With the Barbershop Industry Booming, How Can You Stay a Cut Above?

Data from a study by market research brand IbisWorld revealed that the market size of the barbershop industry is increasing faster than the consumer goods and services sector overall. Barbering, already evolving rapidly before the pandemic, is a hotbed of growth.

Tony Cole of DJs Barbershop, took over the Lincolnshire family-run business in 2018. Since then, the business has increased its revenue by 30%, and the business has been able to streamline and maximise its revenue by joining the world’s largest beauty and hair bookings platform, Treatwell.

Tony has sat down with PBL Magazine to share his tips on how to stay a cut above the rest in a crowded market.

What’s your best piece of advice for barbershop owners who want to make sure they standout from the crowd and earn customer loyalty? 

You can’t put a price on first-class customer service. From a good quality haircut, to a friendly, warm welcome and light-hearted banter - this is how you’ll keep customers coming back. We greet all our customers by their first name and thank them on their way out. Children also get a free lolly on each visit so that always helps too! Our mission is for every customer to leave with a smile.

What does DJ Barbershop do to engage with new and existing customers?

We use social media platforms to promote our services and keep our name in the public domain. On Facebook, we create content that advises customers on the multiple ways of booking, any special offers we are running, and our barbers' hours.  

During key sales periods where competition and demand is higher, we run added promotions in-store to help retain our customers’ attention. For example, at Christmas and Easter, we have a free raffle giving away easter eggs and gift hampers. 

Do booking systems support your client retention and growth?

As we are a small shop with no receptionist, the booking system has given our barbers more time to focus on their customers without being interrupted by a ringing phone. Using Treatwell has led to stronger client relationships, reinforcing customer loyalty and in turn, retention and revenue. 

Our customers also love the ability to book online and to be in control of their booking. For those that still want to phone the shop, or even just walk-in, that’s still available and we are then able to make the booking for them.