilience.
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She said that no matter how bad the situation is, the pair bounce back and still show up despite flooding, fires, and three lockdowns.
“I have come to work six days after giving birth twice,” Ms Dodson added.
“Customers keep coming back to me and you have to show up – it is nice to know you are wanted.
“People in Worcester prefer going somewhere which is part of their city’s heritage.
“We are a very family-friendly barber shop – I do the granddads’, the dads’ and the children’s hair – you grow with them.”
